Valve clearance

[Ionatan]

I was just wondering, because I keep reading about valve clearance alot on this forum, how can you know if you need that adjusted without opening the engine? what would happen if you wouldn't do it? would it destroy the engine?. I have little riding time left from this year and I don't want to open it up now, I'll do it during the winter..for the first time for me(I hope not for the bike) it's a '92 with 70k km on it. I am actually afraid to do it, I might not be able to put it back together  ...I really am no mechanic, I'm just trying to learn and I like doing it myself.

Thanks.

[remn]

I checked my valves about 2000 miles ago because my mpg's were running in the mid 30's, while the GS500 should get around 50 mpg's depending on how you ride it. It was also taking way too long to warm up, and stalling a lot. Turned out my exhaust valves were way tight, one of them actually had zero clearance (I had recently bought the bike from a PO who took bad care of it). After adjusting the valves, my mileage shot up to 55 (if I hypermile  ) So I'd say if your mpg's are low, or you're having problems warming up, those could be signs you want to check the valves immediately. Then again, it's probably a good idea to check them every 4000 miles anyway, even if everything seems fine. It's actually very easy, especially on the older GS's like yours. I would recommend getting the shim tool, though. Also, check out this very useful how-to video:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2015554469142545363#

Good luck!

[twocool]

The thing about valve clearances is that there is enough clearance...too little or no valve clearance..or "tight" valves..means that the valve stays open too long....on the exhaust side this means that the hot exhaust gasses are passing along the valve...causing it to heat up...and possible "burn".  Burning the valve actually means melting the valve..usually at the edge.....

You want the valves to close fully, and stay closed for a certain amount of time..this allows the heat build up in the valve to transfer into the cylinder head...Or dissapate.......

You probably don't have to check as often as the manual says...but you should check.  Checking and or changing the valve clearances is not a difficult job...but there are quite a few steps to get there.........you need to disassemble a lot of the bike...seat...gas tank....and a few other small items...just to get the valve cover off....then you need a couple of special tools...

So not hard, but maybe not for complete beginner...find somebody to help..who has done this before...

The good news.....as the engine warms up...the valve clearances get bigger (good thing)

Bad news.....as the engine wears out, the clearances get smaller....bad thing..


Cookie

[Dr.McNinja]

Kerry's valve adjustment video is useful. It's a hold-your-hand style walk through on checking valve clearances and shimming them to be in spec.

Valves should be checked every 4000km or so, like the hayne's manual says. It's really easy, about an hour of work, and can help prevent a nightmare of engine trouble down the road. Tight valves can cause a lot of problems. 

You're way overdue for a valve clearance check. It's a simple process. Unfortunately there's no way to check them without removing the valve cover. Google for Kerry's video and follow along. The absolute worst thing that could happen if you're careful is you dropping a tool down into your oil pan. A simple rag under the area where you're working takes that chance out of the equation.

[mister]

Suzuki Owner's Manual suggests valves every 12,000km.

One sign you need to check them = hard to start

What happens if you don't check them? It throws the universe into disarray. Do YOU want to be the one person who screws up the entire universe?

Michael

[twinrat]

check your compression if both cylinders give a similar reading your shims are probably alright ,ive just gone over the recomended distance by 7000 km and have no problems .you have a bike that is well used so dont expect high compression readings just similar readings and if it not causing a problem just ride it you can check it in the winter






do it your self be sure its done right

[Ionatan]

Suzuki Owner's Manual suggests valves every 12,000km.

One sign you need to check them = hard to start

What happens if you don't check them? It throws the universe into disarray. Do YOU want to be the one person who screws up the entire universe?

Michael

Ok so it's that bad....screwing up the universe doesn't sound very good.


OK...my bike takes a little time to warm up, more than in the summer, like 20 min or so, 15 maybe...but I figured the reason for that is the fact that outside are 6 DEGREES Celsius!!!! in the morning. And I don't know...it feels a little rough. I know I am overdue in doing it because also the previous owner did not do it and he'd put 5000km on it, so it hasn't been done for at least 12000km now. I'll check that video and try to do it because I think I'll put at least another 1000 km on it this season...and don't want to be the cause for a black hole that would suck the universe and send it to a time where motorbikes don't exist.

[twocool]

Suzuki Owner's Manual suggests valves every 12,000km.

One sign you need to check them = hard to start

What happens if you don't check them? It throws the universe into disarray. Do YOU want to be the one person who screws up the entire universe?

Michael

My manual says every 6000 km.......(3500 miles) but twice that should be OK....

Here is one case where it is best to adjust BEFORE you start having symptoms..

Cookie

[gsJack]

I checked my valves approx every 8k miles on my 97 GS which was twice a year then and more recently every 10k miles on my 02 GS which is/was once a year.  If you set the exhaust valve gaps a bit wider they will last longer for high milage long term GS users.  After going to the larger .003-.005" exhaust setting I didn't change a shim again for over 40k miles, exhaust valves run cooler with a little more seat time.  Doubt I'll check them again on my 02 unless I ride until I'm past 90.     Here's my whole valve check record:

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

[mister]

Suzuki Owner's Manual suggests valves every 12,000km.

One sign you need to check them = hard to start

What happens if you don't check them? It throws the universe into disarray. Do YOU want to be the one person who screws up the entire universe?

Michael

My manual says every 6000 km.......(3500 miles) but twice that should be OK....

Here is one case where it is best to adjust BEFORE you start having symptoms..

Cookie

Hmmm... I need new eyes... mine says 6,000km too  - spark plugs on next line down is 12,000 replacement. 

I consider a 12,000km service as a major so only do (check/shim as needed) my valves then.

Michael