Valve clearances and shims

[Hustler]

I'm at valve clearance checking time at 18,000 miles and I was going to adjust them myself (although I've never done them before) but I'm not sure where to get shims from if I need them.
Do you buy a job lot and where from and is it best to buy them beforehand and how likely am I to need them anyway ?
Questions, nothing but questions.
Thank you.

 

[Fandango]

Give Motor Works a ring (the number is up above in the header for the website).
I spoke to them about this once before, although I've not yet done it myself.

I was told that they can send you a selection of likey shims which are each sealed its pack and then you send back the shims you didn't use (they must be totally unused and still be sealed in the packaging) and they'll refund you the money for every shim you return.
That way you can strip down your bike, work out what shim you need and get it all done without having to wait for the shops to open before you can get the right size.

As for the other parts to your question I'll have to let someone add those answers

 

[cookie]

i was asked to do one recently. upon perusal of the manual, it appears that a rather expensive looking factory tool is needed to get the shims out, so i declined.

there may well be cheaper work arounds for this problem, i don't know and couldn't be arsed to find out. make sure you know one before starting the job

 

[richc]

Do you have the Chain Gang DVD #1? It details the valve adjustment process very well. If not, here are instructions on how to get it. http://faq.f650.com/dvd/index.htm

You've probably read these (I hope you have), but if you haven't here are the instructions.
http://faq.f650.com/GSFAQs/Valve_Shim_Change_FAQ_GS.htm

No special tools are required, unless feeler gauges and the TDC (top dead center) bolt are considered special. The tools required are listed here http://faq.f650.com/GSFAQs/Valve_Shim_Change_FAQ_GS.htm#Tools
You can make your own TDC bolt. It's a good thing to have.

If your BMW dealer isn't close, some Kawasaki's (KLR 650) and newer Triumphs use the same shims (29mm).

 

[cookie]

No special tools are required, unless feeler gauges and the TDC (top dead center) bolt are considered special. The tools required are listed here http://faq.f650.com/GSFAQs/Valve_Shim_Change_FAQ_GS.htm#Tools
You can make your own TDC bolt. It's a good thing to have.

you just take the cams out then.

 

[Hustler]

Thank you everyone, most appreciated.
I'm starting with the Chain Gang DVD and as it happens I had this bit torrent lark for downloading explained to me only last weekend.
Will have a read of all the required information and also talk to Motor Works about getting a selection of shims.
This should keep me busy for a little while.
Thanks again.

 

[talltony]

Chances are they won't need adjusting - mine are still good at 24,000.
Tony

 

[Hustler]

Chances are they won't need adjusting - mine are still good at 24,000.
Tony

That would be good news.
I tried earlier to download the Chain Gang DVD #1 as mentioned by richc above.
Alas after about half an hour I'd managed to download 0.1% so decided to give up at that point.

 

[michael d]

just make sure you get the right shims ,the later twin spark engines use different shims to the single spark engine

 

[Hustler]

just make sure you get the right shims ,the later twin spark engines use different shims to the single spark engine

I didn't know that, thank you.

 

[B Murr]

I used to have a Kawasaki GT550, ex despatch. On some valves the shims were the smallest ones you can get so I used to just grind them down to the size I needed Cheaper than new valve guides but never caused any problems.Not the way to go on this one though

 

[Hustler]

I used to have a Kawasaki GT550, ex despatch. On some valves the shims were the smallest ones you can get so I used to just grind them down to the size I needed Cheaper than new valve guides but never caused any problems.Not the way to go on this one though

Nice to have options but tend to agree with you, not the way to go on this one.
But thanks for the idea.

 

[Hustler]

And to, sort of, complete the picture and also as information for folk searching these forums in the future, I have today ordered a valve clearance shim kit from Moto-Bins.
It's 8 pieces in a variety of sizes from 2.4 up to 2.6 and cost £14.68 inc. VAT plus a bit of postage.

 

[Hustler]

And to totally complete the picture, valve clearances were checked and no shims were required.
Another job jobbed, steering head bearings next. Well soon, OK soonish.