Suzuki GS 400L - valve clerance confusion

[Guest]

I'm confused about the valve clearance for the Suzuki GS 400 (I have a Suzuki GS 400L from 1980). Some manuals say .03-.08 (the spectrum on both the intake and exhaust) and others say .03 on the intake and .08 on the exhaust - which one is the correct measurement?

[Nessism]

Is your engine 4 valve per cylinder or two? The 2V engines use .03-.08mm. I'm not sure about the 4V engines though.

[Mugge]

It's two valves per cylinder, so from your answer, I assume it's any clearance in between .03-.08 (both included) on both the intake and the exhaust. Thanks.

[Steve]

Yes, that is correct, 0.03 through 0.08 mm is the specified clearance. Many of us will go up to 0.10, which will allow the valves a little more time on their seats, which will keep them cooler and will also extend the interval between adjustments.

Interesting that you have an '80 400. We last saw them as a '78 model, then had the 425 for '79 and the 450 in '80 and beyond.

This is also the time that I am supposed to invite you to take advantage of the offer in my signature.

.

[Mugge]

Thanks for the advise as to go all the way up to .10 - I'm sure I will follow that advise.

According to my registration papers, it's a Suzuki GS 400 L from 1980? Maybe we had different models in Europe? I bought mine last year!

I have sent an email to you regarding the spreadsheet you are referring to. I appreciate the help.

[John Park]

It's two valves per cylinder, so from your answer, I assume it's any clearance in between .03-.08 (both included) on both the intake and the exhaust. Thanks.

According to cmsnl.com a 1980 GS400L doesn't exist. The L models were either 400X 4 valve or 450 two valve. If it has rectangular caps on the ends of the cam boxes it's a 4 valve and screw adjusters; if they're round, it's two with shim adjust.

That said, the motors and top ends interchange and it's been a long time…. The clearances for the 4 valve are .08 to .13mm cold, intake and exhaust. That's .003 - .005 in.

[Mugge]

It is two valves per cylinder that you ajust with shims. In my papers it states it was registered in March 1980. In my papers it only says GS400 without the L, but on the blke it clearly states that is an L model (chopper style). You can see an image of my exact model here (same color and everything).

http://www.veteranposten.dk/FotoWin.asp?Id=177195&imgNo=1

[Gorminrider]

How interesting!177195[1].jpg
Looks like there's some "taper off" between models. It's not found at http://www.suzukicycles.org/All-Suzu...ki_models.html. First one I've ever seen.... I learned something I didn't know. I think Suzuki was shipping bikes with these motors to Australia, New Zealand, Asia while at the same time Japan, Canada, UK, parts of Europe were getting the "gsx" motors.Meanwile the USA was starting to get the 450 from 1980 on.

Anyways, you'd best look into the manual that suits the 1979 GS 400.

There's a Clymer one on Bass_cliffs site that covers the 4 valve 400-450 motors 1977-1987

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

[Mugge]

Will do, thanks.