Vice grips on camshafts? Why?

[BigD_83]

In the 1100G Service manual they call for attaching vice grips to the cam shaft when undoing the cam holders.

Why do they call for this, and if two people are working, is it necessary?

Thanks,

D

[tkent02]

Hold the camshaft down so it doesn't mess up the bearings.

[bwringer]

Yep.

Also helps ensure there's no bending stress on the camshaft. I don't recall hearing of a broken GS camshaft, but I know it can happen on a KZ. No point in taking chances.

[rapidray]

As long as you back the bolts off evenly across the cam, you will never need to do anything else. As a Suzuki dealer mechanic for many years, this is the FIRST time I have ever heard of this one!
Ray.

[Nessism]

Main thing is to reduce stress on the cam cap threads. I use the vice grips all the time now and it makes the process much easier and less stressful on the parts. On my Kawasaki I turn the vice grips upside down and it works even better.

[Sandy]

Yep.

Also helps ensure there's no bending stress on the camshaft. I don't recall hearing of a broken GS camshaft, but I know it can happen on a KZ. No point in taking chances.

Yamaha FZR1000 manual says to back off the caps slowly and evenly or stand a good chance of breaking the cam shaft. So it's obviously a common issue.

[BigD_83]

It didn't seem all that necessary working as a team of two, but I see where working solo it might have really helped.

[1_v8_merc]

I use vise grips too. The female threads are damaged on my cam retainers from previous owner, so I just don't wanna stress it more.

[Guest]

It helps prevent stripped cam holder bolts.

[Buffalo Bill]

In the Clymer manual it says to: "Gradually and in a crisscross manner, loosen bolts securing all 4 cam bearing caps, and remove caps".
I can see how holding the caps down with vice grips would be a wise backup for amateurs.

Just reminds me to ask, is there better performance cams that fit the GS1100G?

[BigD_83]

I'm still having a hard time picturing how to:

a) grip the shaft with the pliers so as you don't mar the surface of the camshaft, and
b) apply downward force on them.

Do they just give you a better surface on which to lean your hand, or do you strap them down somehow? If you think about them being a lever, wouldn't pushing down on the vice grip handle lever the cam shaft up?

[rudeman]

This is a screenshot from the Suzuki GS1000 Factory Service manual.



If you look in the Haynes GS750 manual it also shows the same procedure and stipulates that's recommended method of camshaft retention for service.

[rudeman]

I'm still having a hard time picturing how to:

a) grip the shaft with the pliers so as you don't mar the surface of the camshaft, and
b) apply downward force on them.

Do they just give you a better surface on which to lean your hand, or do you strap them down somehow? If you think about them being a lever, wouldn't pushing down on the vice grip handle lever the cam shaft up?

The camshaft is clamped down to the head. There are lands on both sides of the head to place the jaw of the vice grips.

[Nessism]

In the Clymer manual it says to: "Gradually and in a crisscross manner, loosen bolts securing all 4 cam bearing caps, and remove caps".
I can see how holding the caps down with vice grips would be a wise backup for amateurs.

Just reminds me to ask, is there better performance cams that fit the GS1100G?

Amateurs use a Clymers. Experienced mechanics use the factory Suzuki manual...and vice grips.

Regarding cams, define "better".

[BigD_83]

Thanks Rudy,

the angle in those pictures are better than those in the Suzuki manual. I don't recall the 1100 head having the same lands. I guess I can have another look when Piers brings the cylinders and head back.