valve tolerances

[scottsgs]

Hi all,

I am planning on doing my first valve service on my 81 GS 850 G. I went online and ordered feeler gauges and the valve tool. This bike has 19,600 miles on it, and I do not know if the valves have ever been done. What is the damage or risk of damage to the motor if I keep riding it while I wait for the tools?

Thanks,

Scott[-o<[-o<

[Steve]

If it starts easily and runs smoothly there is minimal danger, but I would still recommend doing it as soon as practical.


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[Suzuki mad]

The shim and bucket arrangement is fairly robust system. The valve tolerance will get smaller as you run the bike but its unlikely that you will do any major damage. If the engine is quiet and running well, great, if its a bag of nails or running poorly don't risk it.

Suzuki mad.

[scottsgs]

It starts fine. I have noticed a slight buzzing from the cam area at 50 - 55 mph. It's very faint and the bike still pulls strongly.I will definitely do the valves ASAP.

Thanks,
Scott

[Steve]

The reason we mention starting is, that, as the clearance diminishes with wear, compression suffers and the bike gets harder and harder to start, especially when cold. If you can finally get it running, then it will start reliably any time the engine is still warm, chances are that the valves need adjusting.

Since yours is apparently still starting well, you need not worry too much.


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[SqDancerLynn1]

To give you an idea When I got my 850 it had 23K had 1 valve at min clearance so no adj was really needed. at 40K i had two valves at minimum so two shims were changed

[bwringer]

I whip my 850G like a rented mule -- lots of high rpms and regular trips to redline.

Valve checks are called for every 4,000 miles in the manual, and I might need to change one or two shims every second or third valve check.

You can't neglect the valve clearance checks, but they don't normally change all that fast. You do have to check to make sure, though.

When you need to replace one, order the next size or two smaller as well. After a while, you'll have a nice little collection and will rarely need to buy more.

On a new-to-me bike, I would measure and document all the clearances and also remove and measure each shim so I could plan ahead. But then again, I'm nutso that way.