Thinking about buying one of these and decided to watch some maintenance videos. Took me a good 20 seconds to recognize you in the video 😂 Hope the 996 has been treating you well.
Thank you, ducrider13 fab. Some folks want the Ducati experience, but are concerned about the mystique around valves and belts, etc. In fact, I bought the bike without checking first - but no dealer locally would work on the bike given they did not have the "special tools" needed. And the closest dealer is a 3 hour drive for me. So I was left with my dream bike, and needed to learn how to maintain it myself. I have done lots of reading of the service manual as well as asking other owners who work on their Ducatis questions to better ground myself. There is such good help out there, and I wanted to create a comprehensive guide as best I could to help someone like me. Thanks for taking a look at the video!
Thank you, Peter! These Ducati Superbikes are wonderful machines. And hopefully, this helps give owners without a dealer or dedicated Ducati mechanic an opportunity to do the work themselves. It’s not a difficult task to do, just take your time. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video. Obviously, I’m not a pro RUclipsr, but I appreciate people spending their time and getting something useful from it.
Great video, but wow - feels almost like a total teardown is needed to gain enough access to do the work! Thank heaven I have a service centre within riding distance.
Having a service center is definitely handy! And the valve clearance job is a lot of work, but it isn’t overly bad. Next up my Aprilia Falco needs a clearance check, and I will record that. Thanks for watching the video and commenting!
Hi Pilin. I wish I had time to work on other's bikes. It is quite relaxing. That said, simply take your time. The super bikes were designed to come a part with fair ease. It was nerve wrecking the first time I did my own too. After you have buttoned everything back up, and. before you put the spark plugs back in, rotate the rear tire in gear ( 4-6th gear) to see if you feel any binding. You'll IMMEDIATELY know if you have a bind. If you have no binding, and you have rotated the rear wheel backwards for several revolutions, you should be okay. But really, taking your time is the best thing you can do. Take pictures when you do. If you get stuck, then there are some great folks on Ducati.MS who can help. I will help answer questions as best as I am able. My next video will be the valve clearance check/adjustment on my Aprila Falco. It's a bit over due.
It's actual easier than it looks if you have a mechanical aptitude, the last time, and first time I did my 853 I was actual shocked how easy it was to check the valves, and do the collet replacement, the removing of parts to access is what takes all the time up.....
Thanks so much!. But one IMPORTANT THING TO ADD!. when re-seating the closer shims the x2 locking peaces of metal that go on the valve stem, often get stuck in the wrong position, giving you a false, over tighten measurement. You can tell by looking how flat the closing shim is lined up with the end of the valve stem, if the valve stem looks to be sticking out of the closing sim but 1 or 2 mm, chances are the (locking half rings) are stuck. A trick to prevent this, is that once you seat the Closer shim with the locking (half rings), gently push the closer rocket arm down a bit while making sure the closer shim is a bit loose, then suddenly release the closing rocker springing it up in a fairly fast motion, this will correctly lock the closing shim in the stem.
@@drksilot Great tip! Getting the half rings to seat can be a little tricky. I usually look to see if the half rings are grooved from use and ensure they go back in the same orientation, and then I will also “pop” the closer rocker against the shim. I don’t think I called any of that out in the video, so I appreciate your tip!
Very nice video, you nailed the real effort to perform a valve check and adjustment on a 4V. I noticed you are using a Motobatt battery and have purchased or fabricate a bracket since the OEM will not work. Can you share where you got this or the design details.
For the battery bracket, I had a small spacer between the frame and the battery box. It had always been there (installed by the PO), and I left it alone. Once I removed that little spacer, I found the battery *just* fits. I suspect the spacer was placed there due to the non-factory length bolt that was installed.
Very informative, thanks! I did an oil change on my new to me 748 with 22000 miles, and found several flecks in the strainer, which got me very worried I'd bought a lemon. Through watching your video I've realised that all is not lost, it's only time and money, right? BTW does that clock not do your head in? It would me... 😂
Good luck on your 748. Rockers are definitely not an end-of-the-world problem, though they are a bit pricey. Also, depending on who did the prior maintenance, make sure the plates that retain the rocker pins are not getting chewed up. These plates are at the top of the head and must be removed before accessing and pulling the pins. I was getting flakes, but it was those as the pin was rubbing on the plate just ever so slightly. Pins should be tapped back in until flush.
