Two types of valve shim tool - which is best ?

[ade woollams]

All credit to Will / Big Fluff for the drawing

think ive seen those 4sale at z1 ent website

[pertonpc]

Hi Garn,

I think this is the W shaped tool people are on about?

http://www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetail ... =MP08-0019

I have used the factory tool and it is great - so long as you do not leave the cam cover gasket on the head when you are clamping it down

From Mark

[hanskloss]

[Garn 1]

Thanks Hanskloss, I've never used that "W" tool.

[kev edwards]

I bought mine from Z power, Z1 enterprises does the w shape one, they are only a nominal amount of money and a proper investment if you own one of these bikes, so go on and live a little.

[Garn 1]

Sorry Mark, missed your post.
I use the Item with the plastic knob to remove shims.
I really have no idea how to use the "W" shaped one. There doesn't seem enough leverage to compress a bucket or enough space to get the shim out when that is done, by rotating the Camshaft!
Is it easier to use than the one illustrated by Ade (the factory one)?
Like Kev says....I'll have to live a little and just buy one

RegardZ.

[hanskloss]

Garn, you push/slide the end tip (of handle with knob) between the cam and the shim all the way to the bend - now the valve springs are compressed, than position and hold one of the ends of the W bit on the edge of shim bucket (so the tip sits vertically between the cam and shim) than pull out the knob and the valve remains open

[Garn 1]

Ah! Now I get it!
I have only used the one with the knob to remove shims after the "Factory" tool had held the bucket down.
Now I know I will have to buy the "w" tool. Thanks.
RegardZ.

[Pigford]

All credit to Will / Big Fluff for the drawing

think ive seen those 4sale at z1 ent website

Thats the proper thing - no good for using with hi-lift cams though

[zed1015]

I have both types and prefer the 'W'.
I don't bother with the lever,just rotate the engine to compress the valve and slide in the 'W'
It only takes a minute per shim , the gasket can be left on and you don't risk marking the external engine finish if its painted.

[td5_pete]

So - I opened this thread - let me tell you how I got on.

I bought one of the cheap 'w' shaped tools with lever for about 8 quid as I am basically tight and I figured I'm only changing a couple of shims and unlikely to need it again anytime soon.

I found it a HUGE fiddle trying to position the 'w' piece exactly on the edge of the bucket so that (a) it didn't also trap the shim, and (b) the bucket didn't pop back up. I was fiddling around for ages moving it a fraction of a millimetre left and right.
Probably wasn't helped by the fact that I was doing it in virtual darkness with an inspection lamp.

Anyway - job is done.
If I was doing this all the time I'd probably try the official Kawa tool.

Lesson learnt - I installed strip lighting in the workshop with a sore head on New Year's day. Should have done that months ago.... but it's always more tempting to work on the bike than the house !

[Gus]

I have both types and prefer the 'W'.
I don't bother with the lever,just rotate the engine to compress the valve and slide in the 'W'
It only takes a minute per shim , the gasket can be left on and you don't risk marking the external engine finish if its painted.

Totally agree

and a small magnetic pick up is useful.

[Padders]

I have a spare set of the first set with the W tool and lever foc if anyone needs them.

[KWACKERZ1]

Ian,
Why not donate them to the club, for hire to fully paid up members when they need them, they could be held part of the shim exchange service that members use.

If you don't fancy that I'll have them

[Ginger Bear]

By pure chance, I found this in the top of my tool box the other day.........



Never did get on with it....... Possibly cos I'd never read these.