1979 GS550 valve clearance

[Gene]

I've read about everything there is on this forum about positioning of the cam lobe when taking the valve clearance measurement. Some aftermarket manuals say point the lobe 180 degrees away from the lifter. The hardbound 1500 page Chilton indicates that the lobe should be about 30 degrees either way of a true 180. Can anyone help with the reasoning on what is correct and why? I've been trying to buy a Suzuki factory manual but so far haven't come up with one. Thanks for any help.

[feelergaugephil]

I had a 550 for about 8 years, did over 80K on it........

Make sure engine is COLD.
gap should be 00.3----00.7
I have ALWAYS done the valve adjustment with the cam lobe sticking completely upright, it's possible to do it 30 degrees, but I always found the way i do it the best, which also includes my 1000G.
Phil.

[mark]

My factory service manual says that my '79 850 valves "must" be checked either perpendicular to, or parallel to the floor. I assume that's the 30 degree mark either way. I assume that it would be the same for your '79, but not sure.

I always check them that way, I suppose 180 off would work O.K too. This has come up before.

Don't know why but that's what the Suzuki manual says.

[Nessism]

My factory service manual says that my '79 850 valves "must" be checked either perpendicular to, or parallel to the floor. I assume that's the 30 degree mark either way. I assume that it would be the same for your '79, but not sure.

I always check them that way, I suppose 180 off would work O.K too. This has come up before.

Don't know why but that's what the Suzuki manual says.

The factory manual is the same. One key point that some people don't follow is that when you follow the factory procedure the adjacent valves to the one being checked will be in the appropriate position. Basically, depending on where the lobes are, the adjacent valve may be skewing the cam within the journal clearance which will effect the clearance of the valve you are checking. Set them per the factory and you are good to go.

[mark]

The factory manual is the same. One key point that some people don't follow is that when you follow the factory procedure the adjacent valves to the one being checked is in the appropriate position. Basically, depending on where the lobes are, the adjacent valve may be skewing the cam lobe within the journal clearance which will effect the clearance of the valve you are checking. Set them per the factory and you are good to go.

Thanks for the explanation........and I even understand it.