mustering the confidence to do my valve adjustment

[Redman]

........
I am stripping what paint I can from the block ......

Dont know the entire situation, but just a comment here, to say that on an 83, the engine being black is stock.

 

[Motojoe2492]

Dont know the entire situation, but just a comment here, to say that on an 83, the engine being black is stock.

Yeah, I will be giving it a fresh coat. Mine had been caked with grease for a long time, and some spots have corroded and chipped the paint. I might polish the valve cover, but currently I need to hurry my ass up so we'll see what actually gets done

Well, the one I was referring to was the spreadsheet that I offer to help you calculate what shims you need.

Have you seen another one? :-k

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I have seen one, can't remember if it was in my service manual or online though.

 

[Steve]

There is a chart in the manual(s) that will tell you everything you need to know. My Excel spreadsheet simply does the math for you and offers suggestions what shim you might need. It is also a reference tool, as it maintains a history of what your clearances were last time you checked your valves. It also tracks what you have in your bike now, based on what you have entered from previous records. Based on that, you can also judge whether you can safely extend the service interval. This spreadsheet is NOT online. There are others, but mine is not.

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[Motojoe2492]

There is a chart in the manual(s) that will tell you everything you need to know. My Excel spreadsheet simply does the math for you and offers suggestions what shim you might need. It is also a reference tool, as it maintains a history of what your clearances were last time you checked your valves. It also tracks what you have in your bike now, based on what you have entered from previous records. Based on that, you can also judge whether you can safely extend the service interval. This spreadsheet is NOT online. There are others, but mine is not.

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Nice! I will hit you up for that once I'm closer to shimming. I will be honest though, Steve, I procrastinated just a bit too long this winter and plan on moving soon. When taxes get back we'll be moving (probably at least by march first) and I don't want my bike apart by then. I haven't even torn down my carbs or taken my top end apart and I am freaking out a bit. Confidence in the ordeal wasn't really abundant to begin with but as the deadline comes closer I feel my blood pressure climb by the day. My biggest worry is being able to afford the parts I need to finish it up! I haven't been as proactive on this project as I imagined when I tore the engine out... This seems possible, right??



EDIT:: Sorry to jack the thread!

 

[Steve]

If it is your only motorcycle, especially if it's your first, enthusiasm can definitely decline over time, as you work, work, work, and never get to ride.

That is one reason we advocate getting the bike running (safely) before doing any modifications. I note that in your signature you have your bike "stock (for now)".
Get it running first, then do any modifications you want. By the way, what mods are you planning?

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[Motojoe2492]

If it is your only motorcycle, especially if it's your first, enthusiasm can definitely decline over time, as you work, work, work, and never get to ride.

That is one reason we advocate getting the bike running (safely) before doing any modifications. I note that in your signature you have your bike "stock (for now)".
Get it running first, then do any modifications you want. By the way, what mods are you planning?

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Running is top of the list, safe is part of that step. I already have the windshield like I wanted and hard panniers, so the engine is all I am aiming for to get it on the road this year.
It't tough enough to do the minimal in an apartment kitchen

I wouldn't even call my plans "mods" so much as maintenance. Just going with a 90/10 dual sport tires and top end job/engine paint. That's what I need done now, as for color I wanted to experiment with Plasti Dip once I'm riding and can take a weekend to do it. Probably in the summer once I'm settled in again.

I don't want to change anything drastically, just an LED headlight and extra lights to be seen with.

 

[Steve]

Dual sport tires? On an 850?? We might have an issue with gonads on steroids here. :-k

The 850 was the heaviest GS to leave the factory, except for the 1100GK, with its fairing, saddlebags and trunk.
You mentioned windshield and hard panniers, so you are headed even farther in the wrong direction. Good luck with that experiment.

LED headlight? Don't waste any money on LED conversion 'bulbs', just get the real thing: Truck Lite 27270C.
While some have had modest success with conversions, I speak from experience with the Truck Lite. I have one in my 850, will be getting two more for my wife's 850L and my son's 1000G. The light is FANTASTIC. :encouragement:

.

 

[Motojoe2492]

Dual sport tires? On an 850?? We might have an issue with gonads on steroids here. :-k

The 850 was the heaviest GS to leave the factory, except for the 1100GK, with its fairing, saddlebags and trunk.
You mentioned windshield and hard panniers, so you are headed even farther in the wrong direction. Good luck with that experiment.

LED headlight? Don't waste any money on LED conversion 'bulbs', just get the real thing: Truck Lite 27270C.
While some have had modest success with conversions, I speak from experience with the Truck Lite. I have one in my 850, will be getting two more for my wife's 850L and my son's 1000G. The light is FANTASTIC. :encouragement:

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I had a rear dual sport tire last year that did great on trails and gravel roads. The atv trails here are old tracks so gravel with some peaks and ruts just adds zest to the ride

I was going with an assembly like that, probably a cree branded 7".