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GS850 Cam Followers/Tappet Bucket Won’t Install

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    GS850 Cam Followers/Tappet Bucket Won’t Install

    This is driving me nuts! I had the head on my ‘82 GS850 reconditioned. The shop reseated all the valves, put in new seals, planed the gasket surfaces and returned the head to me with the springs and all set. I’m trying to install the cam followers/tappet bucket/valve spring bucket, whatever you want to call it, and they will not go in the guides. As of now, I have 3 of the 8 installed and probably spent 3 hrs getting those in. I tried freezing them in the freezer and even went and got some dry ice to try to get them as cold as possible. The ones that went in were warm by they time they actually went. I oiled them and greased them to try and help but nothing is working. What should I do?

    #2
    Maybe put the head in the oven for a bit then try again before it cools?
    Roger

    Current rides
    1983 GS 850G
    2003 FJR 1300A
    Gone but not forgotten 1985 Rebel 250, 1991 XT225, 2004 KLR650, 1981 GS850G, 1982 GS1100GL, 2002 DL1000, 2005 KLR650, 2003 KLX400

    Comment


      #3
      That may not the best idea ...
      if they don't fit at room temp you may never
      get them out when fitted hot and they
      stick.
      The buckets came off this head so
      will go back in.
      Oil the outside of the bucket lightly
      and twist-push the bucket in, aligning
      the bucket with the bore.
      If that does not work, check if the valve
      and springs are not obstructing the
      bucket going in.

      If they are, they are not seated right.
      Re-install valve and try again.
      Last edited by Rijko; 10-03-2021, 04:12 PM.
      Rijk

      Top 10 Newbie Mistakes thread

      CV Carb rebuild tutorial
      VM Carb rebuild tutorial
      Bikecliff's website
      The Stator Papers

      "The thing about freedom - it's never free"

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by Rijko View Post
        That may not the best idea ...
        if they don't fit cold you may never
        get them out when fitted hot and they
        stick.
        The buckets came off this head so
        will go back in.
        Oil the outside of the bucket lightly
        and twist-push the bucket in, aligning
        the bucket with the bore.
        If that does not work, check if the valve
        and springs are not obstructing the
        bucket going in.

        If they are, they are not seated right.
        Re-install valve and try again.
        I’m starting to think the valve springs aren’t centered. How can I fix this?

        Comment


          #5
          Is it an option to go back to the shop
          and show them the issue ?
          With the right tool at hand they will
          re-install the valves properly and put on
          the buckets in minutes.
          Rijk

          Top 10 Newbie Mistakes thread

          CV Carb rebuild tutorial
          VM Carb rebuild tutorial
          Bikecliff's website
          The Stator Papers

          "The thing about freedom - it's never free"

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by Rijko View Post
            Is it an option to go back to the shop
            and show them the issue ?
            With the right tool at hand they will
            re-install the valves properly and put on
            the buckets in minutes.
            I’ll have to pull the head off the bike again but this sounds like a good option. Pretty sure something the shop did is causing the issue.

            Comment


              #7
              When installed you should be able to rotate
              the buckets with your fingers.
              If not, and they are oiled, something is not ok.
              I would verify that on the buckets you installed.
              Last edited by Rijko; 10-03-2021, 05:04 PM.
              Rijk

              Top 10 Newbie Mistakes thread

              CV Carb rebuild tutorial
              VM Carb rebuild tutorial
              Bikecliff's website
              The Stator Papers

              "The thing about freedom - it's never free"

              Comment


                #8
                There is a VERY small clearance between the buckets and the head,
                the buckets have to be PERFECTLY aligned to get them in place.

                Comment


                  #9
                  As others have said. alignment is key to reinstalling them.
                  It is possible for the outer valve springs to be slightly out of position on the retainers. I have seen this prevent the buckets re- entering.
                  What can be done - if you can see down well enough - is ease the spring(s) into a more central position. A small flat blade screwdriver can be used for this but take care not to mark the follower bores.
                  This is why when reconning a head, I do the clearances on the bench before putting it back on. Do it long enough, you eventually learn....

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Maybe the workshop that did the head burred the follower bore with the valve spring compressor ?. Just a thought.
                    My bikes 79 GS1000 1085 checked and approved by stator the GSR mascot and 77 GS750 with 850 top end, GS850g, and my eldest sons 78 GS550, youngest sons GS125. Project bike 79 GS1000N

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