Where to buy valve guides

[azr]

Is there anywhere else to buy valve guides other than OEM? $20 a piece is pretty high. I see Ape sells them, and the valve guide seals but I don't have any experience with them.

[rustybronco]

You'll also need the remover, installer and a guide reamer.

[Nessism]

The OEM replacement guides have an oversize OD and require reaming the head with a special cutter prior to installation. After installation, you may have to ream the ID to proper size, but I'm not sure about this specific detail with the OEM guides. The APE guides don't require reaming the head nor the ID, since they are presized already.

Understand that any time valve guides are replaced you need to cut the valve seats also because the index between the two will have changed. Quite a bit of work and expense. I'd be dang sure you need new guides before embarking down this road. Suzuki's service limit on valve to stem clearance is quite sloppy, so unless the engine is high mileage I doubt the specs fall outside the range. Personally, I think the service limit is overly generous, but needless to say you need to measure before making any kind of informed decision on what to do next. The service manual details performing a wobble check using a dial indicator. As long as you are under .005" or so you should be okay. If you are over that, you might be able to bring the clearance down by replacing the valves, which are easier and cheaper to replace than the guides.

I have a set of Neeway cutters in the appropriate size for the GS1000 head you can borrow if you decide to go down this road. Send me a PM if you want to discuss.

[azr]

I'm not going to do the work myself, I've read enough threads to know this belongs in the hands of a pro. I haven't measured the valve wobble yet (will do this morning) and I need to get a 1 inch micrometer to measure the valves but I'm thinking I'm going to have to go this route. Good note about the valves Ed. I 'think' the valves are all the same with the 8 valve GS1000 engines.

[SVSooke]

I have a brand new 1 inch micrometer you can borrow.

[azr]

Appreciate the offer but I need to buy one, should have had one a long time ago.

[SVSooke]

Understand that,why I bought one.Going out reasonably close today if you need it real soon.

[storm 64]

Rob, you can use the 2-3 micrometer and the 2" standard I sent you... just subtract 2" from your reading.
I feel frustrated I can't jump in my car and come over to help you out...

[azr]

Rob, you can use the 2-3 micrometer and the 2" standard I sent you... just subtract 2" from your reading.
I feel frustrated I can't jump in my car and come over to help you out...

Really? now that's handy! I tell you I sure wish you were closer too. Thanks for the tip.

[rustybronco]

Appreciate the offer but I need to buy one, should have had one a long time ago.

You can buy a decent Mitutoyo off Ebay for under $30.

For example... http://www.ebay.com/itm/MICROMETER-M...item4d1b696fd0

[Nessism]

If you buy a micrometer make sure the resolution goes down to .0001". Most cheap mics only go down to .001". The cheap Chinese mic's are sort of hit or miss; some are good and some are crap. If you look around you can typically buy a nice name brand mic for cheap so I'd go that route if you have the time to shop around.

EDIT: Dale posted about that Mitutoya while I was typing. Listen to him...