Valve shim tool in Melbourne, Au - to buy or borrow/rent

[SFra]

Hello,

I'm looking for a valve shim tool for a GS500, 2006. If anyone in Melbourne has one laying around, let me know and I'd be happy to rent. Otherwise, let me know of reputable online stores in Australia or abroad.

Thanks!

Simon

P.S. yes I have looked on Ebay

[peteGS]

Don't bother... just get yourself a largish cable tie instead.

Remove the spark plug on the side you're adjusting.

Spin the crank so the camshaft lobe has the valve fully open.

Fold cable tie in half and insert the folded end in between the valve and valve seat.

Rotate crank to get the lobe off the shim and bucket, replace shim, rotate crank back around, and remove cable tie.

[SFra]

Wow, I wasn't expecting that bit of wisdom. Great tip.

Do you mean like this: http://gsarchive.bwringer.com/bikecliff/images/valve_tool_zip_tie.pdf

With this method, on a scale of 1 to 10 how hard will it be to remove a shim?

[lano]

Where are you located in Melbourne? I'm in Burwood if you wanted to borrow one. PM me

[peteGS]

Yep that's it exactly, I got that tip from the GS Resources (should've mentioned that to give credit where it's due).

Shim removal is easy, I use a pair of non-magnetised tweezers to remove and insert.

Be sure to make sure no magnetised tools are used on the shims or they can be attracted to the lobe and get pulled out of the bucket... a situation you don't want to think about.

For shims, you have a good place down there too, http://www.precisionshims.com.au/

[SFra]

Thanks again.

Yes, precision shims is just around the corner and they have a range of 29.55mm d shims in stock.

@lano, I'll try the bushman's mechanic way first. Can I follow up with you if I get stuck? I'm based out in Warrandyte and will be doing this in a few weeks time.

[peteGS]

Most if not all the shims in my 450 are from them, still have some genuine spares but they're a bit thick now.

Good luck with it! Take your time, measure clearances twice at least, and after replacing a shim make sure to rotate the cams a couple of times before measuring again.

Also, in case you don't know, *never* rotate the cams minus a shim, you will score the lobes and cause mucho badness to occur.

[SFra]

Thanks again!

I'll take all the good advice I can get.