No special tool required to remove valve shims!

[Guest]

Here is some information on how to make up your own special tool for about 10 cents, to much quicker and easier remove and replace the valve shims on your GS than the special tool. I suggest you use it in conjunction with BassCliff's excellent valve adjustment guide on his website and also use Steve's valve shim calculator. You will have to email Steve to obtain a copy.
Steve if you are watching, I used your calculator for the first time today and it is a very handy tool, it works well on Openoffice and Excel.
Download the guide from: http://www.mediafire.com/?3ptmrhwxzvm

[Ironriot]

I don't understand why no one ever thanks you for these. They're great write ups. Thank you again. You save me alot of money from not having to buy these specialty tools

[TheCafeKid]

Yeah i always look at these, and would thank you for the possibly lot of dollars you save me too, but for some reason my computer doesnt like that webhost and wont let me download them...weird...but thanks anyway!! LOL

[bwringer]

Well, that was sure... creative. :shock:

It works, it's cheap, and won't hurt anything, but I sure don't see where it's faster or easier than using the correct tool.

On this end of the planet, the tool is only about $20 delivered to my door in about two days. http://z1enterprises.com

But maybe the right tool costs a lot more in your part of the world, or isn't easily available. Hats off -- propping the valves open with folded zip ties is pure demented genius!

[Matchless]

Thanks for the thanks!
Cafe, have you tried copying the link to your browser as mediafire is supposed to be a no hassle service. I use windows and Kubuntu linux with Firefox.

[srsupertrap]

Bravo, very creative to say the least.

[AOD]

I have the tool and I will gladly loan it to GSR members who need it. I just ask they send me a check to hold as a deposit.

~Adam

[Greg O.]

How do you open the file? I tried everything including copying the link to my browser, and nothing.

Greg o

[TheCafeKid]

Personally, I have the tool. Its garbage. I find the method i was taught by another GSR much more effective, but a bit on the dangerous side (Only in the sense that you *could* screw up your timing if you arent paying attention) The tool simply got more in the way than anything else. And YES i was using it properly. Also, on the inside cylinders, its VERY frustrating, as it keeps sliping off the tappet. I think i did more scuffing to my cam caps than anything. Thats not to say others havent found success. And that the particular tool that I bought isnt garbage itself. It very well may be.

[Matchless]

How do you open the file? I tried everything including copying the link to my browser, and nothing.

Greg o

Its a small PDF file of about 700k with pictures. It should open with any PDF reader.
If you have problems downloading maybe you could ask BassCliff or someone else to put it on their websites and try to download from there. I can promise you that the method really works, as the pictures were taken when I was doing a full valve shim job a few weeks back without any skinned knuckles or anything!

[spchips]

Again and again, the best tool for this is a rear spring adjuster tool. It's a perfect fit, and you're bound to have one from an old bike toolkit.

[Greg O.]

I got the file to open. Thanks.

Like Red Green always says, "Any tool can be the right tool."

Great idea. I need to check my valves this winter, and will give this method a try if I have to remove any shims.

Greg O

[BentRod]

I'm definately still learning.. Why on earth are you people doing this? am I missing something again? why are you removing valve shims?? or is this only for some engines?

[tkent02]

I'm definately still learning.. Why on earth are you people doing this? am I missing something again? why are you removing valve shims?? or is this only for some engines?

two valve engines, you need to swap shims to adjust valve clearances.

[Matchless]

I have updated the hint with a footnote, thanks to Steve who pointed out the possibility of carbon particles lodging under the valve seat and thus maybe affecting a reading. Please update any copies you may have.