shim tool question

[M3RL1N]

hi guys
I'm doing the shims on my 82 gs550ez. i've borrowed the shim tool from a mate. (i know about the tie wrap method, but chose this way !). im having the usual problems getting the tool under the camshaft to hold the bucket down !!
. but iv'e discovered that if i turn the engine by hand so that the cam lobe holds the shim down i can get the tool in no problem. then if i turn the engine round again to take to pressure of it leaves the tool in place and i can get the shim out.

my question is : is this a recognised short cut. or does this sound like it will do any damage to my camshafts?.
i did the first one using this method but i stopped. wondering about any damage. i'll hold off until i get a reply to this thread. just in case.

thanks and regards
Dave

[ddaniels]

I do it by conbining the zip tie method and using the tool. I can never get enough clearance with just the zip tie. So, once the zip tie is in place, I am able to get the tool in and compress the bucket a bit further to be able to get the shim out. This method works good for me.

[chuck hahn]

sometimes i have to hold it against the shim with a screwdriver while rotating the bucket down..it wants to slip off and pop sometimes..a little pressure to hold it against the shim helps considerably.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

It seems that the tappet tools can wear. If the edges of the tool are not square they can slip off the bucket easier. I'm thinking of replacing my tappet tool. We'll see how it behaves during my next adjustment.

The trick is to keep the tool firm against the cam as you rotate the handle down while pushing the bucket. Press in toward the cam while you push down on the bucket. It takes some practice.

There is no harm in placing the tool in the proper position while the lobe presses down on the shim and bucket. Be sure the notch on the bucket is visible.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[chuck hahn]

Mine was new out of the package and it slips..i dont think that doing 6 valves had worn the edge off any!! They just seem to slip and i just have come to use the screwdriver to hold it tight till the buckets compressed.

[cowboyup3371]

sometimes i have to hold it against the shim with a screwdriver while rotating the bucket down..it wants to slip off and pop sometimes..a little pressure to hold it against the shim helps considerably.

+1 here but pretty much only on the end cylinders.

[Steve]

I can never get enough clearance with just the zip tie.

Use a thicker zip-tie.

.

[M3RL1N]

thanks

thanks for the reply's guys.
the tool is fairly new and in good condition.it dosn't slip or anything just really awkward to get in. it doesn't seem like anyones jumping up and down saying "DON'T DO THAT" so i think ill carry on and use that method. seems a lot easier that way.

the problem was that the tool has an edge on it that depresses the shim end too as well as the bucket. this was making it hard to get the shim out.but when i use the cam lobe to depress the shim.the tool fits easier and dosn't touch the shim.just the edge of the bucket.leaving the shim free.

and basscliffe "There is no harm in placing the tool in the proper position while the lobe presses down on the shim and bucket. Be sure the notch on the bucket is visible." thats what i was looking for.thank you. and thanks for your how to as well.im using that now. thanks again guys

regards
Dave

[Steve]

Just one word of caution when using the "official tool". You already know its propensity to slip off the edge.
If the shim is not fully seated when the tool slips off, the bucket will slam up, into the cam and shatter the shim.

I had this happen on a Kawsaki that I had. It took me about two hours of fishing with a magnet to find what I thought were all the pieces, then another hour or so trying to put them together to see if I needed to go fishing again. I laminated the results with clear packing tape as a reminder to be VERY careful when changing shims.





.

[Skunky]

I had the same problem with the thickness too and didn't have a thicker ties on hand. So try this... Use 2 zip ties...Take 1 ziptie fold it in half and bend 1/2 inch as recomended. Now cut another zip tie , bend the cut end , and slide it inside the fold of the bent tie. You can wrap the stem (part that your holding) with tape to keep it from slipping out just be careful tape doesn't go down to far as to fall into the cylinder. I used this method my first time and never even tried a shim tool. It was very easy to use.
Go for it!!!

[1948man]

I used a diamond whet rock to dress up the edges on my shim tool to get a clean 90 degree angle. I also found that if you experiment you can find the best way to put pressure on the tool to keep it from slipping. Some times the pressure you need to exert seems a little counter-intuitive. I still can't say I can do it easily every time. Maybe I'll use the zip tie next time.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

A couple of quick illustrations...





My new tappet depressor slipped at first too, until I got the hang of it. Whatever technique you use, it just takes practice.

Using large zip ties, folding them in half, then taping them together have been reported to work well.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[ddaniels]

I'll have to try using two zipties next time. Thanks.

[Steve]

I'll have to try using two zipties next time. Thanks.

Any chance you are planning on a valve adjustment the latter part of March?

I will be home and can stop by and show you how easy it is.

.

[Nessism]

A small blade screwdriver along side the shim tool helps keep it from slipping off the bucket when you are rotating it into place. Once you get a feel for using the tools its pretty fast work...and no need to remove the spark plugs to shove foreign objects into your engine.