What the deal with valve shims?!

**Billy Ricks** · 07-09-2010, 02:03 PM

Originally posted by Adler

I don't understand why adjusting the valves is necessary, what could cause the spacing to change? Why can't it be set and left forever?

Because the valves and seats take a pounding along with cam surfaces and rockers on the bikes that have them. If they don't get adjusted at regular intervals you'll end up burning exhaust valves and maybe a piston, or two, or three, or four.

**Adler** · 07-09-2010, 02:09 PM

Originally posted by Billy Ricks

Because the valves and seats take a pounding along with cam surfaces and rockers on the bikes that have them. If they don't get adjusted at regular intervals you'll end up burning exhaust valves and maybe a piston, or two, or three, or four.

Aren't there about a million precision parts in our bikes that take a pounding? Whats so special about the valves?

**Billy Ricks** · 07-09-2010, 02:12 PM

Originally posted by Adler

Aren't there about a million precision parts in our bikes that take a pounding? Whats so special about the valves?

They get tighter over time and there is probably not another part that takes as big a beating as the valve train. If you don't want to deal with valve adjustments buy a bike with hydraulic valves. It's that or pay for a topend job by ignoring them.

**Agemax** · 07-09-2010, 02:15 PM

Originally posted by Billy Ricks

They get tighter over time and there is probably not another part that takes as big a beating as the valve train. If you don't want to deal with valve adjustments buy a bike with hydraulic valves. It's that or pay for a topend job by ignoring them.

or buy a stroker!

**Adler** · 07-09-2010, 02:15 PM

Originally posted by Billy Ricks

If you don't want to deal with valve adjustments buy a bike with hydraulic valves. It's that or pay for a topend job by ignoring them.

No no... its nothing like that, I'll do it. I'm just curious about it.

**Baatfam** · 07-09-2010, 02:17 PM

Originally posted by Adler

No no... its nothing like that, I'll do it. I'm just curious about it.

If you get a 16 valve model, you don't have to deal with shims...just lock nuts and adjusting screws...

**Adler** · 07-09-2010, 02:21 PM

The only reason to hesitate on doing the check is that I dont happen to have a big stock of shims handy, so I would have to open it up, then order shims, then wait.... and wait... and wait... then install them! (also I need to go find some of those measuring feelers).

**Nessism** · 07-09-2010, 02:23 PM

The shim and bucket GS valve train is supremely durable. One of the best characteristics of the engines in my opinion. Unfortunately, some owners can't be bothered with doing maintenance, particularly valve adjustments, so my supposition is that lots of GS's die a horrible death with burnt valves. Darn shame really since a properly cared for GS will run 100,000+ miles, but without valve adjustments the engine will die in just a fraction of that.

**rapidray** · 07-09-2010, 02:24 PM

All the more reason to get a 16 valve bike with SCREW adjust rockers! Ray.

**Billy Ricks** · 07-09-2010, 02:25 PM

Originally posted by Adler

The only reason to hesitate on doing the check is that I dont happen to have a big stock of shims handy, so I would have to open it up, then order shims, then wait.... and wait... and wait... then install them! (also I need to go find some of those measuring feelers).

If you are unsure of the maintenance history this should be on your short list of things to do. You may not find any tight valves or just two or three. You may even be able to swap some shims around.

**Larry D** · 07-09-2010, 02:41 PM

Originally posted by Adler

The only reason to hesitate on doing the check is that I dont happen to have a big stock of shims handy, so I would have to open it up, then order shims, then wait.... and wait... and wait... then install them! (also I need to go find some of those measuring feelers).

Or..you could take advantage of the Valve Shim Swap Club.

GS Valve Shim Club - The GSResources Forums

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=122394

If you sell parts or provide services for GS series motorcycles, place a description of it in this forum.

**Adler** · 07-09-2010, 02:47 PM

Originally posted by Billy Ricks

If you are unsure of the maintenance history this should be on your short list of things to do. You may not find any tight valves or just two or three. You may even be able to swap some shims around.

The PO mentioned that the head gasket had recently been replaced, Im hoping that means the valves were adjusted also, but I'm waiting on his reply to my recent email to see about whether this needs to be done or not... might just do it anyways.

Originally posted by Larry D

Or..you could take advantage of the Valve Shim Swap Club.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=122394

Holey moley that looks awesome!

**Baatfam** · 07-09-2010, 03:00 PM

Originally posted by Adler

The PO mentioned that the head gasket had recently been replaced, Im hoping that means the valves were adjusted also, but I'm waiting on his reply to my recent email to see about whether this needs to be done or not... might just do it anyways.

Never trust a PO unless you know them personally, and even then...always best to be sure.

I would at least check them...might be OK..if not, you really don't want to ride it anyway.
Checking them doesn't take much time at all.

**bwringer** · 07-09-2010, 03:08 PM

Originally posted by rapidray

All the more reason to get a 16 valve bike with SCREW adjust rockers! Ray.

Eh, it only takes about 10 years of rabid riding to accumulate enough shims to deal with most possible shim situations...

What the deal with valve shims?!

What the deal with valve shims?!

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