What to do if engine is pulled

[Line_Producer]

Good morning all,
I just pulled my engine to do some painting and cosmetic clean up work. But since I have the engine pulled, should I put a new gasket kit in or any other sort of mechanical goodness? The engine has good compression, but I don't know much else about it.

I was thinking about ordering this gasket kit.
Engine Gasket Set

Thanks,
-wil

[Macmatic]

Good morning all,
I just pulled my engine to do some painting and cosmetic clean up work. But since I have the engine pulled, should I put a new gasket kit in or any other sort of mechanical goodness? The engine has good compression, but I don't know much else about it.

I was thinking about ordering this gasket kit.
Engine Gasket Set

Thanks,
-wil

I'd read this thread before ordering that gasket set:

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=71246

Any issues with the engine you want to address? If you have oil leaks I guess you won't have any better access to the engine than you do now but if it runs well and doesn't leak I wouldn't go changing gaskets just because it's out. You can really do most gaskets with the engine in the frame anyway, head, base, pan etc.

Have you checked your valve clearances?

/\/\ac

[Line_Producer]

Good point about not fixing what ain't broken.

I've been looking over the instructions for checking valve clearances. Where do I find clearance tools? The manual says, 'use a clearance tool' but doesn't say where to get one. Thanks for the help.

-wil

[Macmatic]

Good point about not fixing what ain't broken.

I've been looking over the instructions for checking valve clearances. Where do I find clearance tools? The manual says, 'use a clearance tool' but doesn't say where to get one. Thanks for the help.

-wil

CLIFF!!!!!!!!!!

Check this site out for a large selection of manuals and "how to's" for our bikes. I think your '78 is an 8 valve motor? I haven't done a valve adjustment on one of those yet but his site has a step by step tutorial. (Left side, scroll down)

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

It looks like you need a special tool to depress the tappets and remove the shims to measure. I'm not sure where to get those but I'm sure someone will chime in. You'll also need feeler gauges thin enough to measure the clearance between the cam and shim, check your manual to find the spec. Make sure you use the metric OR inch number, they can be confused. (Just ask NASA)

/\/\ac

Note: The tutorial on his site if for 8 valve GS850 engines but the procedure should be about the same.

[koolaid_kid]

When you get to Cliff's site, you will want to do several things:
If you don't already have a factory service manual, download the GS750 (8-valve) Service Manual.
Download Valve Adjustments (8 Valve)
Download Zip Tie Supplement (by Mr. Matchless)
I don't have an 8 valve, but I believe the supplement allows you to do the adjustments w/o purchasing the special tool.
Also check out the Shim Club in the Forum. My bike doesn't use shims so I don't participate, but it sounds like a reasonable way to get the proper shims w/o forking out a lot of cash.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

If your cam chain tensioner is leaking, now would be a good time to service that and replace the seals. There's a link on my website to Mr. bwringer's guide.

If it's running fine then don't go tearing it apart. However, a valve clearance adjustment would be a good thing. You'll need a valve cover gasket, etc. See the guide on my website.

But otherwise, if it ain't broke, no need to fix it. Once you start replacing the head gasket then you should also replace the base gasket. If you're going to do that then you might as well replace the rings and hone the cylinders. While you have the head off, why not a valve job? Etc, etc. I'm hoping to wait until 100,000 miles to refresh the top end on my engine.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff