Valve clearances

[Mercaholic]

I just adjusted the valves on my '83 GS1100ES and noticed that all were out of spec and in fact had no gap clearances. The bike has 18K on it so I am assuming that this was the 1st valve check.

So does this mean that as these motors accumulate the miles that things get tighter rather than looser in the valvetrain area?

[Guest]

I just adjusted the valves on my '83 GS1100ES and noticed that all were out of spec and in fact had no gap clearances. The bike has 18K on it so I am assuming that this was the 1st valve check.

So does this mean that as these motors accumulate the miles that things get tighter rather than looser in the valvetrain area?

The seats and valves loose material from heat and mechanical pounding from closing hard in operation. The stem then sits higher in the head which reduces clearance. Ray

[Nessism]

I just adjusted the valves on my '83 GS1100ES and noticed that all were out of spec and in fact had no gap clearances. The bike has 18K on it so I am assuming that this was the 1st valve check.

So does this mean that as these motors accumulate the miles that things get tighter rather than looser in the valvetrain area?

Many a GS has died a horrible death due to neglected valve adjustment. Once the clearance goes away the valve never closes and then the hot combustion gasses burn the valves and seats.