Valve adjustment '81 GS650G

[Clint]

Hi, I've noticed a knarly vibration at about 5k rpm, and read in the forum that this could be valve related. I hope it's not the main bearings, or compression related... I also hear clattering that seems to come from the top. I've never riden or heard another GS run, so I have no frame of reference. I'm gettin' ready to check my tappet clearances, and want to be a prepared as possible. I am ordering gaskets from the Real Gaskets site, and only see a breather gasket for the 550 850 and 1100. Would my 650 use the 550 gasket, or should I try to find the OEM for it?

I would also like advice on how to go about ordering shims. Do I order all the thicknesses available before hand, so that I have all sizes standing by (my estimate is that this would be around $206.00), or should I wait to see what the gaps are, and then get just what I need. Is there a rule of thumb. It seems like having the shims ready to go is the best, so I could finish the project asap. I haven't looked into the availability of these at my local shop, so I'm not sure how easy it is to get them.

Thanks for any advice you may have. Cheers!

[Nessism]

Clint,
You may not need to remove the breather cover, I know you don't have to on the 550.

Regarding shims, most of us gather up a few extras from either the Shim Club (do a search and info will turn up), or order a few of each likely size from Z1 Enterprises. How many miles on your bike? Most common sizes are 2.70 - 2.55, but it could be higher or lower, depending on how many miles your engine has on it.

[Clint]

The bike has a around 25,000 miles. I don't know if an adjustment has ever been made.

[Nessism]

Most likely you will be in the 2.60 - 2.70 range. You can move shims around from one to the another but there are always a few smaller shims you will need. Maybe order three 2.65's and 2.60's, along with a couple 2.55's and 2.70's, and one 2.50 as a checking shim. Also order the shim tool. Z1 Enterprises has good prices and service.

Good luck.

[Fenixgoon]

I found that taking the breather cover off makes taking the valve cover off much easier on my 82 GS650G.

Is there any reason to order before taking measurements? I found it to be a relatively quick process, and a feeler gauge set is only a few bucks at your local hardware/auto store.

[Clint]

Sounds good, thanks a lot for the advice. I'll check out the Z1 site.

[Clint]

What do you mean by checking shim?

[hampshirehog]

A checking shim: if your valve clearances are really tight i.e. 'non existant' and you can't insert a feeler gauge, you have to remove the shim and replace with a thinner one. It's always handy to have a very thin one that you'll probably never need to run the motor but that you can guarantee will allow a gap big enough to measure. This then gives you a basis to start the maths.

[Clint]

Ah yes, I get it. Thanks again.

[bwringer]

There has GOT to be a grubby Olde Bike Shoppe somewhere in Seattle that will stock shims. Most Suzuki dealers do not stock shims (although who knows -- you might find one that's been around a while and has them) but an independent shop or junkyard that deals in old Japanese bikes will be a better bet.

I've built up a nice collection of shims over the years, but since it's impossible to tell what you'll need without removing the valve cover and checking, there's no point in ordering shims beforehand.

Oh yeah, Cycle Recycle II is about 20 minutes from my house, so that's handy...

[maro]

I have an 81 650g as well. Breather cover did not need to be removed. I don't remember having any issues getting the valve cover off. r

I used the zip tie method with success. Also, search valve clearance and a fellow by the name of "steve" will appear in one of the threads. He offers an excel chart that is invaluable when swapping your shims. I believe Basscliff's site has links to all of this.

Good Luck. The hardest part of the process is waiting for your shims in the mail.

[Bribird]

Ya I too had no problem on my 650 with the breather being a problem to remove the valve cover. But if you are intent on removing it.....I have a brand new breather gasket just sitting around.

[maro]

..I have a brand new breather gasket just sitting around.

LOL, that makes too of us.

[scrapper]

I am just wandering do you need to clean or replace the filter in the breather or is it something else?I will need to check the valves pretty quick this week sometime was just wanting to know if you need other stuff beside the valve cover gasket and shims?

[Big_Z]

GS850G valve adjust questions

wrong thread
Z