SUZUKI GS500: Valve Adjustment
Replacement Shim Selection Chart

Kerry Burton 2004

CLEARANCE
.00mm.0000".03mm.0012".08mm.0032".13mm.0051".18mm.0071".23mm.0091".28mm.0110".33mm.0130".38mm 2.45.0150" 2.50 2.55 2.60 2.65 2.70.33mm 2.40.0130" 2.45 2.50 2.55 2.60 2.65.28mm 2.35.0110" 2.40 2.45 2.50 2.55 2.60.23mm 2.30.0091" 2.35 2.40 2.45 2.50 2.55.18mm 2.25.0071" 2.30 2.35 2.40 2.45 2.50.13mm 2.20.0051" 2.25 2.30 2.35 2.40 2.45.08mm.0032"
CURRENT SHIM THICKNESS (mm)
2.15 2.20 2.25 2.30 2.35 2.40 2.45 2.50 2.55 2.60 2.65 2.70 2.75 2.80 2.85 2.90 2.95 3.00 3.05 3.15

.03mm.0012"

TOO TIGHT
If you can rotate the bucket (cam follower) in which the shim sits, replace the shim with the next smaller size. If you cannot rotate the bucket, experiment with thinner shims until you reach an acceptable clearance. I suggest that you keep a test shim in your collection - somewhere in the 2.30mm to 2.40mm range.

NO ADJUSTMENT NEEDED

However, if the clearance is less than your thinnest feeler blade (usually.04mm in a metric set, or.0015" /.038mm in an SAE set) consider going down one shim size and rechecking the clearance.
NOTE - Factory-installed shims can have a non-standard thickness, and all shims may become thinner over time. Always check shim thickness with dial calipers or micrometer, and adjust for any variation. EXAMPLE: If the clearance is >.08mm and the current shim is 2.68mm then use the 2.70mm column and add.02mm to the clearance ranges on the left to determine the replacement shim size.