Setting valve clearance with the engine disassembled?

[Mandres]

Well I finally got my head back from the shop.  They replaced the cracked guide and I lapped in the new valves.  I've got the head reassembled up to the cams and I'm trying to set the valve clearance before putting the head back on the engine.  3 out of the 4 shims I have are too thick, my .04 gauge won't fit.  Fortunately I'm next in line for Kerry's kit so I should have a selection to choose from.  My question is: Does it matter if the cam chain is engaged on the cams or not when taking a reading?  I bolted the cam caps down to the specified torque value and I think that should be sufficient to get a good reading.  Does that sound right or does the camchain need to be engaged?

thx,

-M

[NightRyder]

I wouldn't think it would make a difference, but then what do I know. Just my thoughts. I have done that job myself, I think the chain can not affect the valve clearence.

[GeeP]

The cam chain does not have to be engaged to get an accurate reading.  However, the camshaft must be rotated through several complete turns before checking the clearances.  This is to ensure that the shims, buckets, camshaft, and valves are properly seated.  If the head is off you'll need to inspect the valve seats carefully for crap between the land and seat.

[Kerry]

The cam chain does not have to be engaged to get an accurate reading.  However, the camshaft must be rotated through several complete turns before checking the clearances.

Which you don't really want to do without the camchain engaged, right? 

[GeeP]

The cam chain does not have to be engaged to get an accurate reading.  However, the camshaft must be rotated through several complete turns before checking the clearances.

Which you don't really want to do without the camchain engaged, right? 

Depends how desperate you are I suppose...  If the crank is far enough after TDC you won't have an interference problem.  However, that still leaves you to figure out how to turn the camshaft. 

[Mandres]

Thanks guys.  I hadn't thought about needing to rotate the cams before taking the reading; it makes sense though.  I guess I'll wait till the head is back on the cylinder and then mess with the shims using the traditional method.

-M