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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: marcusk on June 25, 2010, 04:53:02 PM

Title: valve adjustment and oil stabiliser
Post by: marcusk on June 25, 2010, 04:53:02 PM
Hello all I read on here that you need to adjust valves on these bikes.  What I would love to know if there is any indicators that they need doing??   Or is this just something that you do from time to time ?  (i am looking for reasons to tinker with the bike). 

Also dose any one run oil stabiliser (Lucas heavy duty oil stabiliser)  in there bikes a guy told me that if you do you can destroy the clutch on a bike.  I have always run it in my cars it used to quiet down the rattles in the old engines and i run it in my new car because i figure it cant hurt. 
Title: Re: valve adjustment and oil stabiliser
Post by: pandymai on June 25, 2010, 04:55:03 PM
the clutch and transmission all run off the motor oil as well. i dont know how "bad" it is, but i do know that some oil modifiers have adverse affects to the wet cluck of our motorcycles.

and the valve check/adjustment is every 4000 miles? something like that. it's necessary to at least check.
Title: Re: valve adjustment and oil stabiliser
Post by: burning1 on June 25, 2010, 05:21:51 PM
marcusk,

Valves should be inspected every 3000 miles, especially if you're running OEM exhaust valve clearances. After the first few inspections, you'll get an idea for how often they really need to be checked. I'd recommend running double the OEM recommended exhaust clearance; .08-.13mm, (.003 inch to .005 inches) instead of .03mm-.08mm. The intakes can run at OEM clearance.

I believe Lucas specifically advises you not to run their additives in motorcycles. If you want to smooth out the clutch and protect the engine, a high quality synthetic would be my first advise. Amsoil is a good bet in these engines, due to it's low volitility; it won't tend to evaporate as fast as a conventional oil, leaving you at a reduced risk of running low on oil. Otherwise, a conventional oil with regular changes is a good bet.
Title: Re: valve adjustment and oil stabiliser
Post by: Electrojake on June 26, 2010, 12:34:51 PM
Quote from: burning1 on June 25, 2010, 05:21:51 PMValves should be inspected every 3000 miles, especially if you're running OEM exhaust valve clearances. After the first few inspections, you'll get an idea for how often they really need to be checked.
I'd recommend running double the OEM recommended exhaust clearance; .08-.13mm, instead of .03mm-.08mm.
The intakes can run at OEM clearance.
burning1,
Could you support that statement?
I'm a noob about to do first valve clearance check on a GS500F with 4000 miles on her.
Bike is used for general commuting and light touring only.

Just wondering.
Any input is appreciated.  :)
Thanks!
-Ej-
Title: Re: valve adjustment and oil stabiliser
Post by: gsJack on June 26, 2010, 01:27:24 PM
Quote from: Electrojake on June 26, 2010, 12:34:51 PM
Quote from: burning1 on June 25, 2010, 05:21:51 PMValves should be inspected every 3000 miles, especially if you're running OEM exhaust valve clearances. After the first few inspections, you'll get an idea for how often they really need to be checked.
I'd recommend running double the OEM recommended exhaust clearance; .08-.13mm, instead of .03mm-.08mm.
The intakes can run at OEM clearance.
burning1,
Could you support that statement?
I'm a noob about to do first valve clearance check on a GS500F with 4000 miles on her.
Bike is used for general commuting and light touring only.

Just wondering.
Any input is appreciated.  :)
Thanks!
-Ej-



http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52730.msg595666#msg595666
Title: Re: valve adjustment and oil stabiliser
Post by: Electrojake on June 26, 2010, 06:34:54 PM
Thank you Sir.
Sharing such knowledge is mighty good for my longevity.  :D
And I hope this little parallel twin lasts for 90k miles!