thanks eddie, getting my valve stems coated was where i was thinking of going, what u said its anoying because i keep the bronze for guides here to and normally use it but for doug i thought i'd use cast iron! and the ''experts'' on other brands r allways upping me for using bronze! but it definetly seems like the guide material and stem material don't like one another. i have had other new no oil engines stick a valve on that 1st run, but ive never had to re ream them and its only happened that 1st ride, but doug, i keep reaming, they keep sticking. and yes i think the k line sleeves is a option to, i know lots of racers use them now and thats the advice they give me. it seems the general opinion [though nobody seems to really know] on clearance is around .003'' - .004'', seems a lot, having said that, i dont want to admit the clearance i'm at now.