Valve shim removal trick!!

[arbakken]

I haven't tried this yet (definitely will next time I do an adjustment) but it seems that our forefathers over at www.thegsresources.com came up with a genius idea for removing valve shims without the special tool. Check it out:

http://www.mediafire.com/?3ptmrhwxzvm

[The Buddha]

If anything it has to be easier on a GS 500, no center cyls. Ha ha ...  motion pro.
However I do 3 valves in 1 sweep and 1 the next turn. Done in 5 mins.
Cool.
Buddha.

[blwnbwtie]

sounds like a great idea, im gonna have to try this out next time i do valves.

[Markca]

Did any one try this successfully? It's hard to see from the picture, but does the plastic cable tie holds down the valve by it's width (13mm), or by the thickness (which is double up by folding)?

Anyway, it sounds like a very good idea, but if the valve is held open (by the plastic cable tie), and the cam shaft is then turn so that highest part is facing away from the valve shim, the piston must move up at this point, so should we worry about the piston hitting the Valve, as it is still held open by the plastic tie? Maybe in the 2 valve per cylinder engine, the piston does not go up as high...  Any idea?

[gsJack]

Lots of good ideas over at gs resources but that isn't one of them.  I wouldn't touch that one with a 10' pole.  You can change valve shims with a couple of screwdrivers, no need for the special tool.  Also don't check GS500 valves with the cam lobes set away from the valves, set with engine on timing mark and camshaft notches towards and then away from each other as shown in the manuals to get accurate measurements.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/ValveShimTools.jpg

[zeusrekning]

I used the zip tie method to remove my shims. Works very well. The only thing I noticed is that when turning the engine over to do the next shim, the cam rubs against the bucket in a way i did not like. It scratches the very outer edge of the cam lobe at highest points. Im sure its no big deal but could be overcam by doing one shim at a time.