Ok, so I finally got around to checking my valve clearance after finding a feeler gauge to go down to .03. Well, .038 to be exact. Anyway, I have some questions:


1.) I can't get the .038 feeler under either side of the intake cam, and I don't have a gauge that goes below .038. The shims that are in there right now are 2.55's. What size(s) would you guys recommend I should get? I was thinking of getting a couple 2.50's and a couple 2.45's, does that sound good?

2.) The right side intake valve shim was kind of worn, is this normal? I couldn't barely make out the 2nd number in the sequence. I'm almost positive it is 2.55. But, it could be 2.65. Assuming the shims have never been changed before, would they generally be the same size on both intake valves? Like I said, I'm pretty sure its 2.55, but it kinda looks like it could be 2.65.

3.) The .038 gauge slides almost effortlessly under both sides of the exhaust cam. That puts me within spec. If you have to kind of work the feeler in there, but it goes in, thats still in spec right? As long as you can get the feeler in between? Or should the feeler slide right in ever so smoothly?

4.) Lastly, what is a good place to get shims from? I know I checked MRcycles and Bike bandit and they were $10 each or something. I remember someone posted a site where they were only $5 each.

Nobody?

Here's the $5 valve shims that were recently posted:

http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/valve_shims.htm

If the intake valve buckets can be turned freely with your finger tip with the cam turned away from the shim they have a little clearance, less than you can measure but OK to use till you get shims and change them.

I bought shims one and two sizes smaller the first time and it worked out well for me, good plan.  I've found the intake clearances rarely change but the exhaust  do get tighter over the miles.  Good to keep the exhaust to the looser side of the tolerance for longer valve life and less shim changes.

If the size numbers were wearing off the shims must have been changed before since the shims are put in with the numbers down so the cam doesn't wear them off.

My 02 GS had two 265 and two 258 shims when new. They have in between size shims at the factory,  Replacement shims are in .05 mm increments. 

Quote from: gsJack on July 15, 2008, 06:27:10 AM
Here's the $5 valve shims that were recently posted:

http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/valve_shims.htm

If the intake valve buckets can be turned freely with your finger tip with the cam turned away from the shim they have a little clearance, less than you can measure but OK to use till you get shims and change them.

I bought shims one and two sizes smaller the first time and it worked out well for me, good plan.  I've found the intake clearances rarely change but the exhaust  do get tighter over the miles.  Good to keep the exhaust to the looser side of the tolerance for longer valve life and less shim changes.

If the size numbers were wearing off the shims must have been changed before since the shims are put in with the numbers down so the cam doesn't wear them off.

My 02 GS had two 265 and two 258 shims when new. They have in between size shims at the factory,  Replacement shims are in .05 mm increments. 

Thanks for the info and the link!