Valve shim removal tool

Some dealers will swap shims and there are other make motors with the same size shims that will work.
I paid like $5, as I recall, for the one I needed to replace.

My dealer wont and thats the customers fault. I suggested a system for trade in, 5$ for changing. They had tried it and people got angry so now we all have to by.
 
A fellow on this site wanted the dimensions of my shim tool so I thought I would share it with the gang.

This is how it works.
Valve adj. tool (1).jpg

Valve adj. tool (2).jpg

Here are the dimensions.

cam tool.png


Here are some actual pictures so you can see what it looks like. I made a little steel brace to run across the top for more strength.

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Getting the angle of the bend correct takes some patience. You have catch the edge of the cam follower without trapping the shim.

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Pick a valve that needs adjustment. Turn the engine until the cam lobe faces away from that valve. Use a pick to turn the cam follower until the notch pictured above is facing a convenient direction to blow air into it. Turn the engine until the valve is all the way down. Remove the nearest screw on the cam ladder and put the tool in place. Insert the screw through the 1/4" hole and tighten. Slowly turn the engine (I take one spark plug out of each cylinder so it turns easier) until the cam follower is near the tool. Adjust the bend until you can just catch the edge of the follower. I had to slot the 1/4" hole a little to get the right angle. Blow compressed air into the notch and use a pick on the opposite side to tiddly wink the shim out. They have to come straight up or they bind. The oil sticktion doesn't help either. Not a bad idea to stuff something in the cam chain tunnel in case one goes flying. Do the valves ONE AT A TIME. Do not allow the cam to run on a follower without a shim on it. Don't ask ! :oops:

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This is what you don't want to happen.

It takes a little farting around but is still way easier than removing the cams. Good luck ! Fred
We can beat the system with people like you
 
I just built a valve shim removal tool following Rocket Scientist's drawing. It worked great after I realized it went on the inboard side, not outboard side of the cam.:banghead:
After I install the new shim, I assume I rotate the engine backwards rather than slowly loosening the cam ladder bolt to reseat the cam onto the shim?

Thanks
 
I just built a valve shim removal tool following Rocket Scientist's drawing. It worked great after I realized it went on the inboard side, not outboard side of the cam.:banghead:
After I install the new shim, I assume I rotate the engine backwards rather than slowly loosening the cam ladder bolt to reseat the cam onto the shim?

Thanks

Goodonya! :thumbsup:
 
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