Valve adjustment - what tools and parts do you need?

[twocool]

I've done 21 GS500 valve checks and made 9 shim changes and all shims have measured exactly as marked using a 1" size good quality micrometer.  All my original and replacement shims have been oem Suzuki ones.  I would guess your measuring device is inaccurate or you are using it wrong.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/valveclearances.jpg

Even if the measuring caliper is wrong, it doesn't matter, as we are simply measuring the difference in the shims, not the actual size of the shim...........and the final check is always the actual clearance measured with a feeler.  The feeler however, MUST be accurate......

But you're right, even a pretty cheap dial caliper  (I got mine from Grizzly tools for like $15) should be within .0005".

Cookie

[reload]

the calipers are probably dirty dirty or not calibrated. clean off the edges and set it to zero. also, when you're measuring, don't squeeze the crap out of it. just close the edges onto the specimen and read.

[Allen]

Is it the right front (exhaust) that you cannot fit the smallest feeler? try to rotate the bucket that the shim sits in, if you can rotate it with your fingernail then go one size down on the shim, if it is very hard to turn then go at least 2 sizes lower on the shim.  To remove the shim with simple tools, loosen the cam shaft caps, wedge the cam shaft up with a screwdriver, then use a knife to lift the shim, and tweezers to pull it out.  Dont over tighten the cam caps, finger tight + 1/4 turn. good luck.

[epoxy.guy]

I've completed the valve adjustment and  I only needed a 260 as I was able to move the 270 into the spot of the 275.    Both valves on the left side now have a clearance of .004 and the ones on the right are .003

Also, I measured the shims again and it appears I was reading the edge of the shims and not the centre point.   Each shim I checked on the centre point measured what it said on the shim.

It took me 1/2 hour to get into the valves, another 1/2 hour to check and adjustment and another 1/2 hour to put everything back together.   Mind you, I had all the tools ready to go and I knew what I had to do this time.   

Thanks for everyone`s comments!