I was driving my bike and I started to hear a really loud ticking sound from my valve cover area. And it feels as if I lost about 50% of my power. Is is possible I blew a valve? Or something else? What should I check for to find out?

Thanks

have you checked you oil??

Yea that was the first thing I checked.  I think I broke something in the engine. To much racing I guess  :dunno:

Open up the top and have a look.

It could be a split shim, that'd loose motion on a valve and probably
stop one cylinder from firing.
I've heard thqat a split shim can be minor or major depending on what has happened to the bits of the shim.

:x  Damn shims. That does sound about right. Hopefully this is a job that I can do. Is fixing a shim difficult? (As long as its minor).

Sounds more like you need a valve adjustment, which involves opening up the valve cover and measuring the clearances of the vlaves with a feeler guage. Then if any of the clearances are not within spec (.03-.08mm), you may have to swap out those shims with ones that will make the measuements within spec.

Check your oil first. A 50% loss of power sounds to be serious. But, we'll hope for the best.

Remember: valve adjustments and oil changes (and oil filter) should be performed at, at least, every 4000 miles (add to that, sparkplugs, too. And, get the carbs synched).

How many miles on the odometer?

I have about 10,000 miles on the OD. I will hope for the best. Now these shims you refer to. Can I buy these at any moto parts shop?  :x Damn SHIMS!

Quote from: Altruism111I have about 10,000 miles on the OD.

I'm guessing a valve adjustment wasn't done at 8000, but that's not the point, the point is that it may need one now.

Quote from: Altruism111Now these shims you refer to. Can I buy these at any moto parts shop?

Maybe. Call first.

See: http://www.gstwin.com/adjust_valves.htm

I'd be careful, I had the similar symtoms on my 96 and it turned out to be a cracked crank, cost almost as much as the bike did to get it fixed.

Ouch I'm still hoping for the best!!

A sudden loss of power along with the loud clicking sounds like an exhaust valve could have overheated and warped. This would be from being too tight, which is what they do when they don't get checked like they should. Minimum would be replacing that valve along with the valve guide in the head. Hopefully you didn't bang up the top of the piston or destroy the valve seat. Probably a job for a decent shop.

Thanks for the info. I will let you all know what it was once I tear into the engine. Wish me luck!  

Well I took it apart and seems one of the valves is not within min clearance. Where can I buy these shims everyone is referring to? And also where can I buy the tool to remove it? The piston does look okay so I think If I make this adjustment I should be back on the road.
.

Look in the phone book for a local Suzuki dealer. The tool you may have to order.

If you're in no hurry, you can mail order shims from HERE for $4.95.

As for the tool, check out this old post.

Altrue, you could wait for the kit from kerry, or go to Broward motorsports on Davie Road Extention  just south of Sterling road, they have shims and open at 9am.

Now your running a K&N drop in filter and stock jetting and pipe right?
i know you were keeping up pretty good but im wondering if you werent running too lean for too long.

Hey Blue yea I have the K&N But I might be buying a stage 1 jet kit soon. Will also mount that exhaust I bought from EBAY. So I will have to get with you to do that part. I will get those shims and hopefully that will fix my issue. I need to not only keep up with you guys on Wed. But pass you as well!!

this sounds like my exact problem too... i think i'm going to attempt this on sunday.  What size shims do i need to pick up?  

I've got my trusty Clymer repair manual and the valve adjustment page.  But i also have a big fat steak and lots of beer if anyone from NOVA wants to stop by and "help"...    

Well you also need to buy your self a feeler gauge. to see which shim is out of wack. You can buy one at a local auto store. Also check the thread above about buying new shims.

Good luck.  

yeah, i'm gonna go buy a feeler gauge tonight, but i wanted to check with the local suzuki shop to see if i could pick up the shims rather than have to order them and wait.  I checked the site that kerry posted, but they had a bunch of different sizes... I'm sure the manual probably states it, but i just wanted to know if anyone knew off hand.