Another valve thread. Mine are make the beast with two backsed...

[memper]

Ok. Why not use a micrometer? will the end not fit inside the shim?

[JoeP]

Ok. Why not use a micrometer? will the end not fit inside the shim?

Apparently so. The closer measurement tool from EMS will also work for openers. I just adjusted my valves for the first time recently and everything worked as it should. If you don't want to buy new shims, a dealer should let you trade in the old ones. That's what I did and it cost me nothing.

[ducpainter]

Ok. Why not use a micrometer? will the end not fit inside the shim?

It will on openers, but the inside of the closer is slightly rounded to match the shape of the half ring.

The tool is somewhat mandatory to get what you need.

I'm sure with experience you could make the adjustment without it, but how often does the average DIY'er adjust valves and take the measurements?

[memper]

 

[memper]

Just one other question: I am reading that all closers should be close to .000. I have also read that they should just be able to turn with your finger(s). Is that turning done loaded or unloaded?

[Novelo]

With respect to oil in the valve heads. The valve train should get some oil ya know moving metal parts and all. There is a small oil galley hole as the Synder manual says don't drop stuff in there.
As far as I know the preferred specs for 2 valvers are.

Ducati:
-Openers .05-.12mm (.0019"-.0047")
-Closers   .03-.20mm (.001"-.0078")

Synder or similar manuals:
-Openers 0.1mm (.004")
-Closers  0.05mm (.002")

I also would worry about buying the whole shim kit either. I spent the cash and very rarely use any of the shims once the bike gets settled, which I'm sure your is by now, big adjustments are rare. Get the tool and order a shim or two. The shim measuring tool and a few shims can't be more than $50 so then what to do with all the money you saved you could  or  and admire your handy work or act like a boss and then do this  .

[ducpainter]

Just one other question: I am reading that all closers should be close to .000. I have also read that they should just be able to turn with your finger(s). Is that turning done loaded or unloaded?

Closer unloaded.

A better way to get it close to zero is to remove the belt and turn the cam slightly. You'll be able to feel if the closing rocker arm is dragging on the lobe. You don't want that.

You want to set your closers first. It will change the opening clearance.

[jaxduc]

You know... that picture (without the arrow of course) would look really good blown up and framed. Kind of like art for those that appreciate things like that.

[memper]

Got it. About shims, no I did not plan for a whole kit considering the service intervals. And its damn expensive.

So then for example if my loaded closer is .007 and the opener is .0015, that means that my closer in this example is too loose by .0055. I would then have to remove the closer shim, measure its thickness and add .0055 to it. Then order its nearest shim size, erring on the larger side of things if theres not a perfect fit and I need to sand. Right?

[memper]

I also would worry about buying the whole shim kit either. I spent the cash and very rarely use any of the shims once the bike gets settled, which I'm sure your is by now, big adjustments are rare. Get the tool and order a shim or two. The shim measuring tool and a few shims can't be more than $50 so then what to do with all the money you saved you could  or  and admire your handy work or act like a boss and then do this  .

Couldnt i just use a bolt thin enough to fitin the shim and do the math?
And about that pic...if you would like a painting of a shot like that I can do it. See the link in my tagline.

[ducpainter]

Couldnt i just use a bolt thin enough to fitin the shim and do the math?
And about that pic...if you would like a painting of a shot like that I can do it. See the link in my tagline.

You can do it that way...

and end up with a bunch of wrong shims.

[Speeddog]

Couldnt i just use a bolt thin enough to fitin the shim and do the math?
~~~SNIP~~~

Tell you what.
I've got an EMS 8mm shim measuring tool that I've used so much that it's worn out.
I'll sell it to you for $5.
It'll look the part, and be close, but still be wrong.
 

Seriously, just buy the tool.

[SpikeC]

 Most of the time paying for a tool is the cheapest way to do things!

[memper]

My reasoning for the idea is this: I need the tool to measure my shims. I wont know which sizes to order unless I measure them. So im left with either ordering a bunch of shims and only using what I need and having leftovers, or ordering the tool and then order whatever shims I need, or make my own tool and order only what I need.
I mean its only a 10mm length of steel with a top. Basically a bolt, a dremmel, sand paper and calipers could do the job, no?

[ducpainter]

My reasoning for the idea is this: I need the tool to measure my shims. I wont know which sizes to order unless I measure them. So im left with either ordering a bunch of shims and only using what I need and having leftovers, or ordering the tool and then order whatever shims I need, or make my own tool and order only what I need.
I mean its only a 10mm length of steel with a top. Basically a bolt, a dremmel, sand paper and calipers could do the job, no?

NO

The tool fits very precisely in the rounded shape of the shim. If you use someone else tool to measure and then order his shims you'll get the wrong shim.

We're trying to make this easy for you and you're insisting on making it difficult.