Remove fuel tank: loosen fuel tank mounting bolt, pull tank back, lift front of tank and wedge a spacer under it to hold it up. Then remove safety wire retaining bolt. P1010149.JPG
Forgot to mention, not that I needed to, that the PAIR system has been removed. So if you don't have the block-off plates, make sure to order a set from Semi-gray before you start.
Mike: Thanks for taking the time to document this How-To.
When the first 4 cylinder CB750 Honda came out in 1969 everyone complained what a PIA the valve adjustment was going to be. In the time it took to read this thread I could have checked and adjusted the valve lash on one of those old 750's.
Mike, not a big deal but you're welcome. Pictures like these would've helped me with the first check, so I'm trying to make it easier for people who are planning on doing their own check. You probably won't need to adjust them, but at least you'll know for sure.
This is the vacuum hose routing; not related, but it'll be usefull in the future. P1010184.JPG
If you have a Circuit 1 pulser cover, you need to remove it. P1010175.JPG
Install stock cover and remove timing hole cover. P1010178.JPG
Like Bucky mentioned, Honda numbered the cylinders backwards (?). Timing chain is usually on the Cyl. 1 side.
EDIT: BTW I didn't release the tension on the timing chain as specified. Not sure what purpose that serves when checking the clearance. I never rotate the crank in the opposite direction. You'll need to release it for camshaft removal though, in case the clearance is not within range.
An excellent time to replace the spark plugs; I'm going with the Iridiums again (NGK CR8EHIX-9). I have over 13k miles on the last set. I usually replace them at 8k miles, but Rob has changed that too. So far Rob has saved me money on spark plugs, rear brake rotor and pads.
Well, won't need to remove the camshafts this time, so it's time to put her back together. But if there was even one out of range, I would've adjusted four more. One of the intake valves of Cyl. 3 and both exhaust valves of Cyl. 4 were on the loose side of the tolerance; and one of the exhaust valves of Cyl. 4 was on the tight side but within tolerance. All four could've been, and would've been if it was a race bike, adjusted closer to spec. by shim replacement.
I'm done with the shims and can return them to Mister Mike or to anyone else who's ready to do the clearance check. There's 10 shims in the WT kit; I'll post the sizes later.
Install valve cover, coils, radiator, and fuel tank in reverse order following the instructions of the shop manual. Remember to get 2 crush washers for the fuel supply line if you took off the tank. And a pulser cover gasket if you have the Circuit 1 cover. Bleeding the cooling system has been covered, just do a search. Post up if you have any specific questions.
FWIW I'm not using a torque wrench for any of the fasteners. I'll probably post up more pics and comments as I continue working on the bike. I still have to change the oil and relocate the front turn signals. Stay tuned.
When the first 4 cylinder CB750 Honda came out in 1969 everyone complained what a PIA the valve adjustment was going to be. In the time it took to read this thread I could have checked and adjusted the valve lash on one of those old 750's.
If you're looking for a fun project, try adjusting the valves on a Honda V4 motor with DOHC. I did a friend's Magna a couple of years ago... Love those little camshafts, all four of them.
I'll wait till Monday before mailing the shims just in case other members need to borrow them. In that case, I'll mail it to them.
BTW Here's a list of the shim sizes; I wrote numbers 1 through 4 on them. There's four #1 = 192.5, three #2 = 197.5, two #3 = 200, and one #4 = 202.5; there's not enough room on shims for four digits so halfs are rounded off (192 is actually 192.5 and 198 is 197.5).
And thanks to everyone for the props; it was my pleasure doing the How-To.
Most Honorable First Born Son and I are now in the reassembly phase and all clearances checked well at approximately 22k.
Hell, that picture alone is worth the whole exercise!
FWIW, the valve cover gasket is supposed to be reusable. My 2003 gasket looked really good. I replaced it anyway, but that may have more to do with me being a freak than any real mechanical necessity.
I also took a suggestion from CMurphy and put a little HondaBond around the half moons on the gasket and extended it out about quarter inch.
Sokali: I work in a technical industry and that is some of the most flawless instructional work I have seen. I keep my laptop out in the garage next to the manual and everything has gone as you have described.
Basspiece and I completed our valve clearance checks today. Mikes (Sokali & Mistermike), thanks again for this awesome writeup and for the use of the shims.
My 2007 and Basspiece's 2002 were both in spec and no shimming required. Neither of us had ever done valve clearance checks before and we did both bikes in about 3- 3 1/2 hours. Having an extra set of hands made it much easier to get done.
A few tools laid out
My bike with tank raised, coolant drained and ready to go. Didn't remove the tank, just both coils, the two sections of coolant hose on the right side, along with the radiator cap.
Blood and guts...
Both bikes done and ready to go for a ride.
Overall a great day, got to meet another fine Wristwister, and very satisfying to be able to work on my own bike. Enjoyed meeting you Luke.
Thanks for the help Mike, it was a great ride (218 is a good road!) and your a fantastic rider! I loved that 3 car pass with the limo! You have done an amazing job with your bike! I especially love that scorpion can. Anytime you want to ride lemme know.
The Valve check was pretty easy and straight forward, we got it done real quick. Thanks so much Sokali and Mistermike for the write-up! We saved a combined $1000 over having them done at the dealerships. SWEET!
Thanks for the help Mike, it was a great ride (218 is a good road!) and your a fantastic rider! I loved that 3 car pass with the limo! You have done an amazing job with your bike! I especially love that scorpion can. Anytime you want to ride lemme know.
The Valve check was pretty easy and straight forward, we got it done real quick. Thanks so much Sokali and Mistermike for the write-up! We saved a combined $1000 over having them done at the dealerships. SWEET!
You're welcome and 218 is a great road until you get behind 3 cars led by a stretch limo. I think they enjoyed your wheelie as you were passing We will have to ride again this summer.
You're welcome and 218 is a great road until you get behind 3 cars led by a stretch limo. I think they enjoyed your wheelie as you were passing We will have to ride again this summer.
Haha Those people payed alot for their Limo! They deserve to be entertained!
I think they enjoyed your wheelie as you were passing
Speaking of wheelies...
The first part of this thread talks about the rev limiter, the second part is one of the funnier on-line arguments I have seen.
Ride Red or Go Home!!!
I'm sure it would make it easier.
Sorry about the bad pic, but here's a trick most of you already know: a piece of hose to get the plugs started.
We will have to ride again this summer. 
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