'81 450 Shim Sizes?

[thevillaindylan]

'81 GS 450 T
correct range .03mm-.08mm

Checked my valve clearances.
Exhaust 1 - 2.60x shim -.038 feeler will not fit.
Exhaust 2- 2.65 - .038 feeler will not fit.

Intake 1 - 2.65 - .038 feeler will not fit.
Intake 2 - 2.65 - .038 will fit, .051 will not

Thinking of getting
Exhaust 1 - 2.55
Exhaust 2 - 2.60

Intake 1 - 2.60
Intake 2 - 2.60x

I haven't got Steve's spreadsheet yet, but does this look right? Thanks for looking.

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Yes, your thinking is correct. However, you cannot purchase "x" size shims. I would also recommend getting a real metric feeler gauge. If you put a smaller shim in Intake 2 it may be a little over spec. I run mine up to 0.10mm with no issues.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[thevillaindylan]

Basscliff, thanks for the info. I currently have a 2.60x, which I believe is factory. If I move the 2.60x from exhaust 1 to Intake 2 it might be close. Yes, I will get a metric feeler gauge. I can't find one in my area, I guess i'll have to order one.

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Do you have a digital caliper? Even the ones without an "x" marking can be slightly smaller or larger than their label. You can put that 2.60x shim in the Intake 2 and then buy only three shims. Oh, wait a second. I guess that's what you were planning.

I have used a few "x" sizes from a friend's full set. But I believe you are correct in that they came from the factory. I've never been able to purchase an "x" size.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[Nessism]

I'd pick up 2 or 3 2.60's, 3-4 2.55's, and 2-3 2.50's just in case.

Oh, and I don't use a metric feeler gauge either. If the .38 doesn't fit I change the shim.

 

[thevillaindylan]

Basscliff, I checked the shim it's 2.63-2.64. Maybe they were out of 2.65s the day they built the bike

 

[herostar]

Let us know how it works out!

 

[thevillaindylan]

Alright fellas, I ordered 4 - 2.60 shims from Z1. Here are my new valve clearances with all 2.60 shims. I have not yet received my metric feeler gauge so these clearances were done with a standard set which had metric estimates.

'81 450T
Exhaust 1 - 2.60 - clearance between .051-.063 mm
Exhaust 2 - 2.60 - clearance between .063-.076 mm

Intake 1 - 2.60 - clearance between .051-.063 mm
Intake 2 - 2.60 - clearance between .063 -.076 mm


This is good enough for me however, attaining a gasket was a chore for the junior parts department at my local suzuki dealership; it took 3 trips. I'm also battling the old gasket and am currently sitting here waiting for the Permatex Foaming Gasket Remover to do it's magic. Then it will be back to balancing the carbs with my homemade manometer which started this whole fiasco. Hope this helps someone else. Oh and I haven't received Steve's spreadsheet yet.