Feeler Gauge Wont Go Through Cam Lobes

[robertbarr]

Before you get rolling, I'd pull the shims (one at a time, of course) and measure them. Write down the measurements. It helps to be able to swap a shim from one valve to another as needed, but you'll also find your thinnest shim, which might -- MIGHT -- be thin enough to make measurements. Probably you'll wind up procuring shims twice, but that's not the end of the world.

Keep track of the thickness of the shim you end up with for each valve. Since the valves were disturbed, it's probable that your clearances will change in your next 3,500 miles, and having that shim 'map' will come in really handy next time around. (Imagine how handy it'd be right how, for example...).

[Nessism]

Ed, have you ever compared clearance on hot and cold engines? I am curious how much it changes, but have never been quite curious enough to take the time to do it myself.

.

I've never done a hot check Steve. Too lazy. The reason for doing the fan cool down is because I help a local member do maintenance on his 850 and we usually drink a beer (or two) while draining the oil and cooling the engine with a fan before we dig into the valves. Most of the time the valves are okay or maybe just one or two need a shim.

[Steve]

I've never done a hot check Steve. Too lazy.

You sound about as ambitious as me.

Thanks for the reply.

.

[sharpy]

"Feeler Gauge Wont Go Through Cam Lobes" Almost none will. but most of the time they go under the lobes between the shims and lobes

[hannibal]

Thanks guys.

[allojohn]

Before you get rolling, I'd pull the shims (one at a time, of course) and measure them. Write down the measurements.

This is a good point. Measure the shims, do not trust the stamped size, ocassionally you'll find a bad one.

[londonboards]

I read recently, that it's quite acceptable to skim the ends of the valve stems, to shorten them and make it less necessary to find the unobtainium thin shims.

I'm thinking to have all mine skimmed, as the head is apart, then I can use up my box of thick shims and have some play available for when the gap gets smaller again.

Any reason why I shouldn't?

[fastbysuzuki]

There's no reason why you cannot do that just be careful they are not taken back too much although I have seen that happen and a small amount filed off the collets/ keepers to get the clearance required.

[hampshirehog]

I read recently, that it's quite acceptable to skim the ends of the valve stems, to shorten them and make it less necessary to find the unobtainium thin shims.

I'm thinking to have all mine skimmed, as the head is apart, then I can use up my box of thick shims and have some play available for when the gap gets smaller again.

Any reason why I shouldn't?

The workshop manual details how to do this and gives the maximum amount that can be taken off.

[sharpy]

I read recently, that it's quite acceptable to skim the ends of the valve stems, to shorten them and make it less necessary to find the unobtainium thin shims.

I'm thinking to have all mine skimmed, as the head is apart, then I can use up my box of thick shims and have some play available for when the gap gets smaller again.

Any reason why I shouldn't?

If you got your head done at a respectable head guy (NOT car places) im talking about people who know there stuff. They will cut ure valve seats and valves and trim the tip aswell so when it goes back in there is minimal stuffing around with shims. If there is major fiddling around you took it to the wrong place.

[GregT]

If you got your head done at a respectable head guy (NOT car places) im talking about people who know there stuff. They will cut ure valve seats and valves and trim the tip aswell so when it goes back in there is minimal stuffing around with shims. If there is major fiddling around you took it to the wrong place.

The biggest sin some of these guys commit is not redoing the slight bevel on the tip edge. As received, the sharp edge left will rip a new stem seal when installing the valve...