2017 July Update - Cams out and shims have been measured...

The right hand exhaust opening rocker on the horizontal cylinder has a small flake, which is foreshadowing future problems.

Zoomed into the area in question.

Closeup of the flaking opening rocker.

See my highly specialized top of stroke locating instrument?

The right hand intake opening rocker on the vertical cylinder also appears to have some flaking occurring.

Will be sending both opening rockers off to EMS.

Exhaust Opening Rockers - Vertical Cylinder

Intake Opening Rockers - Vertical Cylinder

Summary of shims and rockers replaced.

Eight closing shims and one opening shim. I was able to swap two two of the closing shims around and decrease the total number closing shims used from the shim to from eight to six along with one opening shim, cost $9.00 per shim.

Two opening rockers exchanged at EMS, $69.95 each, plus shipping.

$ 63.00 for nine shims
$139.90 for two rockers
$ 21.00 for shipping
=================
$223.90

Pretty sure the 2000 Ducati Monster M750 didn't run quite so much when I did the valves, way back in 2011.

At least my labor is "free".

Tune in next time when I attempt to synchronize the throttle bodies after putting all the cams and rockers back in their respective locations.

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The process begins...

After multiple delays, I finally began the tear down process. The ST4S is much easier to strip down than the Honda ST1300. Hopefully the valve check and belt replacement will go as smooth as the tear down. I have placed an order for the required tools and shims with www.ducatitoolrental.com . I've got four weeks to replace the belts and adjust the valves once the tools arrive. Also ordered some belts and gaskets from Ca Cycleworks. I have the 2003 version of LT Snyder's Demo maintenance book, but there is a multitude of resources on the web which do as good of job (if not better) of explaining the process. The Ducati tool rental website also has a good set of instructions with some pictures . Still need to remove the air-box and relocate the throttle body assembly in order to access the valve covers.

Inspired Stupidity...

The Bad... The previous owners of the 2003 Ducati ST4s ABS had an unique approach to modifications. Need to mount a license plate, no problem let's just grab some sheet metal screws and screw into the inner fender. License plate light hanging down? No problem cut off the wire and push the loose end up behind the tail light. They broke the mounting boss of the right side rear cowling and attached the cowling with an industrial sized zip-tie. They also mangled the rear brake light switch, I sourced a used switch, but it was also bad. Trying another used switch before going with a new switch. The Good... They managed to keep all of the maintenance records from the owner number two along with nicely setup three-ring binder with all sorts of helpful pages. New rear tire. The all important red key and three black keys and extra side case keys. The Ugly... The biggest kicker was that they lost the key card and the tool kit, I even asked and they said they...

End of July update

Finally getting some time to work on the bike. Managed to remove the swingarm so some deep cleaning can be accomplished and the swingarm can be refreshed and renewed. Retaining/locking bolt finally out! Before Picture.

Saving the Duck

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