Valve Adjustment YES or NO

[Gregory]

This is a question about a possible educated gamble....

I know from reading on the site that I need to check and possibly adjust my valves prior to reinstalling the cleaned and jetted carbs.

My question is regarding whether the 78 GS1000's valve gaskets (WHEN PURCHASED NEW) had the extra crossover piece left attached when people purchased them from the dealership?

Since my bike still has the extra gasket going across, I am thinking maybe the valves have already been checked by a PO.... so if it were you, would you still take the valve cover apart to check everything before tuning the carbs?

[1980GS1000E]

Oh, yes, I would most definitely check all of those valves.

[mike_of_bbg]

If you don't know when the last valve check was, then yes, you need to check the valves.

The cross-piece should be carefully removed after re-installation of the head cover. It's mostly there to prevent tearing of the slender, delicate gasket material during shipping. If you drop something across it, it can tear the sealing gasket surfaces. Ask me how I know...

[tkent02]

Adjust the valves. The last guy in there didn't do it right if he did it at all.

[GSScoobie]

My question is regarding whether the 78 GS1000's valve gaskets (WHEN PURCHASED NEW) had the extra crossover piece left attached when people purchased them from the dealership?

Good question.
Maybe someone that remembers, when they purchased one new, knows the answer.

[bonanzadave]

[tkent02]

Some did, some didn't. Now go adjust your valves before they burn up.

[Allie]

YES, check them! To measure is to know! The most you'll be out by checking them is replacing the valve cover gasket, you could frag the top end by not checking them.

[trevor]

YES, check them! To measure is to know! The most you'll be out by checking them is replacing the valve cover gasket, you could frag the top end by not checking them.

Awesome post Allie...When ever someone says the word "assume" I automatically think about that episode of "The Odd Couple". I remember it as a kid and have never forgoten it! Thanks..
Trevor

[Gregory]

Thanks everyone.

I guess I PRESUMED that would be your answer...but the lazy and cheap part of my personality was struggling with it.

I know after I follow everything to the T i will feel much better about the bike.

[sedelen]

When I bought my '78 GS1000E with less than 500 miles on it in '79, I don't believe it had that piece going accross it. When I first saw a bike with that gasket on it, I was thinking it was the wrong gasket, why else would that piece be on there? but that was way back then, I know better now.

Check your valves! peace of mind, what if it was already done?
Like someone already said, doesn't mean it was done right.

[JEEPRUSTY]

measuring and adjusting valves is fairly easy. I has the added benefit of not providing the smug with an opportunity to use that hackneyed Assume bit of nonsense.

[Octain]

The most you'll be out by checking them is replacing the valve cover gasket

Unless he accidentally busts off a valve cover bolt or two.

[Allie]

Unless he accidentally busts off a valve cover bolt or two.

SHHHHHHHHHHH! Remember, we don't make mistakes, we just have happy little accidents.