how to check valve clearance?

[ruler7171]

If you enter that 0.03 reading in your spreadsheet, it will tell you that it is "OK", but when you enter your shim size, it will suggest a change to the next size smaller.

This only happens when entering 0.03 as your clearance, and is due to the way I had to round some of the computations. The good news is that with a clearance of 0.03mm, you should be changing the shim anyway.

Just to verify, though, ... you have actual METRIC feelers, not INCH feelers with metric approximations printed on them?

.

If I am right at .03 (and I really had to work the feeler in) with a 2.7 shim, the calculation tool suggests a 2.6mm replacement. Would you suggest I go a little smaller such as a 2.55mm or 2.50mm?

[ruler7171]

Also, can I remove all of the shims with the engine in the same position (I mean with out turning the engine/cams)?

[cowboyup3371]

If this is your first time checking it, I'd go one size at a time, seat it, and then recheck. You go too much at first and you'll be asking for trouble.

[Steve]

If I am right at .03 (and I really had to work the feeler in) with a 2.7 shim, the calculation tool suggests a 2.6mm replacement. Would you suggest I go a little smaller such as a 2.55mm or 2.50mm?

If you have a 2.70 in there with a 0.03mm clearance, the sheet is going to suggest a 2.65, not a 2.60. If you put in the 2.65 that is suggested, your clearance will go to 0.08mm, which is right at the upper limit. DO NOT go with a 2.55 or 2.50.

Also, can I remove all of the shims with the engine in the same position (I mean with out turning the engine/cams)?

The ONLY way to safely remove all the shims without rotating the engine is to remove the cams.

Just in case you have not seen it anywhere else (it is in the spreadsheet instructions #10):
DO NOT ROTATE THE ENGINE UNLESS THERE IS A SHIM IN EVERY POSITION.

It is allowable to move the engine if you put a "placeholder" in place of a shim. That "placeholder" can be a coin (quarter, silver dollar, etc.), but be SURE to get it out of there before hitting the starter button.

.

[ruler7171]

If you have a 2.70 in there with a 0.03mm clearance, the sheet is going to suggest a 2.65, not a 2.60. If you put in the 2.65 that is suggested, your clearance will go to 0.08mm, which is right at the upper limit. DO NOT go with a 2.55 or 2.50.


The ONLY way to safely remove all the shims without rotating the engine is to remove the cams.

Just in case you have not seen it anywhere else (it is in the spreadsheet instructions #10):
DO NOT ROTATE THE ENGINE ULESS THERE IS A SHIM IN EVERY POSITION.

It is allowable to move the engine if you put a "placeholder" in place of a shim. That "placeholder" can be a coin (quarter, silver dollar, etc.), but be SURE to get it out of there before hitting the starter button.

.

Your right, 2.65mm is the suggested. I took out one shim and stopped. So I would be safe to put a quarter in its place and then rotate the engine to allow access to another shim and so on? Would the textured surface of the coins not cause any harm to the cams?

[Steve]

Would the textured surface of the coins not cause any harm to the cams?

The metal in the coins is far softer than the cams, there will be no damage to the cams, but be sure to squirt a little oil in there, too.

.

[ruler7171]

Steve,

I was able to easily remove three shims from one engine position and I replaced them with oiled quarters so that I could rotate the engine just enough to easily remove the last shim and replace it with an oiled quarter. I put my numbers into your spreadsheet and it popped out what I needed I will be sending them out tomorrow morning to the GS Valve Shim Club (Ghostgs1) for the smaller shims.

• Out of curiosity, and no I did not do this, what would happen if you were to rotate the engine without the shims installed?