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My Quandary

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mercaholic
  • Start date Start date
M

Mercaholic

Guest
I've learned the hard way that if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it.

My '83 GS1100ES has hit the 40k km mark, about 25K miles.

I bought it used and it has consistently provided great reliability. A Bud of mine is recommending I get into doing a valve adjustment and carb rebuild on it.

I really don't want to risk screwing something up. On the other hand, I have no history on whether the previous owner undertook any maintenance.

Suggestions?
 
Checking the valve clearances is part of the regular maintenance schedule is a vital part for continued smooth running. If they get out of spec, things will break and major work will be needed. If they are within spec then no further work needed.

If the carbs are working fine, with no leaks and the bike pulls cleanly then a rebuild is not strictly necessary at this time. If they haven't been apart for some time then maybe cleaning out the float bowls would be a good idea. Getting them synchronised is again part of maintenance and helps a smooth running engine.

Both of these points will help your engine start easier and keep it silky smooth.
 
I doubt it needs a carb rebuild if its running great
Valves absolutely must be checked its insane not to do it.
I do mine once a year whether the mileage is there or not
 
It's called "preventive maintenance" for a reason.

When I worked for Nissan all the US dealer warranty replacement engines used to come into our shop for analysis. It was quite remarkable to go though the forensic teardown and note that about 75% of them never had an oil change. You can alway tell because of the black sludge accumulation inside the engine. The VQ35, which is a fantastic engine, would make it about 25k miles before a rod would come through the side of the block or similar. A lot of these engines came from Infinti or upscale Nissan's, where you would think the people would know better. Apparently not.

At any rate, doing maintenance is good. You might want to check the Newbie Mistakes thread linked in my signature for some tips on various other critical maintenance tasks that similarly shouldn't be ignored.
 
Sadly a lot of folks know nothing about doing maintenance.
I recall once trying to tell a particularly hot girl about how a reciprocating piston gasoline engine works and she shusshed me.
Actully put the hand up
Just did not want to know as that would make the car no longer magical.
 
JEEPRUSTY said:
Sadly a lot of folks know nothing about doing maintenance.
I recall once trying to tell a particularly hot girl about how a reciprocating piston gasoline engine works and she shusshed me.
Actully put the hand up
Just did not want to know as that would make the car no longer magical.
Click to expand...

I recall telling a girl about 'SUCK, SQUEEZE, BANG, BLOW.' That turned out better than expected. :)
 
It starts and runs good, idles well and pulls hard to redline? Leave the carbs alone.

Check the valves.
 
I thought I recognized your user name. You've been a member here for 7+ years, c'mon man, you know these machines and the necessary maintenance involved.
 
Aah, the ostrich method of maintenance.

Ditto the others...probably no need for pulling the carbs, but you can't really screw up by putting a feeler gauge between the shim and the cam lobe. If it turns out that things have gotten a wee bit tight, do an adjustment, and you'll be good for another 5000km or so.
 
In addition to not adjusting valves, waiting for the stator loop meltdown is pretty dumb when it's easily rectified. Add in not flushing your brake system every other year or so too.
 
Recommendation & Fun Stuff

Recommendation & Fun Stuff

Mercaholic said:
I've learned the hard way that if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it.

My '83 GS1100ES has hit the 40k km mark, about 25K miles.

I bought it used and it has consistently provided great reliability. A Bud of mine is recommending I get into doing a valve adjustment and carb rebuild on it.

I really don't want to risk screwing something up. On the other hand, I have no history on whether the previous owner undertook any maintenance.

Suggestions?
Click to expand...

Valve Adjustment...get it done as everyone suggests. I had help with mine...very tedious but necessary. (16V vs 8V)

Cyrano said:
I recall telling a girl about 'SUCK, SQUEEZE, BANG, BLOW.' That turned out better than expected. :)
Click to expand...

Another way to describe: Intake, Compression, Power, and Exhaust.

I like your description better...and the message is definitely dependent on the delivery...you sly individual.


Ed
 
Last edited:
Agreed on definitely doing the valves at a minimum. I rode mine for 15 years thinking the carbs were good. I did the o rings (Robert Barr kit) and replaced the intake boots this winter. what a difference for the better. I definitely waited too long. It runs much smoother and is more enjoyable to ride.
 
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