On a Saito FA-56, does the valve clearance typically open up or close off with use? I know on 4 stroke dirt bike most of the time the clearance closes because the valve will recess into the valve seat but this motor was at .011 wich would indicate the opposite scenario I guess its just the parts wearing in. The reason I ask is I was wondering if I should favor the .002 or the .004.

Also this is my first 4 stroke how often do the valves need checked?</p>

They usually open up on the model engines

Shoot for .001"-.002". As the engine warms up the clearance will grow, so you just need enough to make sure the valves close when the engine is cold.

Thanks I figured that was the case. I always thought the dirt bikeclearances closing up was odd but it happened of both my motocross bikes.</p>

Some times the Saito Gasoline engines will close up when they are swalling a valve (Seat recessing) but it generally doesn't happen on the glow engines

The aluminum cylinder expands slightly more than the steel pushrods and valves with normal glow operating temps. You can safely set to .001 like ChrisA said.

If you set them to the factory specs, they will be OK and you shouldn't worry about them for at least a year of flying a couple times a week.

Use the 0.002" as a Go gage and the 0.004" as a no go. Setting them to 0.001" is just cutting it to close for me. They will run OKat 0.006" but not a 0" clearence. Why buy trouble.

Don