Need a little help with checking valve clearance

[MidWestCoast442]

So when I check the valves on my GS425, are the cam lobes supposed to be perpendicular to the caps that hold the cam in place? Or perpendicular to the shim? Or does it matter?

Do I attempt to squeeze-in the largest feeler gauge that will possibly fit?

Is it okay for the gauge to be "snug"? Or should it slide very easily between the shim and cam lobe?

Thanks!

 

[Steve]

I think that on the twins, you just point the lobe away from the valve.

With the clearance as small as it is, your feelers are not nearly strong enough to force one in, so just go with whatever fits.

Just a reminder: if your feelers have both sets of measurements, they are likely made to INCH specifications with METRIC approximations printed on, as well. When you enter values in your spreadsheet, use the INCH numbers (it's easier to enter them anyway).

.

 

[MidWestCoast442]

Thanks, Steve. I'll go with that. Whatever fits, regardless of how "snug".

My feeler gauges metric.

 

[Steve]

Just in case you have not yet checked your feelers, you will be using only the thinnest ones. 0.08mm is about 0.003", which is the thickness of a piece of paper.

That is your MAXIMUM clearance, your minimum is less than half of that.

.

 

[MidWestCoast442]

I have already checked the clearances. My gauges go from 0.02mm up. In 0.01mm increments.

 

[tom203]

I have already checked the clearances. My gauges go from 0.02mm up. In 0.01mm increments.

I doubt that you have a .02 mm feeler gauge.

 

[MidWestCoast442]

Why do you doubt? Do you assume that I can't read?

It's a 0.02mm feeler gauge.

 

[JEEPRUSTY]

hahhaha yeah what is the basis of doubt? Hilarious.

 

[MidWestCoast442]

It must be the fact that I have a shunt RR and not a series RR. Only owners of series RR bikes are capable of possessing such things as 0.02mm feeler gauges.

I think this is the same Tom that was trolling Duane's Honda RR thread...

 

[MidWestCoast442]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005689P7A/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_QmrYub1NZMKJA

 

[bimosuzidu]

Email hderic@hotmail.com

 

[MidWestCoast442]

??????????

 

[tom203]

I think this is the same Tom that was trolling Duane's Honda RR thread...

That's me! I try to offer advice based on my experience- feel free to ignore it.

 

[MidWestCoast442]

Cool. Thanks.

 

[mnferwerda]

feeler guage set

feeler guage set

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005689P7A/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_QmrYub1NZMKJA

I got the same set for doing the valves on my GR650. The .02m is really really thin.

 

[MidWestCoast442]

Indeed, it is.

 

[Guest]

??????????

PM has been sent.

 

[MidWestCoast442]

Thanks, Rick.

 

[Guest]

I'd best clear this up... sorry Steve I feel bad contradicting you as I know you know your stuff!

When measuring valve clearances on the twins, the cam lobe is to be perpendicular to the surface of the valve cover gasket surface, not the surface of the shim.

Also, the cam should be positioned so that neither lobe is pushing down on a valve.

Here's the relevant info from the factory service manual on positioning the cams for valve clearance checks: