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gs850 gt top end rebuild

  • Thread starter Thread starter mottacycle
  • Start date Start date
The 0.03-0.08 spec is in milimeters, the 0.001-0.003 spec is in inches.

Both are correct, but the mm spec is MORE correct, as the inch spec is an approximation.

When you are deciding which shim to use, go with the looser side of the spec, if possible. Unfortunately, one shim size will change by the entire range, so if you are at 0.035mm, for example, going just one shim size thinner will take that to 0.085mm, which is technically out of the range. The good news is that you can safely go to 0.10mm (approx. 0.004") with no problems. In fact, the bike will run just a bit better with looser valve clearances, and it will be longer before the valves get tight enough to need another adjustment, but you still need to check them according to schedule.

If this bike is 'new' to you and you know nothing of its history, plan on checking clearances again soon, likely within 1000 miles or so, just to make sure they are still good. After that you can go to the recommended 3-4000 mile intervals.

Ok i got it now. thanks datsa:cool: i appreciate the knowledge. Im a standard thinker as everything i play with is inches, so thats why i lean towards it!! also update on the head in the shop.... one of the inner valve springs is broken:eek: is that a hard part to source? and should i get a whole new set? im thinkin new set. he said the valves are good, the seats are good, valve guides good, and everything is apart and cleaned up, just waiting for my valve seals and inner spring. ima stop by and look at the head. while at all this i am really on the fence about the rings and ball honeing the cylinders that way its now a new bike from my ownership almost.:eagerness: (sorry for the horrible grammar issues and spelling just a analog man in a digital world) hard enough to post pictures on here let alone type all i need too!
 
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don't know what year your 850 is but here is a decent gasket set priced pretty competitively compared to other sellers, I choose Vesrah over Athena any day, but if you can afford OEM gaskets, go for them.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-GS85...60-GS850-GS-850-GS850GL-/281913875610?vxp=mtr
would i be good with this set its an 81 gt with an 80 head goin on it...??? only difference between the gl/gn and gt was the full Transistorized ignition, slotted disc rotors, 4 screw master cylinder, headlight,handlebar switch, mount angles of cam sprockets, so not in engine and tranny design? gaskets should mate?? reason i ask is cause the gasket set is $159!!!! from factory
 
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I've got some spare (used) valve springs if you want them (free for the cost of shipping). I've also got a brand new set too (not free). PM me if you want to discuss.
 
thanks datsa! for the tips. i have a service manual for the bike just didnt have it in front of me when my brain rattled off that spec lol!! but now u got me confused... spec sheet says Valve Clearance or tappet (when cold)IN. 0.03- EX.0.08 then below(.001-.003) i mean tight is right but which is it?

This bold print item has me wondering if you are doing it right. The clearances between the Intake and Exhaust do not differ, if I am correct. This makes me think you are seeking a clearance of 0.03 on the intakes and 0.08 on the exhausts.
Please tell me I am wrong thinking you are reading these wrong, but I think the clearances are 0.03--0.08mm for both intake and exhaust valves.
It's just me but I always think in terms of inches and set mine in the .002--.004 inch range as opposed to the .001--.003 inch measurement.
 
It's just me but I always think in terms of inches and set mine in the .002--.004 inch range as opposed to the .001--.003 inch measurement.

Which is .05mm - 10mm, pretty much what all of us do. I aim for .08 but .05 to .10 is close enough.
 
yes i got it in and ex are the same clearances. just wrote it down wrong space cadet over here
 
would i be good with this set its an 81 gt with an 80 head goin on it...??? only difference between the gl/gn and gt was the full Transistorized ignition, slotted disc rotors, 4 screw master cylinder, headlight,handlebar switch, mount angles of cam sprockets, so not in engine and tranny design? gaskets should mate?? reason i ask is cause the gasket set is $159!!!! from factory

Head gasket is the same for all of the 850's from cross-referencing P/N's, never knew there was an 850 GT? Where you'll run into problems swapping heads are the earlier 850's used VM carbs while the later ones used CV.
 
constant velocity carbs on her i would love some MS carbs though
 
got it all back together now those cams are tricky!!! Everything is lined up 20 pegs from 2 to 3 timing mark was still lined up turned over and good to go! lash was set correct and i should be running here after i figure out the wiring for new coils!! thanks again for all the input and help!!!
 
update got it running !!!!!! but i got no spark on 1 and i got smoke coming out my left pipe once warm...... wtf!!!!
put new coil on it thought that would fix spark didnt but i think the boot is to blame..... also timing was correct and the head went to the shop for clean up grinded valves new stem seals and the vlave lash was set to .03mm am i missing something here???
 
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alright new update good to go the spark issue was a fuel issue got all cylinders running just need a carbs sync and should be on the road for the first ride here shortly!! i traced all wires and grounds.. even got to the ignitior and took that apart tested all resistors and transistors then when to plugs and coils made sure i wired them up right took off the carbs and noticed i wasnt getting fuel into the cylinder tore em down and cleared em out again!!!!! boom got it burning fuel!!! thanks for all the info and tips for the rebuild will post some pics when all done!!!
 
one major question about the buckets though.. they are not adjustable.... as my machine shop guru has said so this is why the valve lash must be correct. within .001-.003 in my book as i remember. to my understanding though u can use shims on the bucket to correct if needed after 100 miles or so?

I'm probably just not understanding the part about using shims after 100 miles if needed, but you need shims in every bucket all the time.
 
Yes I do know that u need shims all the time.
So I got a big problem now..... white smoke out of both tail pipes backfiring and won't run off choke circuit also surging idle....
 
Not off by a tooth just counted from 2 Mark to 3 mark and it is 20pins2016-02-28 16.16.55.jpg
 
Plugs were black smoke is looking whitish blue also there is gas and oil coming out of the tail pipe it's a brownish color.
 
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