shim size help

[bluepinner]

80 GS450. The two exhaust shims are 2.6. I can't even get the .03 feeler gauge between the rocker and shim. What size should I use. I tried the math but don't have an actual clearance. What do I do now?

[Guest]

80 GS450. The two exhaust shims are 2.6. I can't even get the .03 feeler gauge between the rocker and shim. What size should I use. I tried the math but don't have an actual clearance. What do I do now?

what size shims are in the exhaust? what size shims are in the intakes? if the exhaust shims are smaller than the intakes swap them and take a reading. If not you'll just have to grab a couple of thin shims 2.40?? and see what happens.

[Nessism]

Until you get a shim thin enough to measure the clearance you are just guessing.

A tip from Tkent: if you can reach down and spin the bucket with your finger, go one size down, if you can't, go down two sizes. And always measure again after installing new shims and spinning the engine over a couple of revs with a wrench.

And what ever you do, don't turn the engine over without all the shims installed.

[Steve]

Can't help you with the "not enough clearance to insert a feeler", but I will invite you to follow the suggestion at the end of my signature.

I (and 317 others) find it to be a rather useful tool to calculate shim sizes and keep track of your shims and clearances from one adjustment interval to the next.

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[bluepinner]

Thank you guys! I will try to spin the bucket and go from there. I'm not sure what size the intake are. They measured about a .051 feeler. I will try switching them with the exhaust shims and remeasure. The PO was messing with them. One of the shims were warn down on both sides (had to measure with a micrometer) and there was a rubber sealant on the valve cover gasket.

[tkent02]

Can't help you with the "not enough clearance to insert a feeler", but I will invite you to follow the suggestion at the end of my signature.

I (and 317 others) find it to be a rather useful tool to calculate shim sizes and keep track of your shims and clearances from one adjustment interval to the next.

.

Sorry Steve, it's 316 others.
I never used the spreadsheet you sent, it's just quicker to do the math in my head than go fire up the computer.

[Steve]

OK, so just do the math in your head, then enter your values so you know what's there for next time.

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