View single post by Jensen Healey
 Posted: 05-18-2011 04:17 pm
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Jensen Healey



Joined: 03-11-2005
Location: San Anselmo, California USA
Posts: 983
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Ahh, the dreaded valve adjustment! A few incantations are in order to keep evil Lotus spirits away! The laws of mathematics are suspended in this realm.

Used shims with indentations on them are impossible to measure accurately with standard calipers. New shims will seat a thousandth or so. Work to the high side of the clearances with new parts.

I wouldn't worry about .004 on the intake. There's plenty of cooling on the intake side. It will just open the valve a little sooner!

The shims are surface hardened so don't try to grind them to size. You can grind small amounts from the valve stem if you don't overheat it.

The alternate sources for shims (SAAB 900 8v and TR7) have all but dried up. The Club Store and Delta Motorsports are the go to source.

I install rubber or silicone cam cover gaskets dry after cleaning surfaces with acetone. It always works for me.

Good luck,

Kurt