It's valve shim time and I don't really want to buy the tool off ebay for $20 to use once in a blue moon. Anyone have one they would part with for shipping? Otherwise we could work something out to borrow it. I know there was a valve shim kit but I'm just looking for the tool.
Quote from: 4strings on March 05, 2011, 05:50:26 PM
It's valve shim time and I don't really want to buy the tool off ebay for $20 to use once in a blue moon. Anyone have one they would part with for shipping? Otherwise we could work something out to borrow it. I know there was a valve shim kit but I'm just looking for the tool.
You know it can be done with a simple flat head screw driver...right? That is what I did. I think there is a post on the forum with pics and such.
I tried the flat head and it didn't budge. I'll look again 4 the thread.
I used a large flat head to do it. You just rest the lower edge against the outer raised lip of the bucket and twist the handle so that the other edge of the flathead presses against the cam's unfinished looking metal. It takes a bit of force.. but it will work. Rest a magnetic pickup tool lightly against the shim and when the bucket is pressed down with the flathead, peel the shim up using the tip of a precision knife and it'll fly up and attach to the magnet. You will get the hang of it after you do the first one.
I was able to change out mine with a flat head screwdriver as well!!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/ValveShimTools.jpg)
I got it w/ a variety of flatheads. Now to swap em w/ a local dealership. I have one within a half hour drive that will swap. If they don't have the right size, I'll have to call around and find another shop or buy them off the site listed in the wiki. Thanks guys!
Make your own:
(http://www.hondaspree.net/other/gs500_valve_tool2.jpg)
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=50520.msg571281#msg571281
Just pull the cams. Seriously, it's not that hard, and not futzing with the tool makes it all worth it.
You can borrow mine if you want. Send a PM.
wohoo. Just swapped with a cool local repair shop. Plopped the first shim in no problem. Next one, the screwdriver slips and the shim falls down into the depths of the case because i forgot to put a rag in it. I freaked. The auto magnet i had was too wide. I made a blind stab with a long flexible grabber and snagged it like a teddy bear in a grapple game. So lucky. I then put a rag in and installed the shim. Turned the engine couple of times and both "new" shims can just get the .038mm feeler under. Now i just need to wait 7 - 14 business days for my more precise gauge set to come from Hong Kong...
more precise and hong kong in the same sentence, lol
I bought the tool, got it for like 15 bucks off ebay. worked great for me :dunno_black: