1982 GS 850 Cam installation

[TheCleekster]

I also noticed a number on the cam, it said "450" and I doubt that a 450 cam shaft would work in an 850 engine, so I have no idea what the 450 means unless it means a 450 cam shaft found its way into my 850.

TheCleekster

[chef1366]

I also noticed a number on the cam, it said "450" and I doubt that a 450 cam shaft would work in an 850 engine, so I have no idea what the 450 means unless it means a 450 cam shaft found its way into my 850.

TheCleekster

They would not fit so no worries.

[Steve]

I don't have the tools to take the base off,
I wouldn't be able to reinstall the rings,
and I can't afford 4 new sets of rings.
Plus the base gasket doesn't effect compression, does it?

- There are no more tools necessary to remove the cylinders after you have removed the head. In fact, once the head is off, you only need bare hands to remove the cylinders.
- The rings will not be removed in the process, there is no need to re-install them.
- To simply replace the base gasket, you will not need new rings. You will also not need to hone the cylinders.
- The base gasket neither effects compression nor affects it, but it does control some oil flow.

When you get your engine together and see the oil leak around the base gasket you will be kicking yourself while thinking about this thread. Please remember, we are not telling you this to scare you off, we are doing this so you don't repeat the same mistakes that we made. If you insist on making them yourself, go ahead and pre-order another head gasket and set aside yet another day for wrenching on the bike. When you get your bike together the second time, you, too, will be joining the chorus of "change the base gasket, too".

I just have one question, when I took the head off, the side with the valve cover, there were these humps between cylinders 1&2 and 3&4. I didn't know what they were, and they kinda just flaked off. These humps rested over some sort of oil passages. It looked like rust/old baked on head gasket. Did I make a grave mistake?

Really can not picture what you are talking about. Any chance you can post a picture? Even if it's in its current state, then use MS Paint or some other program to draw some circles and arrows on the 27 color glossy photographs.

The only "humps" I can imagine between the cylinders are the bearings for the cams. They should be bolted rather securely and would certainly not "flake" off.

I also noticed a number on the cam, it said "450" and I doubt that a 450 cam shaft would work in an 850 engine, so I have no idea what the 450 means unless it means a 450 cam shaft found its way into my 850.

Considering that the 450 was a twin-cylinder bike and MUCH narrower, there is no way that it would even fit, let alone work, in your bike. The 450 was the model number for the sprocket (not the cam) and is appropriate for your bike.

.

[TheCleekster]

Thanks Steve!

That was a lot of helpful information.

I just don't know how to get the pistons back in the jug if I take the base off as well. Because on this tiller engine I rebuilt, I had to get this piston ring compression tool and install the piston from the top and re attach the crank arm to the crank shaft (If that makes sense)

I'm going to try tearing it down, I think my mating surfaces are warped or not clean enough. My bike would get HOT, like instantly bluing the header pipes. So I may need to get my heads decked. Do you know how much that would cost normally? So I don't get ripped off?

Thanks again, I'll definitely try again before giving up,
TheCleekster

[TheCleekster]

Does anyone know if there's any GS owners in the Northwest Arkansas area?

Someone that has done something like this before?

[tkent02]

Thanks Steve!

That was a lot of helpful information.

I just don't know how to get the pistons back in the jug if I take the base off as well. Because on this tiller engine I rebuilt, I had to get this piston ring compression tool and install the piston from the top and re attach the crank arm to the crank shaft (If that makes sense)

Fingers work fine.