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Valve clearance...

  • Thread starter Thread starter birkeloc
  • Start date Start date
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birkeloc

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Maybe this is a dumb question, but I'm in the process of tuning my 1979 gs 550, and I was curious just what a valve clearance adjustment does and how important is it? How often does it need to be done? Much thanks if you can clear this up for me.

P.S. Turns out some PO broke off the tips of the pilot fuel screws in three of my carbs. I think I can get them out, but I still need to get ahold of the screws and I'm running into dead ends. I don't want to have to buy a whole kit just for the screws. If anyone has or knows of anyone who has a few extras I could buy from them, please let me know. Thanks!
 
motorcyclecarbs.com has them, Im' sure. Email them if you don't see them on the site.

Your valves should probably be adjusted every 7-8k miles at the most. The manual may say less, but I am sure you can go that far. It's important to ensure the right mixture in the cylinder. You can burn a piston if an exhaust valve is timed poorly by letting in some air instead of exhasuting it all. It can also decrease power and fuel economy. If the valves are off from each other, it can put uneven stress on the crank assembly because the cylinders need to make power consistant with each other. With regular maintainence, these bikes can run a long time, and I'll bet that lack of valve adjustments leads to more engine problems than anything else.
 
Thanks for the info Jethro. As for the pilot fuel screws, I emailed motorcyclecarbs.com, still waiting for a response. I was looking at the site you recommended, t3rmin, and noticed these screws are for CV carbs. Will they work in a VM22SS carb? If so, which one? There are three there. Thanks for the help guys.
 
It took me a while to realize that as the valves wear the clearances get tighter rather than looser. When the valves are too tight, its harder for the valve to close correctly, leading to compression problems and possible burned valves, to say nothing of the stress on the whole valve train.
 
I ride the snot out of my GS850 -- lots of high rpm twisties and high-speed interstates -- and I check my every 4K miles as recommended in the manual. I only have to change a shim or two every second or third check.

But if you haven't checked your bike yet, you have no idea what state the valve clearances are in. So do it ASAP. And do it yourself -- a shop will charge you way too much and more than likely screw it up in the process.

The manual makes it look complex, but checking valve clearances is really quite simple. Just follow the directions and think about what you're doing.

Lifetime silicone valve cover gaskets - highly recommended:
http://realgaskets.com

Good sources for the valve shim tool and any shims you might need:
http:/z1enterprises.com
http://crc2onlinecatalog.com
 
I Have A 1982 Gs1100gl.what Is The Best Way To Adjust The Cam Chain??
 
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