How to adjust shims

[Dogma]

I just installed my new shims tonight and discovered something I thought was new. I checked to be sure, and apparently, I'm not the first to discover this. I found the post below buried in a recent thread. I think it deserves its own thread, so more people get a chance to see it.

I just thought I would add my two cents to the shim tool since I just did my valves and started out with the tool slipping all over the place, as seen in the noted video and also as decribed by others.

If you set yourself up to have the crankshaft easily rotatable, by removing the signal generator cover and having a 19mm socket ready, you can easily depress the valve you are working on with the cam lobe, slip the tool into position and rotate the crank until the bucket meets your tool. I had zero slips doing it this way and it was very quick. The tool is actually designed to press up tight against certain ridges on the shaft so its not even like you need to have a feel for placement, just press up tight until it cant slide anymore and close the valve.

I have just a little to add. I first got the idea after giving up on the tool and using the zip tie. Then I realized I could use the tool instead of the zip tie, and not fool around with pulling spark plugs. This also alleviates any concerns anyone might have about side-loading the valve.

The first time I tried this, I accidentally put the tool on the edge of the shim, not on the bucket. I refined the technique somewhat by starting the tool normally to get the right position, then rotating the cam to depress the valve. The tool swung into final position as the valve went down, and stayed there as I rotated the cam lobe out of the way. After changing the shim, I just pulled the tool out as usual. My "refinement" may not prove to be easier. I only had one shim left to change when I thought of this. I was losing sunlight, so it seemed easier to me to get proper alignment this way.

Either way, a much easier technique than either the zip-tie method or the normal use of the tool. Congrats to apogeecustom for discovering it first.

 

[Steve]

The biggest problem that I see with that is that for half of the valves, you will have to rotate the crank backward to pull the tool into place.

For the other half, you will have to rotate the crank backward to remove the tool.

Makes me a bit nervous. Maybe it's just me.

The only thing I can imagine that is any easier than the zip-tie method is the hydraulic adjusters on my Wing.

.

 

[DPage]

If you can get those infernal, expensive dedicated shim extraction metal tools to work, you're a saint. I have one of those expensive tools, and anyone who asks can buy it for the cost of postage. Seriously! Just send me a PM. I converted to the plastic zip tie method as of last weekend. Gentle on the valves, and saves your knuckles / sanity.

Edit - My shim tool is no longer available, I gave it away to the first taker.

 

[Dogma]

The biggest problem that I see with that is that for half of the valves, you will have to rotate the crank backward to pull the tool into place.

For the other half, you will have to rotate the crank backward to remove the tool.

Makes me a bit nervous. Maybe it's just me.

Try it. You'll like it. No need to rotate a cam backwards. On the exhaust side, you might need to hold the handle of the tool down as you rotate the cam. I'll be trying it again when I put shims in the 1000. I'll post if I learn more.

The only thing I can imagine that is any easier than the zip-tie method is the hydraulic adjusters on my Wing.

.

Shush, you. Actually, I've been wondering how fast hydraulic lifters could be revved. What's redline on that thing?

 

[Steve]

Shush, you. Actually, I've been wondering how fast hydraulic lifters could be revved. What's redline on that thing?

Don't let the low numbers fool you, though. If it could hit redline in top gear, it would be about 125 mph.

The Honda Valkyrie uses the same basic engine, but has a higher redline, probably because of the manual valve adjusters and the six carbs (instead of two on the Wing).

.