[my996duc1]

Ok, I see alot of people suggest doing the valves and vote for people maintain the bike themselves. SO here we go....

I have a limited mechanical background and hope that this is not as "scary" as it seems.

I have a 2000 996.
On to the questions...

1. Which books are the best for working on the bike (valves mainly).
I already have the "ducati" manual, which leaves alot to be desired.
Ducati Desmoquattro Maintenance & Modification Guide - 3rd Edition OR
Haynes Ducati 4V Service & Repair Manual

2.What tools do I need for the valves and where can I order them ? I know I need basic tools to be able to get covers and peices off to get to them but I am sure some special tools are needed.
I would like to order everything at the same time. I ma sure the books would tell me what tools are needed but if anyone knows ahead of time that would help.

3.Anything that I should not work on and leave solely for a trained and qualified "ducati" mechanic ?

Thanks in advance........

 

[desmovalve]

You will need feeler blades, "thin metal strips in various thicknesses", small pair of pliers and a magnet, I would suggest to do MBP collets also, with MBP collets guys are getting up to 12,000 to 18,000 miles before you have to do a valve job again, you still should check every 6,000 miles though. You can get tools at ca-cycleworks.com or motowheels.com I think. The main thing to remember is to take your time and don't get discouraged, it will take a while your first time, you can also get shims at ca-cycleworks or motowheels.

 

[magg]

magnesium ?

Ok, I see alot of people suggest doing the valves and vote for people maintain the bike themselves. SO here we go....

I have a limited mechanical background and hope that this is not as "scary" as it seems.

I have a 2000 996.
On to the questions...

1. Which books are the best for working on the bike (valves mainly).
I already have the "ducati" manual, which leaves alot to be desired.
Ducati Desmoquattro Maintenance & Modification Guide - 3rd Edition OR
Haynes Ducati 4V Service & Repair Manual

2.What tools do I need for the valves and where can I order them ? I know I need basic tools to be able to get covers and peices off to get to them but I am sure some special tools are needed.
I would like to order everything at the same time. I ma sure the books would tell me what tools are needed but if anyone knows ahead of time that would help.

3.Anything that I should not work on and leave solely for a trained and qualified "ducati" mechanic ?

Thanks in advance........

hi,
I wonder do you know nowadays magnesium metal possibilities?
if you have some interests learn more at Magnesium Marketplace

 

[cachee0]

1. Which books are the best for working on the bike (valves mainly).
I already have the "ducati" manual, which leaves alot to be desired.
Ducati Desmoquattro Maintenance & Modification Guide - 3rd Edition OR
Haynes Ducati 4V Service & Repair Manual

QUOTE]

I have the Haynes but I have seen the book by LT Synder and it's very good.

 

[mad]

Everything you need is in these three locations from the same vendor:

1. http://www.desmotimes.com/maintenance_products.htm

2. http://www.desmotimes.com/tool_products.htm

3. http://www.desmotimes.com/maintenance2.htm

It's where I get all my stuff anyway. Good luck!

 

[Geof3]

Have you ever adjusted valves of any sort? You are talking about removing a fairly significant level of stuff to get to the valves. If you've never done any sort of valve check or adjustment, what I would do is find a mech or someone experienced to either help you the first time or to do the job and let you watch. I've been a Porsche guy for a long time and the valves on them are kind of a pain. I had my mechanic show me how, then check my work. Learned a lot. Looking at the Ducati and all it seems a job that could go wrong easily, but is doable. There are some "tricks" of the trade that would be nice to know.

I'm not sure I'd suggest tackling solo with your admitted level of knowledge. If you do go for it, as suggested above, get PROPER tools to do the job ($$) and go from there and go SLOW... Take pictures and notes of each stage of disassembly etc...

 

[grendels_arm]

Everything you need is in these three locations from the same vendor:

1. http://www.desmotimes.com/maintenance_products.htm

2. http://www.desmotimes.com/tool_products.htm

3. http://www.desmotimes.com/maintenance2.htm

It's where I get all my stuff anyway. Good luck!

Note that if you have a Harbor Freight nearby I found most of all the tools there. The EXACT ones sold there. I got the digital calipers, brushes, forceps, picks ,etc. Only things not at HF were like the book LT sells and Ducati specific tools. The shim adjustment tool you can get from Ducatimike here on this forum. I'm getting all this stuff together am planning on doing this myself. I tell you getting access to those valve covers doesn't look like fun.