HELP! Feeler Guages - where do you get special tools?

Hi! I am trying to measure the valve clearances on my 85 Maxim X, but I cannot find a set of feeler guages that fit in between the bearing supports. It appears that all standard sets are 1/2" wide, but there is only 3/8" clearance between supports on my bike!

I think the 5 valve setup is to blame for this problem. I called a Yamaha dealership, and they had NO CLUE! What a shocker. I asked if they did this kind of work, and they said yes, but they would have to do research on where I could get the tool. That doesn't make sense to me. Obviously they have the tool.

Does anyone know where to get a set of feeler guages that are bent on the end, 3/8" wide or less, and go down to .1mm?

On a good note, I got the bike started on the rebuilt carbs! Ran like a champ, but compression is still low. I suspect it is valve clearance (never been checked).

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

They were just talking about this on another mailing list. The guy ended up grinding his set of gauges down to the width he needed then filed the edges followed by some sanding.

 

This is interesting. I was in O'Reilly auto parts today to purchase some fuel line for my mower when I decided to look for a new feeler gauge. I use the regular ones but I noticed they had a thin bladed set. Didn't check the range but it is worth a try.

 

Thanks guys... Yamaha called back and told me I am going to have to pay $50 to $100 for the guages.

My good set cost me $5!

I looked at my local O'Reilly's, and I saw the thin set, but the thicknesses are not small enough. Bummer.

I had already considered grinding mine down, but I was cautious because any grinding would leave a lip of metal that would give false readings.

A guy at the hardware store suggested buying piano wire in different sizes. Good idea! But then I would have to mic each one, and it would probably end up costing close to $40 anyway.

So, I will try grinding and filing and then see what happens.

I appreciate the help.

 

You can obtain a decent set of feeler gauges called tappet gauges (or narrow profile) at most high end stores. I don't remember how I came into mine but they are out there and should not be that much more than regular gauges. $50 is a decent investment for a set. If you only require a small arrangement, Craftsman sells a small set attached to their spark plug feeler gauge set with wire gauges. I love mine and that set has served me well for over 15 years. Craftsman 14 Leaf Ignition Gauge
Sears item #00940801000 Mfr. model #40801
Ignition and Spark Plug wire set. 14 leaf ignition gauge. Check it out at Sears.com. It's only $6.

 

Someone posted this on the XJ list the other day. Haven't checked it out myself yet but they may have it.
http://www.easterngage.com/feeler-gauge.asp

 

Nice link there Max! I'm likin' it. Might even buy something I don't need!

 

Thanks for the replies. I was able to cut (and bend) the ones I bought from Sears. BTW, I also bought that set from Sears mentioned above, and they don't go down small enough.
I used the Craftsman bent set and used tin snips to cut width off. Then I had to bend them a little more. I didn't file down the edges, but instead, I was careful to keep the ragged edge out from under the cam. Worked!

Thanks again.

 

Glad to hear you found a way! Cutting the blades is a little extreme but it'll do in a pinch. You may want to gently sand the edges of the blades you cut to clean them up. Be sure to clean them throughly afterward to remove all traces of carbide and then oil them for safe keeping.