ok to rotate the engine backwards?

[Hawkins]

I'm adjusting my valves with the adjusting tool. To do the exhaust valves, you need to rotate the engine backwards. I tried doing that, but it doesn't feel right, so I only went a few degrees and stopped. Is it ok to do this? Will it cause any damage - anything inside that likes one direction only?

[Winterhawk]

You can do it to adjust the valve you are working on. Then turn it in the right direction to adjust another valve. I think you can do a couple valves at once I read one time in a manual..

[skids]

Re: ok to rotate the engine backwards?

Never do it if the tensioner has been unlocked, removed, or loosened. If you feel the cam chain actually slip on a sprocket, stop right there and plan on going through a little cam chain hell! I recommend that you loosen or remove the spark plugs so that the backwards movement is only against the force of the valve springs, and rotate slowly.

Originally posted by Hawkins
I'm adjusting my valves with the adjusting tool. To do the exhaust valves, you need to rotate the engine backwards. I tried doing that, but it doesn't feel right, so I only went a few degrees and stopped. Is it ok to do this? Will it cause any damage - anything inside that likes one direction only?

[Hawkins]

Thanks Skids

The plugs are out, the timing chain is new, and the tensioner is in place and tight. I had done the adjustment while the cams were out, but a few were still slack after the cams were put back in, so I'm trying to change them out using the tool and avoid removing the cams again. The intake side worked great with the tool but I'm hesitant on the backwards rotation. That said, the adjustment tool is such that backwards rotation is required, so I suppose it's ok, unless the actual Yamaha tool was designed to depress the buckets without having to use the cam to do it.

I did try to rotate an old engine backwards and it didn't go so well, but the chain was loose so I guess I jumped some teeth and pistons and valves came in contact. No biggie there but I don't want the same to happen with the one I'm using!

Nothing in the transmission that doesn't want to go backwards?

[skids]

Put her in neutral and have the bike on the centerstand when you do all of this adjusting. The transmission and clutch will not be a factor.

Originally posted by Hawkins
Nothing in the transmission that doesn't want to go backwards?