Valve clearances

[JasonB]

I was wondering what would be the valve clearance for a Ducati 250 N/C fitted with a grey cam, I am assuming that the cam is that being painted grey is this how you identify what cam you have ? , on the invoice it just states, G/W, I was told 6thou exhaust and 4 thou inlet.... I am having problems idling but I reckon thats the Dellorto SSI not valve clearance

Advice muchly appreciated

JasonB

P.S I did search the forum, and came with some great info, but no specs on a grey/white cam if thats what I have...

[DewCatTea-Bob]

" I was wondering what would be the valve clearance for a Ducati 250 N/C fitted with a grey cam, "

____ The 'Grey-cam' is the 'Mach-I cam', and the 'factory-clearances' are relatively high but, I think .009-Ex, & .006-In. are adequate for that cam.


" I am assuming that the cam is that being painted grey is this how you identify what cam you have ? "

____ Well yes, that's how you're supposed to be able to identify the model of camshaft but, the paint on the face of the threaded end usually flakes-off & is lost.
So then the only sure way is to measure the cam-lobes.


" on the invoice it just states, G/W, "

____ That then should be a 'Green&White' camshaft, which may be either the original '350-WideCase' cam or the '250F1' racing-cam.


" I was told 6thou exhaust and 4 thou inlet...."

____ That's about right, but if you're up to .0015" tighter, it should still be close enough, (as I believe the wc-350 D.factory owner's-manual states merely just .050mm to .075mm for intake & exhaust clearances).


" I am having problems idling but I reckon thats the Dellorto SSI not valve clearance "

____ Could be somewhat due to the wild cam, (if that's what you actually have).
__ The SSI is most likely the blame though, as those carbs have to be quite carefully set up... Is your idle-issue while on the side-stand, or while kept fairly up-right/vertical ?
The float-bowl's particular position makes considerable difference, and ought be adjusted for best desired results.


" but no specs on a grey/white cam if thats what I have... "

____ There's no such "grey/white" (nonDESMO) cam !
Did you see "grey" or 'green & white' paint on it ?
Those two fairly different camshafts can be distinguished-apart by their obviously different sized base-circles, (with the G&W-cam's base-circle being nearly as small as the main-core of the shaft itself !).


DUKE-Cheers,
-Bob

[jbcollier]

The wild cams will have a lumpy idle and require additional throttle until fully warmed up.