Valve Shims - what sizes?

[Bustedknuckles]

Alrighty, So I cracked open my valve cover and did my first partial valve job today. Below is a list of current valve clearances and then current shim sizes. I've read through a couple other threads and am pretty sure the below "need" shims are the correct ones I should put in. But I just want to get a second opinion before I dive into it.

If I am not mistaken, (Intake #3 for example) should go from a 2,50 shim down to a 2,45. Although this puts my valve clearance at 8.8. It would be more ideal than the .038 that I am currently at right?

Also was wanting to know if I can just order the exact ones I need or if I have to buy a whole kit. (all I could find were kits)

Thanks in advance everyone!
~Nate

INTAKE

#1 - Smallest feeler wont fit! - 2,50 - need 2,45
#2 - Smallest feeler wont fit! - 2,65 - need 2,60
#3 - .038 - 2,5? (3rd # worn off) need 2,45 MAYBE 2,50 if the current is a 2,55
#4 - Smallest feeler wont fit! - 2,55 - need 2,50

EXHAUST

#1 - .051 - 2,70 - GOOD!
#2 - Smallest feeler wont fit! - 2,75 - need 2,70
#3 - .038 - 2,80 - need 2,75
#4 - .038 - 2,75 - need 2,70

[Nessism]

You may need to move those "smallest feeler won't fit" valves TWO shim steps. I'd plan that way anyway. Z1 Enterprises sells shims for a fair price.

[Bustedknuckles]

two shim sizes would equal .10 difference in valve clearance. according to my Clymer, my acceptable valve clearance should be between .03-.08

So correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't that addition equal more than my acceptable valve clearance? or is being a little positive not that terrible of a thing?

[Nessism]

How do you know the clearance if you can't get a feeler in there? There may be zero clearance or even less.

[cowboyup3371]

Email Steve for his valve spreadsheet

[Morrison]

You could join the shim club, get two sizes smaller for the ones too tight and one should fit. Super quick delivery and all you have to do is send Ray a donation and send back the un used shims. Good Luck.

[tkent02]

Here's my trick to see how tight it really is when the smallest feeler (usually .036mm) won't go in.

Put the cam in the position to check two valves, then try to spin the shim in the bucket of those two valves with your finger. If it spins easily, there is at least some clearance, one size smaller should get you betwen .05mm and .09mm. If it won't spin easily, you really have to force it to turn the shim, there is zero or less clearance. Going down two sizes should put you somewhere under .10mm.

There may be one or two valves soo tight that two sizes smaller isn't enough, so always recheck the clearances after you have all the shims in place that you think are correct, turn the engine over a few times to squeeze all of the oil out from thinder the shim, etc..

[Bustedknuckles]

Shim club eh!? that sounds like music to my motor! I would be more than happy to send the shims in that I cant use. Some of these I can re-purpose on other valves but I will still need some replacements.

Looking at needing

2X - 2,65
2X - 2,40
1X - 2,45

Do you happen to have Ray's actual user name?

You could join the shim club, get two sizes smaller for the ones too tight and one should fit. Super quick delivery and all you have to do is send Ray a donation and send back the un used shims. Good Luck.

[tkent02]

Ghostgs1 .

[Steve]

Email Steve for his valve spreadsheet

Click on my username for e-mail information.

As a stop-gap measure, remove the 2.50 from EX1, put a quarter in its place. (You are moving that one because it's your smallest one.) Move the 2.50 into places where you could not measure any clearance. You may end up with some extra clearance, but at least you will be able to measure it and calculate what you need. Then, it will just be a matter of ordering one 2.45 and maybe a 2.40 to fill the need for EX1 to replace that 2.50.

.

[Bustedknuckles]

I have heard some people use coins just so they can rotate the valves in order to get all the shims out. will a quarter work? or is this a bad idea altogether?

[Bustedknuckles]

Nevermind, I'm an idiot...

Click on my username for e-mail information.

As a stop-gap measure, remove the 2.50 from EX1, put a quarter in its place. (You are moving that one because it's your smallest one.) Move the 2.50 into places where you could not measure any clearance. You may end up with some extra clearance, but at least you will be able to measure it and calculate what you need. Then, it will just be a matter of ordering one 2.45 and maybe a 2.40 to fill the need for EX1 to replace that 2.50.

.