Metric feeler gauges

[Stev0]

I'm trying to adjust the valves on my '79 gs750e. I have feeler gauges, but they are incremented in thousandths of inch. They range from .0015" to .025". they do show mm, but they don't go small enough to really give me an accurate measurement.

the conversions as read on the gauges are:
.0015" = .038mm
.002" = .051mm
.003" = .076mm
.004" = .102mm
etc...

Now, if the spec is .03-.08mm, then a.038 that wont fit doesn't exactly mean that they are too tight, but close. I dont want to be close, I want to KNOW what the clearances are. It's hard to do the math to decide what shims to get if I don't really know where I'm at. I've looked around for smaller and/or metric feeler gauges with no luck. Am I just being nit-picky or does somebody know where to get the right tool for the job?

 

[tom203]

I'm trying to adjust the valves on my '79 gs750e. I have feeler gauges, but they are incremented in thousandths of inch. They range from .0015" to .025". they do show mm, but they don't go small enough to really give me an accurate measurement.

the conversions as read on the gauges are:
.0015" = .038mm
.002" = .051mm
.003" = .076mm
.004" = .102mm
etc...

Now, if the spec is .03-.08mm, then a.038 that wont fit doesn't exactly mean that they are too tight, but close. I dont want to be close, I want to KNOW what the clearances are. It's hard to do the math to decide what shims to get if I don't really know where I'm at. I've looked around for smaller and/or metric feeler gauges with no luck. Am I just being nit-picky or does somebody know where to get the right tool for the job?

You got to KNOW ! well, know that a gauge set with a .001 inch feeler will cost you, but someone will chime in and tell you where you can get one reasonable.

update; ebay quick scan produced this item; $11Item number:330582526259
Item number:330582526259

 

[Stev0]

it's like the saying goes, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades

 

[Nessism]

My feeler gauges read in inch increments. If the .0015" won't pass, I change the shim. There is no problem with running the clearance up to .10mm (.004") so that's what I do.

 

[mike_of_bbg]

Ed's sound in his telling.

For your next valve clearance check though, order these:

http://www.sourcingmap.com/gap-measure-feeler-gauge-blades-0021mm-tool-p-128629.html

 

[Stev0]

excellent! thanks for the link, guess I just didn't look hard enough. I will be ordering these for this valve adjustment, I'm not in a hurry.

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Yes, I like using a metric feeler gauge. That way the math doesn't make my head hurt.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[Stev0]

I couldn't have said it better myself!

On a side note, have you ever tried to find a set of metric combo wrenches at a store? why are they always missing one size? what gives?

 

[Guest]

Snap-On sells tools on-line. They have a discount line that is perfectly fine for valve adjustments. About $12 with S&H.

Don't get Harbor Freight quality. I had a set of theirs, and the thicknesses were quite wrong.

Perhaps if you're tuning a racing machine, knowing exactly what clearance is matters. For the rest of us, just keep it well in tolerance.

 

[JEEPRUSTY]

http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/category/tappet_feeler_gauges/

buy these in the correct range for your bike.


Converting the superior metric system to English measures is for the birds.

 

[Nessism]

You guys are scaring me. Can you chew gum and walk at the same time?

As long as the clearance is between .0015" and .004" everything is fine.

SnapOn feeler gauge set for $6.55 http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1122&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

If you simply can't trust yourself get these for $10.15 http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1122&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[JEEPRUSTY]

You guys are scaring me. Can you chew gum and walk at the same time?

As long as the clearance is between .0015" and .004" everything is fine.

SnapOn feeler gauge set for $6.55 http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1122&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

If you simply can't trust yourself get these for $10.15 http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1122&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Ambulation and mastication are not one in the same.
Logical fallacy has crept into a technical forum.

 

[koolaid_kid]

I picked mine up locally, I believe it was at Napa Auto Parts.

 

[DPage]

Stev0, you are in the Chicago area, where there are Pep Boys stores. They have true metric feeler gauges that to down to .04MM (which is thin enough) for about $5.