@@TheOriginalCoda Not a problem! You'll see the plates that are held by 5mm bolts. You must remove them in order to get to the pins to pull the pins back so you can remove the cams. They are on the heads, between the cams.
@@motorcyclemicah6309 Right, I thought those were what you meant. I cannot imagine though how those could cause flakes in the oil. I guess once I take mine apart it might become obvious.
Hi are those actual Ducati shims you use; because on Amazon i see some non Ducati shims, that say will work on a Ducati. Then what is the brand you are using. Thanks
Hi Herson. I got my shins from EMS Duc. LT Snyder purchased the EMS company. He’s an awesome resource. Check out his site at: desmotimes.com/product-category/products/shim-kits-half-rings/
I would be careful using just any shim off Amazon. The early Superbikes have different sizes than later bikes (like Panigales). You’ll want the right size for your year model.
@@costar155 Used the valve collets from EMS on the last two Ducati's I did valve check on, both the 2 valve 620 , and 4 valve high compression 853 with no issues, my 853 would go 165-170 mph with a slight tail wind. I want to upgrade to their special collet kit that is suppose to keep the valve train rock stable above 10k rpm
I think your crazy for not replacing the timing belts while you had them off... even if you still have 50% life left in them! But either way GREAT video, THANKS!!
Thinking about buying one of these and decided to watch some maintenance videos. Took me a good 20 seconds to recognize you in the video 😂
Hope the 996 has been treating you well.
It is! Took to the Dragon this year. It runs fantastically.
Ducati dealers aren't going to like this. Excellent job! You've taken me a huge step forward in tackling this job.
Thank you, ducrider13 fab. Some folks want the Ducati experience, but are concerned about the mystique around valves and belts, etc. In fact, I bought the bike without checking first - but no dealer locally would work on the bike given they did not have the "special tools" needed. And the closest dealer is a 3 hour drive for me. So I was left with my dream bike, and needed to learn how to maintain it myself. I have done lots of reading of the service manual as well as asking other owners who work on their Ducatis questions to better ground myself. There is such good help out there, and I wanted to create a comprehensive guide as best I could to help someone like me. Thanks for taking a look at the video!
This is great. Also a Ducati owner in Arkansas. Closest is 6 hours away in St Louis. Thanks for the video.
Awesome! Glad to have another Duc rider here in the Ozarks. Great riding roads here!
Best video ever on how to check rocker arms and adjust valve clearances on a desmoquattro engine!
Thank you! I hope that it helps someone who may not have a dealer nearby that will work on them. That’s what happened to me.
You are legendary for posting this video
Checking rocker arms for the chrome flake of rocker arms at 30:00.....useful thankyou.
Excellent video... I am going to check my 748 this coming winter.
Thank you, Peter! These Ducati Superbikes are wonderful machines. And hopefully, this helps give owners without a dealer or dedicated Ducati mechanic an opportunity to do the work themselves. It’s not a difficult task to do, just take your time. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video. Obviously, I’m not a pro RUclipsr, but I appreciate people spending their time and getting something useful from it.
@@motorcyclemicah6309 yes I love my 748.... its a summer toy .... the look..the noise..the torque..... its an icon.
Great video, but wow - feels almost like a total teardown is needed to gain enough access to do the work! Thank heaven I have a service centre within riding distance.
Having a service center is definitely handy! And the valve clearance job is a lot of work, but it isn’t overly bad. Next up my Aprilia Falco needs a clearance check, and I will record that. Thanks for watching the video and commenting!
keep the good work bro, fantastic!
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Very helpful thank you
Looks like you use water wetter. Love that stuff
Yes I do!
How much if I bring my Duc to you? The video helped a lot but the whole thing is still nerve wrecking. Mine is a 1999 748.
Hi Pilin. I wish I had time to work on other's bikes. It is quite relaxing. That said, simply take your time. The super bikes were designed to come a part with fair ease. It was nerve wrecking the first time I did my own too. After you have buttoned everything back up, and. before you put the spark plugs back in, rotate the rear tire in gear ( 4-6th gear) to see if you feel any binding. You'll IMMEDIATELY know if you have a bind. If you have no binding, and you have rotated the rear wheel backwards for several revolutions, you should be okay. But really, taking your time is the best thing you can do. Take pictures when you do. If you get stuck, then there are some great folks on Ducati.MS who can help. I will help answer questions as best as I am able.
