Valve Shims

[Rockred]

I checked the valve clearances yesterday on my 15 GS, and found that both the left side inlet valves were at the lower end of the specs, 10mm and 10.5mm, all the others Left and Right pots were well within spec.

I'm not comfortable having them at the lower limit of the recommended spec, as they will only get tighter. So does anybody know where I can buy a box of assorted sized shims from please. I think the Dealers only sell them individually, and probably have to be ordered.

Thanks in advance.

 

[autogs]

order what you need only,a box of assorted will cost loads of dosh and prob doesnt exsist,you know the clearances so now order the correct shims to put them in the middle of the spec

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

I might be totally wrong but is this thread below all about that, if not sorry for my inexperience.

https://www.ukgser.com/forums/showt...7-R1200GS-Adventure?highlight=valve+clearance

 

[ianm00]

I checked the valve clearances yesterday on my 15 GS, and found that both the left side inlet valves were at the lower end of the specs, 10mm and 10.5mm, all the others Left and Right pots were well within spec.

I'm not comfortable having them at the lower limit of the recommended spec, as they will only get tighter. So does anybody know where I can buy a box of assorted sized shims from please. I think the Dealers only sell them individually, and probably have to be ordered.

Thanks in advance.

Here is a link to a set of valve shims. Its USA amazon but you must be able to get similar in UK. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...itle_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=advridercom-20

Ian

 

[Warlord]

I bought a box of Shims for about £85

Only because I didn't know what I'd need.

Having done valve clearances for mine and my mates, we didn't need any

If you know exactly what shims you need, why not just order them from BMW? still be cheaper than £80 for a box of buttons

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

I bought a box of Shims for about £85

Only because I didn't know what I'd need.

Having done valve clearances for mine and my mates, we didn't need any

If you know exactly what shims you need, why not just order them from BMW? still be cheaper than £80 for a box of buttons

So after all them wonderful tools we bought, we still might need shims..............

 

[Warlord]

So after all them wonderful tools we bought, we still might need shims..............

Just call me and I'll post a couple out if you need them.

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

Just call me and I'll post a couple out if you need them.

 

[Rockred]

Thanks for all your replies. The reason I wanted a box of assorted sizes, is that I don’t want to go back in, just to remove the tight shims to find out the size, and then go to the dealership in Spain to see if they have the next size.

The chances are that they will have to order them from Madrid. All this time the bike will be off the road. I would sooner pay more ,and have shims to spare for later use or to help friends out. And still be able to ride the bike whilst it’s still not oppressively hot.

Thanks again for all your response’s........

 

[roamer]

If they are within the lower spec, i would run it until you can spare it off the road,
enjoy the weather, then strip and measure later,
My lc had inlets close to minimum at first check by me at 6k, which did niggle me being newish,
which never changed at the next 6 k check,
bike got sold before i got around to doing them,

 

[Rockred]

Hi Roamer,

Thank you for your response, I was thinking along the same lines if I can’t source a mixed box, hopefully I will be able too, and with the choice of shim sizes, and taking my time, it should only take me a couple of hours maximum to complete the job, and be available to ride again straight away, and not having to wait possibly weeks to get the bike back on the road going the Dealer route.

Also those Ohlins are brilliant, and seeing pleanty of action up in the mountains. I have just changed from Conti trail 2, which were a good tyre, I’v now done about 400 miles on the new Scorpion trail 2, and they are at a different level, and give you a really good feel and grip. The combination of the Ohlins and the Scorpions are a great setup.

Once again many thanks.

Ian.

 

[ChazzyB]

The clearances may be exactly as they were from the factory. Why not record the measurements and check again in another few k miles?

 

[roamer]

Hi Ian, its good to know you are still enjoying the ohlins ttx shocks,
You certainly have some nice roads to play on ,
It may be worth contacting a dealer and ask if they have a selection in stock that the workshop book out for servicing,
If this is the first time you have checked them , i wouldn't worry too much, ��

 

[knutk]

The clearances may be exactly as they were from the factory. Why not record the measurements and check again in another few k miles?

+1 on that suggestion.

Over the years I have had quite a few BMWs with shimmed engines, and I have always done my own valve checks, and kept a record of all my findings.

All my bikes have practically not changed their readings at all in their time of my ownership, the longest I have checked is one of my K's that I checked at 90K, and it was still the same as the very first check.

BMW tend to set the clearance towards the lower limit for maximum valve opening, probably for ensure maximum opening of the valve as well as slightly less mechanical noise.

 

[GB.]

Hi Roamer,


Also those Ohlins are brilliant, and seeing pleanty of action up in the mountains. I have just changed from Conti trail 2, which were a good tyre, I’v now done about 400 miles on the new Scorpion trail 2, and they are at a different level, and give you a really good feel and grip. The combination of the Ohlins and the Scorpions are a great setup.


Ian.

Just ordered a set of scorpions to put on my alloys as I love the STRs on the road and good enough for the small percentage of off road I do. Hoping they will be good enough for a trackday or two also.

 

[Rockred]

As Roamer surgested, it is the first time that I have checked valve clearances, and having read the great replies, I will check them again at the next service.

I did make a note of all the clearances, so that I have a point of reference when I do the next service.

Left side cylinder Inlet- Left 10mm Right 10.5mm

Exhaust- Left 35mm Right 35mm

Right side cylinder Inlet- left 15mm Right 13mm

Exhaust- Left 35mm Right 38mm.

Thanks to all that replied.............

 

[knutk]

As Roamer surgested, it is the first time that I have checked valve clearances, and having read the great replies, I will check them again at the next service.

I did make a note of all the clearances, so that I have a point of reference when I do the next service.

Left side cylinder Inlet- Left 10mm Right 10.5mm

Exhaust- Left 35mm Right 35mm

Right side cylinder Inlet- left 15mm Right 13mm

Exhaust- Left 35mm Right 38mm.

Thanks to all that replied.............

I do not know where you got your info from, but I presume it's a case of shifted punctuations,.
Anyway, the spec sheet says:
Inlet valves: 0,10 - 0,17 mm
Exhaust: 0,34 - 0,41 mm

This is a fairly tight gap between min and max, and the regular gauges are not quite up to the task.


May I suggest this one for more accurate reading:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/32pc-0-02-1-0mm-Blade-Master-Feeler-Gauge-Stainless-Steel-Measuring-Tool-Set/122806821756?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D57476%26meid%3D8ef8afcbc70943d193de2f7ced8d5a66%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D21%26mehot%3Dlo%26sd%3D391945113111%26itm%3D122806821756&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851