Check valve clearance or balance carbs

[Padowan]

Got a couple of jobs I want to do to the new GS in order to give her a thorough going over, not sure which to tackle first:

• Balance the carbs
• Check and set the valve clearances

I've never done either job but read how-to's for both and they look straight forward enough. In general the bike runs fine, but as it's my first GS, I don't have a baseline to know if it could be better.

So, which one should I do first and what would be the expected benefits of each, assuming that both are in need of adjustment?

It's an 850GS, by the way.

 

[cookie]

valves first.
little, if any perceptible benefit other than stopping the valves burning out.


it may take some time to locate the carbs, but if you do manage to find any, adjustment should make for smoother running

 

[Padowan]

it may take some time to locate the carbs, but if you do manage to find any, adjustment should make for smoother running

Fair point, well presented - at least you knew what I meant!

 

[Trullion]

You might want to check the end-play on the rocker shafts before doing the valve clearances. BMW specifies a wide tolerance on this, but many (including me when I had an 850GS) find that the minimum gap (2 thou from memory, though check that first) leads to a quieter top end. While you're at it, check the plug gaps and colour.

 

[tosh23]

This might help
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVplES7DROk&feature=channel

 

[Padowan]

This might help
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVplES7DROk&feature=channel

Makes it look easy peasy!

 

[justabof]

Makes it look easy peasy!

But take note of the comments posted by watchers regarding the use of two feeler guages to adjust both inlet or both exhaust valves at the same time.

 

[MikeP]

I don't know what facilities you have at your disposal but if you want to use mine and have someone guide you through the jobs, give me a shout.

It's only a short trip down the A38, I have the facilities and the tools to hand, plus I've been doing my own and other's bikes for some years.

It won't cost you anything apart from your fuel getting to Plymouth and back.

Mike.

 

[Padowan]

I don't know what facilities you have at your disposal but if you want to use mine and have someone guide you through the jobs, give me a shout.

It's only a short trip down the A38, I have the facilities and the tools to hand, plus I've been doing my own and other's bikes for some years.

It won't cost you anything apart from your fuel getting to Plymouth and back.

Mike.

Hi Mike,

I might take you up on that offer, thanks, I'll see how I get on.

Simon

 

[MikeP]

Hi Mike,

I might take you up on that offer, thanks, I'll see how I get on.

Simon

Plenty of space (as I'm down to one bike these days), nothing on the ramp, mercury manometer and engine cooling fan are gathering dust.

 

[Flipfly]

Always do the valves first because it can throw the balance of the throttle bodies out.

Throttle bodies are always last, after you've done the valves, cables, oil change and airfilter .

 

[Padowan]

Plenty of space (as I'm down to one bike these days), nothing on the ramp, mercury manometer and engine cooling fan are gathering dust.

Very nice - I have workshop envy!

I hope you don't have to roll the bike down those steps to get it in!!

 

[Popell]

Plenty of space (as I'm down to one bike these days), nothing on the ramp, mercury manometer and engine cooling fan are gathering dust.

I read the first post and I thought, 'what a great guy!'





then I saw the picture and I see it for what it is - a blatant 'look at my beautiful workshop, all clean, well equipped, dry, warm etc'



tsk tsk































God, am I jealous, and pi**ed off at the same time 'cos I live so far away

 

[Packer]

That's cl;ean enough to be a kitchen let alone a workshop. Someone has too much time on his hands

 

[iangough]

Top man !!!!

Wow, that's impressive. Its a 360 mile round trip (Yateley in Hampshire) with £70 worth of fuel.
Even with those stats it seems temping to have the bike done like nothing its ever had before from a stealership !!

And you've got the ultimate garage accessory IMO, a ramp to stop your back aching !!