My next video will be the valve clearance check/adjustment on my Aprila Falco. It's a bit over due.
It's actual easier than it looks if you have a mechanical aptitude, the last time, and first time I did my 853 I was actual shocked how easy it was to check the valves, and do the collet replacement, the removing of parts to access is what takes all the time up.....
Thanks so much!. But one IMPORTANT THING TO ADD!. when re-seating the closer shims the x2 locking peaces of metal that go on the valve stem, often get stuck in the wrong position, giving you a false, over tighten measurement. You can tell by looking how flat the closing shim is lined up with the end of the valve stem, if the valve stem looks to be sticking out of the closing sim but 1 or 2 mm, chances are the (locking half rings) are stuck. A trick to prevent this, is that once you seat the Closer shim with the locking (half rings), gently push the closer rocket arm down a bit while making sure the closer shim is a bit loose, then suddenly release the closing rocker springing it up in a fairly fast motion, this will correctly lock the closing shim in the stem.
@@drksilot Great tip! Getting the half rings to seat can be a little tricky. I usually look to see if the half rings are grooved from use and ensure they go back in the same orientation, and then I will also “pop” the closer rocker against the shim. I don’t think I called any of that out in the video, so I appreciate your tip!
Very nice video, you nailed the real effort to perform a valve check and adjustment on a 4V. I noticed you are using a Motobatt battery and have purchased or fabricate a bracket since the OEM will not work. Can you share where you got this or the design details.
For the battery bracket, I had a small spacer between the frame and the battery box. It had always been there (installed by the PO), and I left it alone. Once I removed that little spacer, I found the battery *just* fits. I suspect the spacer was placed there due to the non-factory length bolt that was installed.
Very informative, thanks! I did an oil change on my new to me 748 with 22000 miles, and found several flecks in the strainer, which got me very worried I'd bought a lemon. Through watching your video I've realised that all is not lost, it's only time and money, right?
BTW does that clock not do your head in? It would me... 😂
Ha! I hardly hear it as I tune it out these days. Just used to it I guess. Come to think of it, the clock is pretty loud.
Good luck on your 748. Rockers are definitely not an end-of-the-world problem, though they are a bit pricey. Also, depending on who did the prior maintenance, make sure the plates that retain the rocker pins are not getting chewed up. These plates are at the top of the head and must be removed before accessing and pulling the pins. I was getting flakes, but it was those as the pin was rubbing on the plate just ever so slightly. Pins should be tapped back in until flush.
@@motorcyclemicah6309 Thanks for the heads-up about the plates. I'll have a look at a fiche to see what that is. Or rewatch your video 😁
@@TheOriginalCoda Not a problem! You'll see the plates that are held by 5mm bolts. You must remove them in order to get to the pins to pull the pins back so you can remove the cams. They are on the heads, between the cams.
@@motorcyclemicah6309 Right, I thought those were what you meant. I cannot imagine though how those could cause flakes in the oil. I guess once I take mine apart it might become obvious.
Hi are those actual Ducati shims you use; because on Amazon i see some non Ducati shims, that say will work on a Ducati. Then what is the brand you are using. Thanks
Hi Herson. I got my shins from EMS Duc. LT Snyder purchased the EMS company. He’s an awesome resource. Check out his site at:
desmotimes.com/product-category/products/shim-kits-half-rings/
I would be careful using just any shim off Amazon. The early Superbikes have different sizes than later bikes (like Panigales). You’ll want the right size for your year model.
@@motorcyclemicah6309 Okay, i appreciate that, your videos are great 🏍❤👍. Pura Vida
@@costar155 Used the valve collets from EMS on the last two Ducati's I did valve check on, both the 2 valve 620 , and 4 valve high compression 853 with no issues, my 853 would go 165-170 mph with a slight tail wind. I want to upgrade to their special collet kit that is suppose to keep the valve train rock stable above 10k rpm
Would have been great to see you remove a lot of the stuff required to access.
How many km can 996 engine do?
A Desmoquattro should have valve clearances checked at 9600 km or so. Approximately 6000 miles.
I have a 1999 996S with 53000 miles on it. Had 1 bad rocker at about 30000 miles.
I think your crazy for not replacing the timing belts while you had them off... even if you still have 50% life left in them! But either way GREAT video, THANKS!!
Ha! Thank you! They’ll get changed next time.