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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: utgunslinger13 on July 02, 2010, 06:36:49 AM

Title: Valve Shim Adjustment - left intake has about .10-.11 clearance - bad?
Post by: utgunslinger13 on July 02, 2010, 06:36:49 AM
I know that the shims should measure about .03-.08mm clearance,  but I have a 2.55 in the left intake side now and it needs a 2.6 instead.  2.55 leaves about a .10-.11 clearance which is about .02-.03mm above specs.  How bad would that be on the bike?  I thought I remember reading somewhere that its ok for the exhaust side to be a little higher in clearance, but I could have easily reversed that in my head.

I'm trying to avoid sourcing another 2.6, as I was going to trade another member shims (my 2.55 for his 2.6) but it never made it in the mail (hole in the envelope and shim was gone).  I have no problem ordering one if its imperative, however my suzuki dealership places orders on Tuesdays and parts come in on Saturdays.  I'd rather not wait another week if I don't have to.

Thanks,

Nick
Title: Re: Valve Shim Adjustment - left intake has about .10-.11 clearance - bad?
Post by: Twism86 on July 02, 2010, 06:50:00 AM
Edit: I used the Wiki to answer my own question...................
Title: Re: Valve Shim Adjustment - left intake has about .10-.11 clearance - bad?
Post by: utgunslinger13 on July 06, 2010, 07:58:32 AM
Anyone?
Title: Re: Valve Shim Adjustment - left intake has about .10-.11 clearance - bad?
Post by: gsJack on July 06, 2010, 10:16:12 AM
I would leave it at the .10-.11 mm (approx .004") clearance if I didn't have a shim on hand to change it.  I set my exhaust valves at a wider .004-.005" clearance when I change shims because it extends exhaust valve life, the exhaust valves run much hotter than the intakes do.  There is no need to run the intakes a bit wider but it won't hurt anything to do so.
Title: Re: Valve Shim Adjustment - left intake has about .10-.11 clearance - bad?
Post by: burning1 on July 06, 2010, 12:07:01 PM
Valve clearances usually don't open up, and I'm confused as to why you would need to install a larger shim.

With that said, I'd check your exhaust side... It's possible one of your exhaust valves has a 2.6mm shim. It would be better to run the exhaust wide rather than the intake.

For what it's worth, I doubt that running a .11mm clearance will hurt anything. It may cost you a little power, but I doubt it will even be noticeable.
Title: Re: Valve Shim Adjustment - left intake has about .10-.11 clearance - bad?
Post by: utgunslinger13 on July 06, 2010, 12:16:08 PM
The incorrect shim size was due to a measurement error on my part.  After ordering the 2.55, installing it, and remeasuring thats when I came up with the larger than spec clearances.  So I had to measure it incorrectly in my previous measurements.

I went ahead and ordered another shim this morning since I hadn't received any feedbacks and it will be here on Friday.

Thanks guys!
Title: Re: Valve Shim Adjustment - left intake has about .10-.11 clearance - bad?
Post by: tykho on July 06, 2010, 11:44:59 PM
I bought a shim set from Phat Performance, and it only came with .10 shims, i.e. 2.80 to 2.70, no 2.75 in between there, so all my valves are a little looser than spec, the exhaust ones especially. I only paid $100 for the set of 24 shims, so I think it was a solid deal, even if I have to install a shim that leaves the valve slightly looser than spec. Anyway, I'm not that versed on valve performance but I think it's a lot better than them being tight, right?
Title: Re: Valve Shim Adjustment - left intake has about .10-.11 clearance - bad?
Post by: burning1 on July 07, 2010, 11:29:10 AM
That's correct, tykho.