Adjusting valves, looking for Shim Pool, or other source

Greetings All,

I've been reading the literature on adjusting XJ valves, and I am ready to try it, but I'd like to find a place to get valve shims before I start. I keep reading about "shim pools" that will exchange the shims I need for the ones I have, but I haven't been able to find one. Does anybody have a point of contact for a shim pool, or another low cost source of shims?

Rick

 

If you have measured the lash, pulled the pucks and know exactly what size you need - your local dealer may exchange sizes with you, however some will not do this as its a supply that's used internally at the dealership. Note that there are only 4 sizes of shims made, and it doesn't matter if you don't go to a Yamaha dealership.

They can be ordered individually from Yamaha (only .99-1.99 ea, depending on mark-up) or from K&L, but you will need the EXACT size in mm to match. K&L may only sell them in bags of 5 ea.

Of course someone here may have a stash... unfortuantely, i don't. but at least you know what your last resort might be.

HTH,
-Matt, 83 xj9

 

Thanks Matt,

I would love to buy them from Yamaha for $2 each, but I have only seen the OEM parts for $10+ each. If you have a web address or contact that offers them at that price, I would like to have it.

I have found several third party suppliers online that offer generics for $5 each, and that may have to do. Hopefully I can move my current shims around and only have to buy a few.

Rick

 

I have a good variety of shims. Let me know what size you need & I'll see what I can do for ya.
Regards,
Tom

 

I've a few laying about as well. Give us the dimentions you need and I'm sure between Tom and I, we should be able to hook you up.

 

Thanks guys,

It looks like I need
1 ea 250,
1 ea 260,
2 ea 265.

Rick

 

I guess I should also mention that the shims I need are 29 mm diameter.

Rick

 

You COULD take it to yer local Yama dealer. Mine does not charge for the shims.. they claim they fit a lottta yamahas and shims never wear out so they just swap 'em for free. They do charge Labour but in all seriousness an Hour is max possible charge.. AND they will do it 'right' (unless your local Dealer is an utter incompetent.. unlikely, if they still have their franchise.
Cheap is Good.. but sometimes it's not so clever to shoot yerself in the foot trying to save a few $$.

 

Sorry Maxi, all my shims are 3.XX, nothing that small. There is a an XJ owners group that has a shim pool going. I forget who it was that told me about it. Hit the search function, it is out there. He mentioned a $15 refundable deposit for shims from this group but that seemed more than reasonable. I've seen the aftermarket shims in the K&L catalog, might try them out.