Engine noise! Cam Tensioner, Tappets, Shims, Valves? Help!

[Joe Nardy]

Dom,

The valve clearances must be measured before buying the shims. The shims come in different thicknesses and are used to adjust your valve clearances to spec.

Joe

[bradleymaynar]

I wish I could join all of you for the valve adjustment class. I've got what seems to be the same clatter in the cam area. According to one of the previous owners, its been there for a while (at least 3 years) I planned on tearing into the valves this winter (didn't look too difficult according to Chiltons). Let me know how it goes for you guys. This will be the furthest I've torn into a bike. Also, the VC gasket was replaced in spring '03 with Suzuki gasket, it's paper. Just thought I'd mention it if you are nervous with whatever you get aftermarket and otherwise.

Brad

[AOD]

you gonna make it out Brad?

i'm still planning on friday night...i'll probably pickup the trailer thursday evening....its just north of Rockford.

[Mastiff]

For what its worth I have an old POS Ford E250 Van. I can get two bikes in it if you need extra hauling done. I have a GS750 to pick up in Beloit sometime, so I can be out that way.

[Anonymous]

Excellent...I have lots of sofas that need a moving also.... =; .......but hopefully Joe I can get my 77 out there Friday evening or Sat morning if that's OK with you and come back whenever you are planning on starting Sat or Sun. Whatever is convenient for you. Gaskets on the way. Does the Metra run out there in the vast wastelands and forests that lie outside the city? That would be perfect. I think my friend is lending me his van but getting it up in there will be fun. Where are we gonna find the correct shims on a Sat/Sun? Are these common items?

[Mastiff]

77GS550 wrote:

Does the Metra run out there in the vast wastelands and forests that lie outside the city? That would be perfect. I think my friend is lending me his van but getting it up in there will be fun.

I live within a block of the Blue Line and the Eisenhower Expressway. I could take you with me when I go if we can work out the timiing. Getting a GS into the back of a full size van is relatively easy if you are strong or have a helper. I use two sections of 3/4 inch plywood as a ramp. If you have an L model you have to tilt the bike at the top of the ramp to let the handlebars clear the door.

[first timer]

mastiff and domino, keep me posted in what you figure out, if there is room in your van i would like to jump on this wagon too.
i live only 2 miles from domino.

ryan

[Joe Nardy]

Denis, Domino, Ryan,

Yes, Metra runs to the vast wastelands of DuPage County. I'm not sure what line it is but it used to ba called Chicago Northwestern. I think the schedules show it as Chicago to Aurora. The Lombard stop is less than a mile from my house. I could certainly taxi the GS guys to and from the station. There is plenty of room in the garage to leave bikes for a few days. Doing so will require that I leave my car outside and have to get into a cold car in the morning but I'll make the tough sacrifices for you guys!

Joe

[Anonymous]

I live within a block of the Blue Line and the Eisenhower Expressway. I could take you with me when I go if we can work out the timiing. Getting a GS into the back of a full size van is relatively easy if you are strong or have a helper. I use two sections of 3/4 inch plywood as a ramp. If you have an L model you have to tilt the bike at the top of the ramp to let the handlebars clear the door.

Thanks. Sounds good, if I don't get this van (which I would have all weekend as I need to move some furniture also.....oh boy) we can go out hopefully. You're picking up another GS? That list is getting long man!

Joe, I talked to the guy from http://www.realgaskets.com/files/motorcycle.htm the other day. Nice guy, said that with these type of silicone gaskets we don't want to over torque them down causing "pooch"......? Well, he said 20 to 25 lbs torque max and use locktite on the screws. I didn't know that these types of gaskets are reusable/washable and racers run these because of the frequent adjustments needed. He also said that they can be a pain to install because of the material? Too jiggly...? I am supposed to get mine by Friday hopefully.

[Joe Nardy]

Domino,

I think he probably said "inch-pounds". Because silicone is so pliable it takes very little torque to get a good seal. They recommend locktite for the screws because the torque spec is little more than hand tight. Check out the product review written by Hap:

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/viewtopic.php?t=10528

Thanks,
Joe

[AOD]

i've got my real gasket and my valve adjustment tool ready to go.

since i spent $35 on the tool...who's bringing the beer? :P

[Mastiff]

Joe Nardy wrote:

They recommend locktite for the screws

Gary wrote this on a thread a while ago.

Always use anti-sieze on on any bolt going into aluminum, it saves a lot of headaches. Never use Loctite on a steel bolt going into aluminum, there is a chemical reaction that can cause the aluminum to come out with the bolt resulting in a very nice hole with no threads.

The thread is here: http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...uminum+threads

Now I'm confused again. Big surprise. Do we use loctite or not?

[Planecrazy]

Hmmmm... have Saturday evening plans but might be able to stop by earlier in the day.

I won't bring either of my bikes, but would look forward to meeting you guys and learning something... I'll let you know later this week if I can make it.

Steve 8)

[AOD]

yes, come by Steve. i believe Ryan is doing the same thing.

[Planecrazy]

Now all I need is an address and directions from Buffalo Grove (Rt 53 and Lake Cook Rd is my basic starting point). Also, let me know what time you guys are planning to start Saturday morning.

Thanks!
Steve 8)