1983 GS450E - Valve Check/Adjustment

[Sentinel]

Hi, I need to check/adjust the valves on my 1983 GS450E ASAP, and they are at least a bit overdue.

I have never performed this service myself before. I did once do a valve check and adjustment on a car engine, but it used screw-adjusters; not shims.

From what I've seen, it looks like I have a two-valve per cylinder head, and it uses shims for adjustment, is that correct?

So far the only resource material I've found is at this link:

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/storagecliff/images/engine_odds-n-ends.html#A02

This video linked there works:

http://youtu.be/jIL0eMzRPF8

This video link won't work for me, it says, ?This video is private. Sorry about that?:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgm4dwy0TJ4&feature=gv

Are there any other how-to instructions or example videos available that you know of and can link me to?

If there's any information that you know of that may be specific or helpful regarding my bike please let me know.

Also, I have emailed Steve asking for a copy of his "valve adjust spreadsheet", but I never received a response. Does anyone else have it to share with me?

[Guest]

Hi mate, BassCliff's site is *the* place to go for all that info.

I use the cable tie (or zip tie) method myself and find it relatively simple.

I believe you're right that it's 2 valves per cylinder as I don't recall a 4 valve per cylinder 450 (These are also known as GSX's and I believe have locknut adjusters rather than shims).

The shims if I remember correctly are 29.5mm diameter but please let someone else confirm before taking my word for it. For some reason I always forget it...

That GS500 video shows you to do a lot of stuff you shouldn't need to do, although mine's an '82 and will differ a bit to your '83. I don't need to take the breather cover off, but I do need to take the horn off.

When checking the clearances, the diagrams on that particular page of BassCliff's site are a little misleading... don't measure with the cam lobes perpendicular to the shim bucket, make sure they are perpendicular or parallel to the valve cover gasket surface. There is an excellent diagram in the factory manual that shows this but mine's in paper form in the garage...

Have a look at the guide by Matchless on BassCliff's site as his pictures are a little more appropriate even though they're for an 850.

Also, when checking the clearances, make sure that when you get one cam lobe in position, the other lobe on the same camshaft is not pressing down on the valve spring.

I can't recall if I took any photos during valve adjustments, but if you're patient you can trawl through my rebuild thread and have a look.

As for Steve's spreadsheet, give him some time as he is quite often out on the road so doesn't always reply quickly to emails. In the meantime just note your clearances etc. so you can input them to his spreadsheet when you get it.

Good luck and post any questions and we'll see how we can help...

[Steve]

Also, I have emailed Steve asking for a copy of his "valve adjust spreadsheet", but I never received a response. Does anyone else have it to share with me?

When did you send it? I have not seen anything recently.

Please make sure you put something about valve adjust spreadsheet in the subject line in case it get dumped into my Spam folder.
I get a lot of stuff that ends up in that folder, if there is nothing in the subject line to catch my eye, it gets flushed.

As for Steve's spreadsheet, give him some time as he is quite often out on the road so doesn't always reply quickly to emails. In the meantime just note your clearances etc. so you can input them to his spreadsheet when you get it.

Actually, I check my e-mail several times a day, most of the time, but the GOOD news is ... I'm off the road now.

.

[Guest]

Actually, I check my e-mail several times a day, most of the time, but the GOOD news is ... I'm off the road now.

.

Woohoo! Don't tell me you get a break Steve!? Surely a well deserved one

I must confess to not checking out your recent updated spreadsheet yet either...

[Steve]

Woohoo! Don't tell me you get a break Steve!? Surely a well deserved one

I must confess to not checking out your recent updated spreadsheet yet either...

A copy is on the way.

EDIT: Just checked my records, I sent you one on 6 NOV, did you not receive it?

.

[Guest]

A copy is on the way.

EDIT: Just checked my records, I sent you one on 6 NOV, did you not receive it?

.

I sure did get it Steve, just meant I hadn't actually opened it and checked it out yet...

But now I have two so it's double the fun

[BassCliff]

Hi,

This video link won't work for me, it says, “This video is private. Sorry about that”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgm4dwy0TJ4&feature=gv

Sorry about that. I've had to modify that section of my website. I noticed that the Google video link wasn't working any more. I now have a link to the video by BaltimoreGS on my website. You can also reference the procedure over at www.gstwin.com in their "How To" section.

http://www.gstwin.com/adjust_valves.htm

The valve adjustment guide (Valve Adjustments (8 Valve) ) on my little website has lots of pictures. Your procedure will be a little different but the principle is the same. There are a couple of GS450 manuals on my website (not factory manuals, sorry) that may also help with service procedures.

It's not hard. Set the cams in the proper positions, measure the clearance between the lobe and shim. If the clearance is too small, swap in the next smaller shim. Easy peazy.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[tkent02]

Does a 1983 GS450E even have shims?

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Does a 1983 GS450E even have shims?

Round cam caps = shims.

The GSX400, which I don't think were sold in the U.S., has the 4 valve per cylinder engine and uses the screw/tappet adjustment.




Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Guest]

Shims have continued even into the newer GS500's too...

[Sentinel]

Thanks for the help there Pete!

Steve, I just found your response email asking me for some info, I missed it before, but I just found it searching through my email right now from a month ago! lol I'll send you a reply right now.

Thanks for all the great info there BassCliff! Are either of those 450s yours?

My 450 is the black one there exactly. It looks like that one has a fork brace on it. I'd love to have one of those! I'd also like a windshield too. When I take my little 450 out on the weekends I always ride around 100-200 miles or so, including lots of highway time, and I think a fork brace and a especially a windshield would really take some fatigue off. Also my hands go numb after a little while. I put some Grip Puppy type tings on top of some gel grips, but my hands still go numb from the vibes of this little twin. But in spite of its issues and shortcomings it’s all I’ve got, and I’m thankful to have it and I really enjoy it a lot. I would absolutely hate life with no bike at all!

I’m really looking forward to getting this first do-it-yourself valve check/adjustment behind me so I can get back to riding more again!

[BassCliff]

Hi,

No, neither of those bikes are mine, just pictured as examples. You'll be surprised how much a valve adjustment and carb balance can smooth out the engine and cut down vibration.


Than you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Guest]

I've got a tiny little fly screen I made up on my 450 and it makes a huge difference to the wind buffeting.

I also have some vibes on mine but it doesn't hurt my hands, but I also have lighter alloy motorcross 'bars on mine as well.

One thing I've yet to try is some bar end weights but I need to find a set that will work with the dirt bike hand guards I have as well.

Valves in adjustment and a carb sync may cure a lot of your vibes also (especially the carb sync). But don't bother with a sync until the valve adjustments are good.

[Sentinel]

I've got a tiny little fly screen I made up on my 450 and it makes a huge difference to the wind buffeting.

I also have some vibes on mine but it doesn't hurt my hands, but I also have lighter alloy motorcross 'bars on mine as well.

One thing I've yet to try is some bar end weights but I need to find a set that will work with the dirt bike hand guards I have as well.

Valves in adjustment and a carb sync may cure a lot of your vibes also (especially the carb sync). But don't bother with a sync until the valve adjustments are good.

OK, thanks for the info.

[Guest]

No worries mate, let us know how you go.