Any good mechanics in Mid-Michigan area?

[stephan]

Well I give up.  

My bike has been giving me fits and I need help from someone who knows a whole lot more than me.  I apparently have uneven compression in my cylinders.  90 in one and 115 in the other.  Okay, uneven and low.  I'd go through all I've done to it, re-ring, checked valve clearances etc, etc, but I really don't want to bore you to death.  The problem may be in the work I've done - most likely anyway.  However I made sure I was careful with the rings, had the gaps spaced, and the valves are all in spec . . . I don't know.  

Anyway does anyone know a good mechanic or shop or person in the Mid-Michigan area that is reasonable and knows what they're doing?

Thanks!

[ktrim]

you may have the cam timing off.  this will cause low compression readings.  if you just re-ringed it the exhaust cam may be a tooth or 2 off.

[tkm433]

you may have the cam timing off.  this will cause low compression readings.  if you just re-ringed it the exhaust cam may be a tooth or 2 off.

Sorry but if the cam is off a tooth yes it could cause an issue but the post above states that the compression is different and being that the cam for the right cylinder is the same one that the left uses i do not feel that it is a timing issue as far as the difference is concerned.

Yes, if the exhaust cam is out of time it could be an issue but it would should show up the same in both cylinders.

Being that the compression is different that is an issue of rings or valves and maybe a head gasket leak if the head is not true on one cylinder.

[ktrim]

Sorry but if the cam is off a tooth yes it could cause an issue but the post above states that the compression is different and being that the cam for the right cylinder is the same one that the left uses i do not feel that it is a timing issue as far as the difference is concerned.

Yes, if the exhaust cam is out of time it could be an issue but it would should show up the same in both cylinders.

Being that the compression is different that is an issue of rings or valves and maybe a head gasket leak if the head is not true on one cylinder.

you would be correct if the engine only had 1 cam.  however if the intake is cam is correct and the exhaust is incorrect,  it will affect both cylinders differently as their relation to the intake and piston is different.   I.E.  the exhaust advanced 1 tooth could cause the left cylinder to open too soon,  (before piston finishes compression) ,  and the right cylinder too late.  (piston may be trying to compress the exhaust)  and the same differences on the intake.  if only one of the 2 is out of phase could cause the strange readings he has.  if both cams were out of phase with the crank then you could expect the readings to be similar

[stephan]

Bumpity bump.

[RedShift]

Stephan, I'm probably the only other mid-Michigan resident posting on this board, and unfortunately I've never had the need to search for the type of talent you're looking for -- sorry.

This could amount to significant shop hours if you're throwing the rag in on this.  There's got to be a Suzuki dealer in Flint.  I know there's one in Bay City Steven's Cycle, but don't know how good they are or what a re-ring and possible cylinder wall polishing would cost.  At $60/hr plus parts, a shop-based engine repair seems more than the bike is worth.

Have you considered a pre-owned engine from some other GS500, or parting out your bike and getting another?  :dunno:

[paternoster2012]

The suzuki shop in Mt Pleasant is ran by a couple nice guys
My freind knows the owner

[sprint_9]

you would be correct if the engine only had 1 cam.  however if the intake is cam is correct and the exhaust is incorrect,  it will affect both cylinders differently as their relation to the intake and piston is different.   I.E.  the exhaust advanced 1 tooth could cause the left cylinder to open too soon,  (before piston finishes compression) ,  and the right cylinder too late.  (piston may be trying to compress the exhaust)  and the same differences on the intake.  if only one of the 2 is out of phase could cause the strange readings he has.  if both cams were out of phase with the crank then you could expect the readings to be similar

The GS engine only has one cam for the exhaust, so if its off then its off for both cylinders, it doesnt magically time itself right for one and then move off a few degrees for the other cylinder.  If thats the case then both would be the same and be low, but if just one is low then I cant see how this would be it if one is good and the other is low, makes no sense.  Maybe you have a bent valve or something, any excessive scoring in the cylinders?

[stephan]

Thanks for all the replies.  I still don't know what to do.  My cousin has looked at the bike, and he's had some of his friends in on it too.  None of them seem too excited to get into it.  I've taken the bike to another friend who may be able to help out.  Who knows - we'll see.

I may have to get in there myself again . . .  

Thanks again!

[JoChan23]

I dont know the answer to your question, but when you get it fixed lets ride, im from muskegon michigan (central west coast) and also have a 1990.

-Jordan