Valve cover stuck?

[JTGS850GL]

You have an INCH feeler gauge. Most have the metric equivalents printed on them, just as yours does. The best thing to do is to purchase a metric feeler gauge and do the job properly.

To clarify, it would be ideal to have a gauge set that has more resolution between the .03mm to .08mm range and goes one step lower then .03mm and a few above the .08mm. The one I use has a .02mm gauge and .01mm increments between .03mm and .08mm and goes up to and above 1.8mm. This would aid in documenting just where you are in the spec range for future valve adjustments. If you take a look on ebay you'll find sets like the one I just described for cheap. I think I paid something in the area of $8 for mine delivered.

The reality is you only need two gauges to do a successful valve adjustment. You'll need two similar to the ones you just referred to. If the .038mm wont go through, then you can consider it too tight. If the .08mm goes through with no resistance, you're too loose. The problem you'll run into is when you're close to the lower spec and the next shim puts your over. You won't know how much over. .09mm may be OK but 1.1mm would be a little too loose. IMHO

[Seaking]

Gentlemen, THANK you.. (shaking head) I knew something was amiss and not making clear sense.. Now it does.. dang feeler gauge.. blargh!! My first priority will be to go out and get the proper tool.. and toss this one out..

And now the mystery of why the shim in the bucket is important when turning the engine.. I was reading an article where a gent asked why that was bad and no one gave him the answer.. apparently he had ALL the shims removed from his engine when he did this.. ouch

I recieved the shim spreadsheet via email and will go over the instructions on it carefully to dutyfully record the information..

Again my thanks for your expertise and patience.. it is much appreciated.

Cheers!

[Seaking]

Shims arrived, valve adjustment complete...

The sled dogs delivered the mail today with 4 shims to finialize my valve adjustments. Now everything is done.. measured trice, finally. The spreadsheet really does help. And a BIG thanks to the shim club.

I'll soon be cleaning off the rest of the old gasket off the engine (being careful not to nick the metal) so that I can install the new gasket and valve cover so that I can do a compression test.

I need to find a way to clear the old debris from inside the valve area.. a few little bits found their way there that I can't reach with tweezers etc.. any advice or suggestions?

Carbs and exhaust are off the bike at the moment, is there still a requirement to hold the throttle to wide open position?

Many thanks to those who were patient and helpful along the way. Much appreciated as always.

Cheers

[recycled64]

Oil-dampened (not soaked) cotton swabs are handy for picking bits of gasket material out of that area-

[Seaking]

Oil-dampened (not soaked) cotton swabs are handy for picking bits of gasket material out of that area-

Oddly enough, that's what I started doing tonight to see if I can get most of it.. seems to work.. sticky enough to pick up the little lint like bits..

I plan to do several oil / filter changes while tuning / starting the bike when everything is ready to roll before riding it. Hopefully that will also help

Cheers