Valve shims

[mike10]

Hi, I am taking my first try at adjusting the valves on my 2005 GS500F. I don't understand the number on the shims, mine are all 268 no decimal point. My feeler gauge blade of .038 is a tight fit between the Lobes and the shims. I don't know how to figure out what size I need. Other than thinner. Can someone help me out? Thank You

[importslife]

you need to get a micrometer and see if that is the real measurement for the shims. here is a video that will help you alot    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2015554469142545363&q=suzuki+gs500# good luck

[romulux]

You should measure the existing shims to make sure your calculations are accurate.

If they say 268, it means 2.68mm.

Although they're still in spec at .038mm of clearance, you could widen the gap a little bit if you choose.

Spec is between .03mm and .08mm.  I run mine loose at around .09 to .10 mm.

Shims are available in .05mm increments, so your next smallest size is 2.65mm.  That would put you at .06 or .07mm of clearance.

If it were my bike, I would go even wider and probably do 2.60mm shims all the way around, but you're fine either leaving them as they are until your next valve check in 4k mi (or is it 6k mi?) or going to the 2.65mm size.

That's all assuming you measure them and they are indeed 2.68mm shims.

[mike10]

The shims mic out a little bigger than 268 .    . 2.71 - 2.72  So I think I'll go with the 2.65. I think 2.60 may be a little too thin since they Mic a little thicker. Thank You for the help.  Mikey 

[mike10]

The shims mic out a little bigger than 268 .    . 2.71 - 2.72  So I think I'll go with the 2.65. I think 2.60 may be a little too thin since they Mic a little thicker. Thank You for the help.  Mikey 

I,m too computer Dumb to get the, How To Video to play.