Valve Shim Help

[mummyarms]

This is all of the information for the current shims in the bike(1980 GS850). I have the formula for calculating the desired shim size however I think I'm doing it wrong. Can anyone please tell me the sizes I need for each space? I know its a pain in the ass but I am stumped.

[Nessism]

Those valves without any clearance cannot be judged at this time since you don't have a measurement. You need a thin checking shim - thinner than 2.50 for your bike should work. Install the thin shim, measure the clearance, and then calculate the actual sizes you need.

[mummyarms]

man oh man thats the last thing I wanted to hear but I guess I will do it.

[cowboyup3371]

Welcome to the board. I'm not sure why that's the last thing you wanted to hear but I hope you can get it fixed soon.

Although both will be along later I'm sure, look up Steve (that's his username and real name) and email him for his Valve Adjustment spreadsheet...it will help out a lot; also, look up Basscliff's site for tons and tons of great information.

Have you done all the other maintenance - thorough carb cleanings, intake boot o-ring replacements, etc?

Where are you located? If you put that into your profile as well as your bike info in your signature more of us can provide more information and maybe even come by to physically help out.

[Adler]

You can try moving your 2.60 to all the spots with no clearance and you might get some numbers on them.

[Nessism]

Z1 Enterprises sells shims for good prices. I suggest you order the following...

2.65 - 2 pieces
2.60 - 4 pieces
2.55 - 4 pieces
2.40 - 1 piece

Get a shim tool and valve cover gasket as appropriate.

The shims as noted will assure you will have enough to do the job, plus extras for the next check as well.

[mike_of_bbg]

It's generally considered that, even if you cannot measure the gap, if you can turn the bucket by hand then there's a gap there - just too small for you to measure. In that case going down one size should get you in range. If you can't turn the bucket you'll probably need two sizes smaller. If it were that bad for too long your valve would likely be toast, since they cool by depositing their heat upon the valve seat.

Assuming you can turn your buckets, it looks like you need to buy 3 shims; two 2.60s and a 2.40 or lower measuring shim After you put the 2.60s in #3 and #4 intake, one of those 2.65s can replace the 2.70 with no clearance, and that can replace the 2.75 with no clearance. You should also probably buy:

a 2.55 for when that 2.60 gets too large
metric feeler gauges

Z1 Enterprises can get you all of these things and more, and they're great guys.

[mummyarms]

Thanks for the welcome.
It's the last thing I wanted to hear because it means tracking down more **** and waiting for parts. I know it's all part of the game but I'm just frustrated. I have gone thru the carbs and checked over some other things. The valve clearance issue I was told is a good jump on potentially getting a Japanese bike that has sat for a while into working order. I feel it's the last thing I need to get the bike running.
I will definitely try the 2.60 thing.
this is the bike I'm working with.

[mummyarms]

Okay great this is information I can jive with. Thanks a ton guys. I have the tool already and the new gasket is waiting and ready. I just needed to figure out the shims to order.Again, thanks a ton I'm ready to get this guy moving. I can also turn the bucket by hand, theres no trouble there.

[mike_of_bbg]

She looks like she would clean up very nicely.

Sheesh, 3 people posted in the time it takes me to compose one. I've got to type faster!

Also remember that it's OK to run your gaps a bit higher than .08: .10 is common and I've seen people claim to run .12 with no ill effects.

Shims are only $5 each at Z1 so it's better to buy what you would anticipate needing later and avoid the extra shipping fees now.

[mike_of_bbg]

Finally, remember you're supposed to re-sync the carbs after a valve adjustment.

[tkent02]

Some Suzuki shops will still let you swap shims with ones they have in stock at no cost.
Any motorcycle wrecker should have a bunch of them too.

[Steve]

Although both will be along later I'm sure, look up Steve (that's his username and real name) and email him for his Valve Adjustment spreadsheet...it will help out a lot; ...

Yep, that would be me.

Info in my sig.

EDIT: Given the brief information in your first post, you can move the 2.70 from 2IN to 1EX, move the 2.65 from 3IN to 2IN, buy two 2.60s, put them in 3IN and 4IN.
Not a guarantee that it will be all that it takes, as you have no idea how much "NO CLEARANCE" you have until you put a thinner shim in there and check the clearance.

.

[mummyarms]

The bike has cleaned up nicely so far. It wasn't doing anything when I bought it and now I can get it to start but it will only idle for like 10 seconds before dying. So hopefully the valve shim replacements are the missing link. I definitely considered running a shim with a nice little gap when I figured it out just so I could buy some time later on with them(its a job I can live without doing regularly). I don't plan on keeping the bike. I bought some mods for it I mostly wanted to work on it because I was afraid to work on my daily driver which is a kz1000; without having any experience. The GS is a learning bike. I plan on doing some minor welding and whatnot when I get it running. Solo seat and maybe some light cutting and cosmetic fabrication. That Z1 site is great. Thanks for the recommendation its definitely gonna save me some cash. I'm sure I will have more questions.

[mummyarms]

Wow. You guys are too great. I did read about shops letting you swap them but the only Suzuki dealer near me proved very unhelpful.