valve adjustment without special tool

[Gibon]

Hello, sorry for bothering you with this frequently asked question ,but I am currently trying to replace my 2 intake valve shims since not even the 0.02 mm fits in ,my gs500 is from 2000,i cannot find the special tool nowhere around locally neither the mechanics here don't have it, it would cost me a fortune to buy it from anywhere else since i am from Eastern Europe not mentioning how much time it would take to arrive. Bottom line is ,I know there is a method used to take out the shims using 2 screwdrivers, but I saw no visual representation nor I understand exactly how it is done, can someone help me understand this method better?

[herennow]

Louis ships all over europe i think

https://www.louis.eu/artikel/valve-removal-tool-various-models/10003054

Heres the homemade version. be careful dont move the engine when valves held open.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=35746.0

[herennow]

also here

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=62146.0

[Gibon]

ok so i managed to compress the shim and i showed a screwdriver in the center,but i cant get the second part to work,that is inserting the 2nd screwdriver to keep it there,am i doing it wrong?im trying to like put it vertically on the edge of the bucket so it doesnt touch the shim but i cant seem to get it to work,are there other tools that may do the trick or i just have to keep trying?

[Bluesmudge]

I just have to say, its so much easier with the motion pro tool that its worth paying some extra and waiting a few weeks. The one time I did it with screwdrivers it took me an entire weekend and I was cursing the whole time. With the motion pro tool and a pair of tweezers I can do the whole job start to finish in a couple hours.

If you must use a screwdriver, treat it like the Motion pro tool and push it under the cam so that it pushes down on the outside of the bucket but don't push down on the shim. Then, while briefly holding the bucket down, pop the shim up and pull the shim out using a pair of tweezers. Make sure you rotate the bucket before you start so the little cutout is facing out in a way to get the tweezer in under the shim. The screwdriver needs to be the exact width, 1/4 inch as GSJack shows, or it won't work right.

[The Buddha]

OMG more people doing crap likely to result in bent valves.

Anyway, if you must do it some kluge way, I suggest taking the cam shafts out.

If you're not confident in valve timing mark the chain to the sprocket on the cam shaft you're removing.

Cool.
Buddha.

[Gibon]

ok i did not manage to do it using the screwdrivers,i ordered the tool from amazon,it costs so much but i have to do it,i just hope it will work when it arrives

[Gibon]

one more question tho,i also want to get valve oil seals,how many do i need for a 2000 model?

[Bluesmudge]

Once the tool comes, just know it takes some practice to figure out how to use it. Once you figure it out it works really well but it may take a few tries to get the feel for it.


For valve seals: There are 4 valves, so 4 valve seals (same for all GS500 years).
FYI, you have to remove the head to do the valve seals so don't bother doing the valve clearances adjustment until the valve seals are done. You will also need a new head gasket and the (6?) copper crush washers that go under the cylinder head stud bolts. There might be some o-rings to replace as well, I can't remember. Check the parts fiche and the Haynes or Clymer manual. Much more involved than a valve clearance check.

[The Buddha]

With your skill level I'd say valve seals are best not attempted. Even I dont take that taking the head off part lightly. And I routinely pull cam shafts to adjust valves on bikes that are designed to be done that way, as well as when I cant find the ding dang tool. Without a 2nd thought.
Cos on this bike, taking the head off = most likely pulling the motor from the frame, or concocting a stud remover tool to get those off the block.
Cool.
Buddha.

[johnny ro]

you can use a tie wrap, folded and inserted into the spark plug hole, to hold valve open. Worked for me, first time. Second time, I put the head of the tie wrap in, and that did not work out so well. I have the motion pro tool and it is no easy thing to operate.

[sledge]

one more question tho,i also want to get valve oil seals,how many do i need for a 2000 model?

The first thing you need to do is count the number of valves you need seals for!

If you want to change the seals or carry out head work the best advice is to read the manual first.

You will find a copy here..............  http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=72371.0

[Bluesmudge]

I have the motion pro tool and it is no easy thing to operate.

The motion pro tool just takes practice. Once you figure it out it works great.
Now that I know how it works and have the feel for it I can usually get the bucket compressed on the 1st or second try.