anyone? I need to order these shims asap to get my bike back on the road

 

set your valve clearances as large as you can while still being within spec

 

I always shoot for the middle of the spec.

Make sure to MEASURE your old and new shims, don't just go by the # printed on them.

Putting it all back together is not too difficult, follow the manual and there are a ton of threads on here documenting the procedure.

 

ok thanks for the responses! i guess I've got to get to harbor freight to get that caliper ive been planning on getting.

 

The shims are generally pretty close, but it always pays to measure.

 

The hot setup when doing valve adjustments is to have the complete shim kit on hand. Yes...it's a bit expensive initially, but you're set forever more. And your friends. And your friends, friends. Plus it saves you time waiting for shims or driving to get them.

Remember to double check the clearances after you've done your shim changes as it doesn't always work out the way you've planned. Good on you for doing your own work!

 

Well I bought me a fancy digital caliper at harbor freight and all the shims were exactly as the numbers indicated... well maybe one was 164 instead of 165

I needed the calipers anyways so no biggie, but I'm pretty sure the margin of error from my feeler guage readings is waaay bigger than what a squashed shim could cause, thinking its not really worth it to measure the shims if you dont have a micrometer on hand.

So... I guess I'll get four 150 shims, should I also get two 155 shims in case my feeler gauge readings were off?

and how about this timing chain tensioner installation tool? is it easy enough to make one out of junk I have laying around? or should I just spend the $20?

 

I can't comment on the CCTs as I haven't done anything with them but take them off. Most of my valves were around .13 in /.23 ex and using 178 /168 shims respectively. I bought the hotcams refill for 150-175 and will knock them down to the next size shim. Should get em all in the middle.

Here's the refill kit I bought. Only down side is it was $10 shipping
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000GTSA7U[/ame]

 

Make your own CCT tool. Very simple. As an additional check for shims; Measured clearance + shim thickness - Target clearance = required shim thickness.

 

I have a spreadsheet I use for it, I could probably upload it to google docs if you were interested in a copy. Makes it easy to track valve clearances and adjustments and shim sizes.
Doh... looks like it was on another computer that I don't have anymore...I'll see if I can track down another copy.

 

Here you go. Straight from the book.
Intake valve chart.

Exhaust valve chart.

 

most people prefer to set up the valves as close to the loose side of spec as possible. Valve clearances tend to "tighten" (decrease) with wear, not "loosen".

 

If you're talking to me, I'm aware of that. I'm going from 178s to 175s to increase the gap from .13 to .16. If you're not talking to me, then its still a practical example

 

Thanks, but I have that chart in the service manual.
I tracked my clearances in a spreadsheet so I could know what shims were where and makes the next adjustment that much easier.

 

Oooh, that's a REALLY good idea!