Author Topic: valve shim question (Read 4158 times)

silvertdi · « **on:** January 22, 2008, 07:09:54 pm »

Is there a tool that can compress the spring and pop out the shims while the cam is in the car? If so, where can I get one (buy or rent)? I'd like to adjust my valves but don't want to tear down the top end. Thanks.

RabbitJockey · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2008, 07:46:38 pm »

i've heard of it being done i dunno how... its not that much work to take ur timing belt off and take out the cam

TPW · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2008, 08:04:25 pm »

Look on Ebay

Quantum TD · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2008, 09:24:48 pm »

The really nice pliers to remove the shims is made by HAZET. It's Number: 2599

The tool used to depress the lifters is HAZET 2574

These are about the best quality brand you can buy (made in W Germany). I've tried others and you just go nuts trying to hold the lifters and pinch the shims. The other brands just slip. The depresser actually holds it self in place once the lifters are depressed, and the pliers perfectly fit th contour of the lifter-bore area and makes pinching the shims a breeze.

silvertdi · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2008, 04:48:55 pm »

Thanks Quantum. I'm definately going to check them out.

One more question....Do shims from any 4 cyl vw gasser work? Can I go to the junkyard and pull shims hoping to collect enough to give me the thicknesses I need?

Thanks.

silvertdi · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2008, 05:24:17 pm »

WOW :shock: $80 for each of those tools. I'll see if I can snag a set on ebay. It would make shimming so much more enjoyable.

blkboostedtruck · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2008, 06:46:32 pm »

Quote from: "silvertdi"

WOW :shock: $80 for each of those tools. I'll see if I can snag a set on ebay. It would make shimming so much more enjoyable.

everyonce in a while there will be some that show up on THESAMBA.COM i bought my depressor there for 20bucks and bought the plires from flea-bay from ZDMAK they have alot of specialty tools! check it out?
or you can always come up here and use mine? i'm working on buying a shim kit from (mikew) sometime soon?
thanks Duane

silvertdi · « **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2008, 07:00:07 pm »

Duane,

I just may have to swing by and take you up on your offer. Thanks.

I'm not in too big of a hurry to get it done, just worried that its never been done on my car. I'm thinking it may help it run a bit better in the cold, as well.

Eric

blkboostedtruck · « **Reply #8 on:** January 23, 2008, 07:12:25 pm »

Quote from: "silvertdi"

Duane,

I just may have to swing by and take you up on your offer. Thanks. I'm not in too big of a hurry to get it done, just worried that its never been done on my car. I'm thinking it may help it run a bit better in the cold, as well.

Eric

He He ! should i set up a guest room for ya ? i think we should make a punch list of things we need to do so nothing is forgot? seriously i don't mind?
thanks Duane

burn_your_money · « **Reply #9 on:** January 23, 2008, 07:32:14 pm »

Quote from: "silvertdi"

Duane,

I just may have to swing by and take you up on your offer. Thanks. I'm not in too big of a hurry to get it done, just worried that its never been done on my car. I'm thinking it may help it run a bit better in the cold, as well.

Eric

You can check it without the tool, I'd start there.
I have two of them, came with my timing kit. If you think I know where they are though....

blkboostedtruck · « **Reply #10 on:** January 23, 2008, 07:59:21 pm »

Quote from: "burn_your_money"

Quote from: "silvertdi"
Duane,

I just may have to swing by and take you up on your offer. Thanks. I'm not in too big of a hurry to get it done, just worried that its never been done on my car. I'm thinking it may help it run a bit better in the cold, as well.

Eric

You can check it without the tool, I'd start there.
I have two of them, came with my timing kit. If you think I know where they are though....

Tyler,
cam follower depressor,shim plires, feeler gage, we were talking about adjusting valves! were you refering to timing tools?
Duane

Quantum TD · « **Reply #11 on:** January 23, 2008, 11:53:39 pm »

Quote from: "silvertdi"

One more question....Do shims from any 4 cyl vw gasser work? Can I go to the junkyard and pull shims hoping to collect enough to give me the thicknesses I need?

Thanks.

All VW shims are the same from 1975-1984: gas or diesel. I'll give you a tip though. If you try to grab some from a j-yard, you may be disappointed to find that the replacement shims you get will probably be the same thickness range as the ones in your car.

I've pulled dozens of these shims out of j-yard ***ters and they're all within about +/- .05mm of eachother, and they tend to hover in the 3.65-3.70 range. Most people never adjusted their valves, so you probably won't find too many outside of that general range. You may be better off (time wise) to actually measure your shims and determine exactly what you need, and then buy some from your local foreign auto parts dealer.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #12 on:** January 24, 2008, 05:04:16 am »

Quote from: "blkboostedtruck"

Tyler,
cam follower depressor,shim plires, feeler gage, we were talking about adjusting valves! were you refering to timing tools?
Duane

I know, the guy I bought them from just sold it as a package deal

blkboostedtruck · « **Reply #13 on:** January 24, 2008, 03:26:58 pm »

Quote from: "burn_your_money"

Quote from: "blkboostedtruck"

Tyler,
cam follower depressor,shim plires, feeler gage, we were talking about adjusting valves! were you refering to timing tools?
Duane

I know, the guy I bought them from just sold it as a package deal

wow interestng i never seen a package deal like that? i've had to source mine from atleast 3 different supplyers some new and used!
what did you pay for a kit like that?
thanks Duane

rabbitman · « **Reply #14 on:** January 24, 2008, 03:59:00 pm »

If you can't grab the shim good enough you can blow compressed air under 'em to pop the suction loose. Gassers have the same shims.