Today I managed to pull the valve cover and check the valve clearance. Not exactly the best day to do this as it was very windy and trying to rain, but I'm an impatient person.
The valve shims were a total pain. I only managed to get one out using the follower tool. After spending 30 minutes trying to get the second one out I gave up and pulled the cams. Three valves were too tight. How tight I do not know. I think I'll try just going down the next size unless everyone has a different experience with tight valves.
The shims are over $8 so buying extras would be cost prohibitive. It would be so easy to adjust the valves if only they'd use the old style of adjuster. I had a Subaru car several years ago that I adjusted the valves on in just a couple of hours. But evidently shims are supposed to prolong the adjustments.
Derek
They can be tough to use uf youre only using a magnetic tool. Better option is to move the bucket do that the slot is facing you, then use the tool, then use a pocket knife to pop the shium up, then use magnet tool.
If, before you use the tool, you can rotate the bucket around the shim, then you should bne only one valve size too big. That should be a pretty good indication.
That's the kind of information I'd really like to hear. All the followers could be moved around with finger pressure but I couldn't get a .038mm feeler gauge in between three of them. I think I'll try using the next size down shims. Thanks.
Derek
You don't have to PULL the cam shafts, just loosen them a small bit. Then you'll be able to get a jewlers screwdriver in to pop out the shim. I thinl tweezers work better than a magnet.
Very welcome. I but check your shim sizes. Its possible that they've been adjusted before and you may have the shim onhand you need.