I have a 2000 XT225, 6000 miles, great condition and i have completed a lot of preventative maintenance in the last few weeks. Today i adjusted the valves and found the clearances pretty tight. But got them adjusted correctly. Started it up and it sounded great just purring along. But i didnt get to warm it up and ride it.

When i had it open up i felt like i had some side to side play in the rocker arms. Both the intake and exhaust felt the same. Tomorrow i will start it up and pull the oil pressure bolt and check that i have good pressure to the top end.

But is any play normal? should it be rock solid or just a hint of back and forth? Is there a actual spec for side to side play?

Ok I started it up this morning and pulled out the oil bolt. Emediatly oil was pouring out. What a mess. But ay least i know i have plenty of oil getting to the top end.

Hi Bluedog,

you don't need to fully release the oil bolt, you just need to loosen it so a dribble of oil can pass.

Regards

That side to side play is normal. No actual spec for it.

Yep, now you know to just loosen it a bit and watch for the oil to start weeping out around the threads.

And I agree that a little side-to-side movement is likely ok.

I rebuilt my 225 with new rockers and they still had the side to side play, so you have nothing to worry about, i'm sure it's normal.

It is normal. Seen it on every vehicle I've adjusted valves on. Those valves have to move several times per second. The last thing you want is any kind of resistance in the rocker arms. i.e. you wouldn't want them snug. There is no side to side movement when the engine is running.

Do you boys fit a new washer to the oil bolt when you change the oil? I've usually annealed mine & re-used it but last time out I had a fair leak from the bolt, tried nipping it but it was good & tight.

I've splashed out on a bag of copper sealing washers, I shall anneal & use a new one each time now I've acquired this new found generosity towards my bike.

Horrendously expensive, but these are supposedly proper crush washers.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6mm-to-27mm-Internal-Diameter-Copper-Compression-Washers-Oil-Seal-Crush-Sump/272746503102?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=571881515859&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I've never replaced that washer, but it doesn't leak.

Mebbe I've squashed it to death.