Parts list for valve check - GS850

[BassCliff]

Hey friends,

Before I start this little project on Saturday morning, I just wanted to make sure I have everything I need for a valve check/adjustment. Here's what I've got:

1. Full 29.5mm shim kit (Thanks to Ms. SqDancerLynn1!)
2. Motion Pro shim tool
3. Feeler gauges
4. Breather and valve cover gaskets (from realgaskets.com)
5. Torque wrench (in/lbs)
6. Impact driver
7. Heavy tweezers (hemostats)
8. Clymer and Suzuki shop manuals

Can you folks think of anything else I might need? As long as I have the plugs out I was going to replace them. I'm in between oil changes so I was just going to top off when I'm done, if necessary. When reassembling, do I just clean the surfaces and put the gaskets on dry? Thanks for your sharing your experience.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[arveejay]

You forgot some good music and a gallon of Iced Tea.

[Guest]

If the breather cover doesn't leak don't mess with it. If you need hemostats you might want some Pink Floyd.\\/

[salty_monk]

Real Gaskets go on dry. Be careful of the torque, I've heard they are easy to cut! (Although I had no probs, just did it by hand/eye).

I cleaned my breather out, the pipe was brittle & there was some crud in there that came out easy enough. I also used the Realgaskets breather cover gasket.

Seems like you have the full list. Remember where the bolts go, they're different lengths.

Dan

[BassCliff]

Great advice! Thanks!

Of course! How could I forget good music and ice tea? And I'll also note the bolt lengths. Good stuff. Thank you, my friends.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Nessism]

A micrometer comes in handy, particularly if you have some 'X' shims (which are fatter than a normal shim of the same size designation) or if the numbers have been wiped off the shims.

[salty_monk]

Yes, I used a Vernier.

Also meant to mention to use the Suzuki manual not Clymer. It's different method & give different results.

Dan

[BassCliff]

Murphy's Law

Just my luck. In the mail yesterday was a Priority Mail envelope from Real Gaskets. Inside was an invoice for $12.48, one breather gasket, and a couple of flat styrofoam peanuts. Drat and bother! Where is the valve cover gasket? Did they ship it separately? If so, why? Did they ship it at all? I'm no novice to computers but I didn't like the ordering system on their website. I know I ordered both gaskets.

I sent an email to harold@realgaskets.com and asked the above questions and pleaded to have the gasket shipped as quickly as possible. But it looks like I won't be doing my valves this weekend. So instead I'll install new fork springs, replace the brake fluid, and change the oil and spark plugs. Best laid plans, eh?

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[BassCliff]

Everything's gonna be alright

Hello good people,

Just a quick follow-up -- I did get an email response from Harold at Real Gaskets, an automated response, indicating that my valve cover gasket was shipped this morning. That was a quick response but I doubt it will be here by Saturday morning, which was when I had scheduled my big valve clearance check. But guess what? Once again Ms. SqDancerLynn1 said she had an extra gasket.

I'll pay you back, Ms. Lynn. I think you could put a mechanic and a parts store out of business if you really wanted to.

Also, thanks to Keith Krause for posting such a great synopsis in this thread.

Now, on to the party! Bring on the wrenches! \\/

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff