07-11-2020, 10:28 AM
My feeler gauges are stepped in 0.001" increments (roughly 0.025mm), so if the 0.007" feeler goes in the gap easily and 0.008" doesn't go at all, I have to judge how far above 0.007" it is by feel. Since the shim sizes roughly step the same way, there is no way to get exactly to the center of the spec range. I always do my best to get it as close as possible, though, so there is some room for drift either way over the next 8,000mi.
Anyway, it think it's foolish to leave a valve right at the limit of its spec range if you are already have the valve cover off and have your hands dirty.
Of note, I went to a dealer here during the 8,000mi service to see if they would swap some shims with me. My dealer in Rock Hill, SC would do this no charge. The dealer here (Sandy, UT) said they didn't stock any shims... What?!? I asked what they did with the ones that came out of an adjusted head and they guy gave a nervous chuckle and said they are a "wear item" and they throw them away.
These guys likely aren't actually adjusting any valves, but charging for it nonetheless. Why the heck would you throw away shims when the next bike through the shop can use them? The second shop I visited only had every other size so they best they could do is move a valve from being at one extreme of the spec range to the other end. I gave up and ordered a selection of most likely to use sizes and added them to my toolbox.
Anyway, it think it's foolish to leave a valve right at the limit of its spec range if you are already have the valve cover off and have your hands dirty.
Of note, I went to a dealer here during the 8,000mi service to see if they would swap some shims with me. My dealer in Rock Hill, SC would do this no charge. The dealer here (Sandy, UT) said they didn't stock any shims... What?!? I asked what they did with the ones that came out of an adjusted head and they guy gave a nervous chuckle and said they are a "wear item" and they throw them away.
These guys likely aren't actually adjusting any valves, but charging for it nonetheless. Why the heck would you throw away shims when the next bike through the shop can use them? The second shop I visited only had every other size so they best they could do is move a valve from being at one extreme of the spec range to the other end. I gave up and ordered a selection of most likely to use sizes and added them to my toolbox.