Shim Calculator

Fellow XJers

I was mixing up some basic math by hand-calculating required shims today, so I created a little spreadsheet to aid in "ensuring" one doesn't cross up calculations...

Just enter the numbers as shown on the sheet for spec range, current and new shim, and it'll keep you straight...

Find it here (select down-load on the right side of the page):

https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1341856188/4 ... 748e2bc5dd

p.s. Legal disclaimer -- this is a tool, not a guarantee, and I am in no way liable for the decisions you make... Other than that I hope it is useful

 

I think it's a great idea, good work !

I would add that regardless of the method used to calculate the shim required it is essential to stop have a good think about what's going on.

The shim is the only adjustment, so we start with a fixed gap between the cam and the shim bucket. We are trying to put a spacer (ie. a shim) in that gap that will give us a certain clearance.

If the valve is tight, that gap is too small and we need a thinner shim to make it looser. If it is loose, we need a thicker shim to make it tighter.

Think of it as trying to find a piece of wood that will fit between your head and the ceiling and still leave the right amount of space to get your hat on and off

 

Neat spreadsheet. Good work.

 

Thanks it has improved my confidence in choosing the right new shims - when you write out a matrix on paper it's easy to cross up a calculation... I have also measured installed shims to be sure they are "honest"

 

Nice work, coach, only I recon I could change my shims while you are putting in all those formulae.

 

Nahh ... it was quick and dirty to develop...

I just enjoy the "what if" it let's you do quickly plugging in options or swaps...

 

Really handy work - I agree, dirty but effective.

 

Great program! Thanks for posting it!

 

dmccoach, nice work, i just used that and saw a few things, nothing important, but the shim sizes are ### not #.##
i'am not criticizing your work but it might confuse someone
thanks for your effort
now could you make one for the poor saps that use inch gauges ?

 

Got the nasty 404 error. What happend to it?

Ghost

 

The service is free for one week so it should be there til the 21st...

Be sure to click on the "down-load" option on the right.

... Let me make the suggested changes and I will re-post it ...

Actually, can anyone suggest a file access service free and unlimited?

 

google docs if you have a gmail account

 

Awesome, thank you.

 

I tried creating the spreadsheet as a google doc. and Google's version of Excel was not robust enough...

I'll make the changes and try to find a file server service --

Thanks

 

It worked this time. Must have been a server issue earlier.

Good work coach. This will save a lot of frustration trying to figure out all those numbers.

Works in Open Office also.

Ghost

 

OK,

Version 2.1 available to include Imperial capability -- and I made the out-of-spec calculation a bit more user friendly...

Hope this helps.

Thanks

Again -- click on the right side of the page to down-load the file...

https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1347212774/c ... 928942c864

p.s. If you'd like the sheet unprotected to edit or play with the formulas, just pm me and I will send the password to you... I am out of town next week, so anything I receive tomorrow I will respond to otherwise -- see you all on Jan 31

Thanks again

 

Yes - See new version Polock

https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1347212774/c ... 928942c864

 

Downloaded & it works just fine, good job, coach.

 

About to do a valve adj and the Shim Calculator file is no longer available. Anyone got a copy or a new location to download ?

 

measure your clearances and your installed shims and post; or just use the chart that's in the valve adjustment how-to and/or any service manual.