valve clearance how to?

[biker_guy]

My valve cover is leaking so I've got a new gasket on the way. Wanted to check the valve clearance while I'm fixing the leak. Really trying to get everything marked off that list Basscliff has in the welcome. Anyway been looking for threads to shine some light on how to measure or whatever. From what I'm reading shims if it's out of spec. (I have an 82 gs850gl) But I always thought valve clearance meant the distance between the valve and the top of the piston. Seems like you'd have to take off the head not just the valve cover. But I'm pretty sure I'm wrong cause from what I'm gathering you guys aren't taking off the head so please correct my misunderstanding.

[doctorgonzo]

The "clearance" on these bikes is the distance between the cam lobe and the "shim" that rests in a "bucket" against the valve when the valve is fully closed (I think). When you take the cam cover off, the cams and the base of the valves with the shims are right there, so no need to remove the head.

[Nessism]

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

[Joe C]

Basscliff's site rules! I'm getting ready to check my valves (and a few other other items since the tank is off), and just have to pull the plugs and it's ready to go.

[NetBSD]

anyone know if the gs450L would be the same steps as the 850gl? i have never even touched my valves but would liek to check them

[biker_guy]

Thanks for the info!

kinda off topic How do you guys keep your motors to clean and new looking. Or get them that way to begin with?? wish I could get mine looking like that. Was going to give up and paint it.

[Nessism]

anyone know if the gs450L would be the same steps as the 850gl? i have never even touched my valves but would liek to check them

Same steps, same clearance, same shims.

[Joe C]

kinda off topic How do you guys keep your motors to clean and new looking. Or get them that way to begin with?? wish I could get mine looking like that. Was going to give up and paint it.

I just recently bought mine, and it was fairly clean to begin with. I have found the best way to keep engines clean is with regular car wash soap (don't use dish soap) and a wash mitt, and use a stiff paint brush for the hard to reach spots. Anything stronger than car wash soap can dull or etch the finish, which makes it look dirtier.

I'll probably put in new intake O-rings also, since from looking at the screws I don't think they've been changed.

[Dave8338]

I'll probably put in new intake O-rings also, since from looking at the screws I don't think they've been changed.

When putting it back together, use the stainless alen bolts...I didn't and my "black" bolts are now starting to rust. This on a bike that never sits outside.

[rustybronco]

Thanks for the info!

kinda off topic How do you guys keep your motors to clean and new looking....

Ask the resident expert! Renobruce.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=854437&postcount=13

[Joe C]

When putting it back together, use the stainless alen bolts...I didn't and my "black" bolts are now starting to rust. This on a bike that never sits outside.

Great tip! I think I'll do that.

[doctorgonzo]

Great tip! I think I'll do that.

Pretty much EVERYTHING you take apart on one of these bikes, put it back together with SS allen heads. The easy way is a bolt kit, couples sources for that, the cheap way is to buy them individually as needed.

[knastyknark]

I'm also looking at working on the valves on my 87 GS450L. Anybody know of a place online where I can get parts (gaskets, shims, etc)?

Thanks for the .pdf link, btw!

[Skyboy8950]

z1enterprises.com has cheap shims. There is a thread around here about silicone gaskets that can be reused. Search for that. Also, while at z1, pick up the shim tool. Definately worth it.

[knastyknark]

Thanks! I also found the New Member-Welcome thread, with sites/instructions for the basic stuff I knew needed to be done...