550 valve adj

[mack]

does the 81 550 have shims or adjusting locknuts? thanks

[iAlex]

My 80 550 has shims so I would imagine that yours does as well.

[waterman]

shims for sure.

[BassCliff]

Buckets of shims!

Hi Mr. mack,

This is from the 81 GS550 parts fiche at bikebandit.com:



Procuring a repair manual for your bike is strongly encouraged. For general guidelines feel free to click on the "BikeCliff" link in my sig.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[mack]

Thanks a lot . I have a manual but wasn't sure if it was for the 8 valve and 16 valve motor, also talked to a friend that said his 1100 was locknut so that confused me even more. Now, I've never done shims before so do I need the speacial tool to do this with or is there an alternative tool of choice?

[Nessism]

Thanks a lot . I have a manual but wasn't sure if it was for the 8 valve and 16 valve motor, also talked to a friend that said his 1100 was locknut so that confused me even more. Now, I've never done shims before so do I need the speacial tool to do this with or is there an alternative tool of choice?

http://www.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/gs850valve_adjust.pdf

[BassCliff]

The right tool for the job!

Thanks a lot . I have a manual but wasn't sure if it was for the 8 valve and 16 valve motor, also talked to a friend that said his 1100 was locknut so that confused me even more. Now, I've never done shims before so do I need the speacial tool to do this with or is there an alternative tool of choice?

Hi Mr. mack,

It's good to know you have a manual. Be sure to refer to it often. I've read only one or two posts here in the forum stating the rider used a big flat head screwdriver instead of a tappet depressor. But I would recommend picking up the tool. You'll be doing valve adjustments every 4000 miles, right?

Your friend is correct. The 16 valve motors have the lock nut valve adjustments and the 8 valve motors use bucket and shim.

I think the job is a lot easier with the proper tools. It's around $15-$20. It's sometimes called a "shim tool". Click on the picture below.



Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[koolaid_kid]

Mack, read your PMs.