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Shim question

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by mmcgee, Apr 13, 2013.

  1. mmcgee

    mmcgee Member

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    Okay. Got my replacement shims from Hogfiddles. Awesome service.

    Exhaust Valves 1 and 3 had previously measured at 0.15 with a 260. So I put in a 255. Now they measure 0.21, which requires a 260.

    Measured them twice. Do I stick with the new shim?
     
    mmcgee, Apr 13, 2013
    #1
  2. 750E-II_29Rbloke

    750E-II_29Rbloke Active Member

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    Old hands will tell you in spec is in & out is out so you need to get in spec.

    Have you got any other 255 shims to try? Could be the ones you got are worn a little?
     
    750E-II_29Rbloke, Apr 13, 2013
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  3. mmcgee

    mmcgee Member

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    I'll try that. Is there a chance the shims need to settle in or something?
     
    mmcgee, Apr 13, 2013
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  4. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Are you using a metric feeler gauge or an American gauge and converting?

    How many miles on the bike; and is this its first check/adjust?

    The answers to the above will only serve to reinforce my answer:

    Leave 'em.

    Let's see where they're at 5000 miles from now.
     
    bigfitz52, Apr 13, 2013
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  5. 750E-II_29Rbloke

    750E-II_29Rbloke Active Member

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    Wow, I was tempted to suggest leaving it for the sake of .01 over as they tend to close, but figured I'd be harangued for improper procedure & bad workmanship lol
     
    750E-II_29Rbloke, Apr 13, 2013
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  6. mmcgee

    mmcgee Member

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    Metric feeler gauge. I bought this in November. ODO is stuck at 16000. I would bet this is the first valve clearance check.

    Fitz, leave the 260 or the 255?
     
    mmcgee, Apr 13, 2013
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  7. 750E-II_29Rbloke

    750E-II_29Rbloke Active Member

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    255, don't want them tight.

    EDIT-: sorry, just saw you asked fitz... :oops:
     
    750E-II_29Rbloke, Apr 13, 2013
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  8. mmcgee

    mmcgee Member

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    Hey I'll take all the help I can get.

    Ok. So leave the 255s and check later?
     
    mmcgee, Apr 13, 2013
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  9. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Yes. Having an exhaust valve a teeny bit loose is not going to be a problem since it won't be loose for very long.
     
    k-moe, Apr 13, 2013
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  10. 750E-II_29Rbloke

    750E-II_29Rbloke Active Member

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    Sorry missed that, yes that's right. The valves tend to slowly close up over time so the ideal setting is the loosest you can get in spec (since you can't get in spec here the looser gap is the best start point)

    Would be interesting to get a mic on those shims though & see if they're really .254
     
    750E-II_29Rbloke, Apr 13, 2013
    #10
  11. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    It's perfectly fine to be on the fat side of the clearance........what you DON'T want, is to be on the "just barely in spec" side if the clearance. Fat side will give you a little more time before that shim needs to be replaced again, but the 'barely in' side will mean you're most likely going to be too tight before you even check again...........

    You don't have to worry about piston/valve contact as you're going to smaller size shims anyway. That problem would come if you end up putting in shims that were some size larger than what the factory had originally installed.

    Dave Fox

    Dave Fox
     
    hogfiddles, Apr 13, 2013
    #11
  12. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    I meant leave the 255. Dave and the others are right, they're only going to close up and .01 of a MM isn't tragically loose; better than running right on being too tight.
     
    bigfitz52, Apr 14, 2013
    #12

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