J
JHook
Guest
I recently did a top end rebuild on a 1980 GS850 -first experience with an engine rebuild. Valve job was done by S&k racing who came highly recommended. A friend who used to run a bike shop helped me rebuild the carbs, which we also rejetted for the full length open pipes that were on the bike when I acquired it. The rest of the rebuild I did myself in my shed with the advice of my friend along with all the info I've acquired from GS Resources! 23 miles on the rebuild, everything was going ok, had power through all gears, but seemed to be running lean. I had been trying to correct the leanness with my carb mixture screws but this week some other issues came up. Started up fine but after running for a few minutes I noticed exhaust for 1&2 getting hot quick and 3&4 pipes remaining cold. I shut it off, then started it up again, ran for 3 or 4 more minutes again same inconsistent heating of cylinders, then I started getting white smoke from pipe for 1&2 so i shut it down. Again this is a new development and was sudden. I'm getting spark for all four and I've got fuel in all four carb bowls. S&K racing shimmed valves for me, but I did not check clearances before initial startup. Checked cam chain tensioner(which I also rebuilt) action is good. Pulled the valve cover-cam timing is good and so is crank position. No visible damage up top and no valves appeared to be sunk..cams and cam lobes look undamaged. I checked all valve clearances twice and I only have one that is under .10 mm, with clearances ranging from .09 to .15 mm! So i know I need to re-shim the valves, but could loose valves cause the sudden inconsistent heating of cylinders and the smoking? I know that straight pipes are frowned on in general on this forum and for good reason. I plan to get some slip on mufflers and hopefully just go back to stock jets after I sort out this other issue..kinda wish I had in the beginning.. I'm sure they are contributing to the leanness and they are annoying at over 1/4 throttle! I know it's a lengthy post but I figured the more info the better. I've put a lot of hard work and $ getting this bike to this point so any advice is appreciated. Just hoping I wont have to pull the top end off again to find the answer!