Adjusting valves on 2014 Yamaha cart
 

I bought a used cart 2 years ago. I changed the oil when I got it and annually ever since. So, I changed it yesterday and after realizing I was looking at Mileage Distance, which I thought was low for total miles, I found the odometer reading on a different screen. I have a little over 7000 miles on the cart. The manual says to adjust the valves every 5000 miles. Has anyone done this?

Oh, I now know how to reset the Distance. :)

If the manual recommends this maintenance of adjusting the ONE valve that is in this Yamaha engine, then it sure would not hurt anything. I will say that I have a 2007 and a 2011 Yamaha which have the same engine as your cart and I have never had the valve adjusted and these carts run like a dream.

Thanks. I've noticed a gas smell on occasion and wondered if it was blow-by.

No. There are two valves; intake and exhaust.

Yes - 2 valves. Have you adjusted any?

I have thought that it might be a good thing to check since I have over 1800 hours on the engine, but haven't tried it yet. There are some YouTube videos on how to do it - looks pretty simple. You will probably need a new gasket for the valve cover. I am also thinking that I should replace the brushes on the starter/alternator.

Well, that is something else. My manual says to check the brushes and the commutator for dirt at 2500 miles. Replace brushes at 5000 miles. Never thought about that but it does get a lot of work. I replaced a bendix drive and brushes in an automotive starter years ago. Wasn't too difficult but it took 2 sets of hands to hold the brushes in place and slide the unit back into the housing. BTW, it is a starter/generator.

I've ordered the 3mm wrench and gasket.

Doubt that is necessary. I have 34k miles on the original part.

I'll just leave that alone then.

Yes. https://youtu.be/QZQTKvxoW20

I have seen that video and I think it is a good one.

Well, my front panel isn't removable. It's going to be a pain to get to the valves. I did notice that he did not replace the gasket. Seems like a mistake to me.

The close quarters is one of the things that has kept me from adjusting the valves. I also don't understand not replacing the gasket - seems short sighted considering the effort if you wind up having to go back because of a leak.

Adjust only if running issues are involved , the minuscule amount of adjustment isn’t noticed and is of no issue.

That's why gas carts stink so much and smoke, people don't do maintenance on them like there supposed to.