Posted by Jim on June 14, 2000 at 04:28:59:
In Reply to: Valve clearance posted by Mike on June 13, 2000 at 18:42:12:
Mike,
After reading a couple of these, I realised I may have made this sound real hard- it's not, just be patient. Other advice about about temp and piston being at TDC (top dead center) on the COMPRESSION STROKE are right on. You can tell its the compression stroke because all 4 valves will be shut.
- Also take out your plug or it'll be damn near impossible to turn the engine.
- The inspection cover I refered to is the "valve timing inspection plug" over the generator. The generator rotor has a line scribed on it, and the case has a notch.
- They are indeed called "rocker arms," "adjusting screws," and "lock nuts."
- .003 and .005 are correct (that's .08 and .13 mm for those of you metric fans).
- According to the warranty card and my dealer, you won't void the warranty by doing the work yourself as long as you: a) do all required work; b) document your work; and c) use Suzuki parts (also must be documented). I have made up a little checklist sheet that does all these things, it is in MS Word format. If you want it, just e-mail me and I'll send it along. I keep all my reciepts, the book, and my little maintenance sheets in a 3 ring binder.
- Keep in mind that there are many more things you have to do to complete the 600 mile service. here is the list, but you really need a manual (costs around $50 from the dealer, has saved me hundreds....)(anything that says inspect also means "adjust to specs" or "replace" as neccessary) : Cylinder head nuts and exhaust pipe bolts and muffler connections tightened; Inspect automatic decompression cable; Inspect valve clearance; Inspect fuel line; replace oil and filter; inspect engine idle RPM; inspect clutch; inspect brake lines; inspect brake fluid; inspect brakes (front and rear); inspect tires; inspect steering; inspect front fork; inspect rear suspension; tighten chassis bolts and nuts. PHEW! Some of that stuff has sub-checklists in the book!!!! My point is..... GET THE BOOK!
- For those that say go to a dealer and avoid the pain in the butt: I enjoy working on the bike, be it maintenance or modification. Gives me a sense of accomplishment and keeps me off the street. Also, while I like my dealer's parts and sales folks, I really don't like or trust their mechs. It is my bike, I care about it, I know I'll put alot of TLC into it. If you find a mech you trust, and don't mind parting with the cash, go for it.... I'll put the money into more chrome and cruising!
-KTRSD
-Jim