What shim size do I need?

[Guest]

Been shimming my bike and I need to get new shims for the intake side of the engine.
I was able to move some shims around and got all the exhaust side in decent spec.

Exhaust
cyl 4-----------------------cyl 3----------------------------cyl 2--------------------------cyl 1
.076mm fits---------------.076mm fits--------------------.076mm fits------------------.076mm fits
.102mm fits---------------.102mm doesnt fit-------------.102mm doesnt fit-----------.102mm fits

I got a 2.20 shim from the shim club to find out what fits in the intake side and these were my measurements.

Cyl#4, cyl#3, and cyl#2 a .279mm feeler guage is the biggest that will fit through.
Cyl#1 will only allow a .229mm guage.


That being said I found somewhere to get new ones for $5 and I haven't been able to get ahold of the guy for the shim club so Im just gona buy some new ones.

My questions is, what size will I need?

[Steve]

First, I would suggest either getting a true METRIC feeler gauge set or to use the IMPERIAL (inch) numbers on your feelers, not the metric approximations.

Next, I will ask to make sure you are putting the cams in the correct positions for measuring. The Suzuki manual describes the process properly, the Haynes and Clymer manuals do not.

Third, feel free to take advantage of the offer in my signature.

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[irishluck]

I guess I could by another gauge If I really need it.
Also I am using the original manual for the bike.

And im just trying to find out what sizes I would need. I know how to do the shim job and all, just don't know how to determine the correct size now.

First, I would suggest either getting a true METRIC feeler gauge set or to use the IMPERIAL (inch) numbers on your feelers, not the metric approximations.

Next, I will ask to make sure you are putting the cams in the correct positions for measuring. The Suzuki manual describes, the process properly, the Haynes and Clymer manuals do not.

Third, feel free to take advantage of the offer in my signature.

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[cowboyup3371]

And Steve's spreadsheet will help you with that Irishluck.

[SVSooke]

Yeah Steve's spread sheet will give you the answer as soon as you plug in the numbers.Works in metric or imperial,for some reason I only have inch feelers but it's worked good for me so far.

[Steve]

..., for some reason I only have inch feelers but it's worked good for me so far.

Don't worry, SV, I use inch feelers, too.

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[JTGS850GL]

On the exhaust side there's no way of knowing what is still needed unless you say what shim is in there now. Looks like #1 and #4 may be too large of a gap if the .102mm goes through. What is needed is to know what doesn't go through as well. Although erring on the loose side is usually good, going too loose cam be problematic as well.

On the intake side it looks like a 2.40mm (2.2mm+.279mm -.08mm=2.399mm) shim should work for #s 2, 3, and 4. #1 will need a 2.35mm (2.20mm+.229mm-.08=2.349mm). Making these measurements can be difficult depending you a number of factors, so I would pick up a shim or two that's one size larger and one size smaller just to make sure you have it just in case.

[SVSooke]

Don't worry, SV, I use inch feelers, too.

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Inch feelers work,some purists seem to think somethings wrong with using imperial measurement on a metric bike.As far as I can tell the gap can't tell the differenceI may help with the math but your spreadsheet solves that to.

[JTGS850GL]

I think the reason some, including I, prefer metric feeler gauges is because they come in increments that give you better resolution. The set I have goes from .02mm to 1.0mm in .01mm increments between .02mm and .1mm. Makes it easier doing the math too.

[irishluck]

Ill email that guy to get that spreadsheet

[irishluck]

Hey JTGS850GL,

I see how you did the math there and I have a question about it.

Being that the .279 and the .229 gauges are a little bit different in size, do you think that I should get a different feeler gauge to measure that?
Or you think I should be fine with the 2.40 and the 2.35mm shims for this?

[Steve]

Ill email that guy to get that spreadsheet

"That guy" is waiting for a response to the e-mail he sent back to you.

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[Steve]

Another day later, "that guy" still hasn't heard anything from you.

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[irishluck]

Yea thats my bad. Sorry. I work very very long hours.
I drive a tow truck and work for 6 different PD departments.
I didn't even get home until 6am this morning.

Another day later, "that guy" still hasn't heard anything from you.

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