Valve Shims

Can the shims used in a 1000J motor be ground down a bit? Thanks.

NO.
Do not under any circumstances grind the shims.

The valve stems may be possibly relieved, but never try to thin the shims, as they are hardened after being machined, and will crack & split if ground.

DUDE.....why would you even consider that...... :blink: :blink: :huh: :huh: :S :whistle: :pinch:

Looks like a nice bike you got....

Thank you boys. I thought they might be hardened and taking them down a bit would not be possible. I will be checking the clearances shortly and its been 5K miles since I had the covers off. I was at 2.00mm on a couple of the intakes last time so am not going to be able to shim within tolerances this time I'm afraid.

Grumpy tell us what you have and what you are doing,mine is a 1981 kz 1000 c-4 . I need the info. $75 .00 per hour is steep for mechanics here in Georgia! I am new to motorcycle engine work, but not new to mechanics.

Don't know if J model is the same, but here's info from the KZ1000 FSM about "tipping" the valve stems, which shortens the stem, whereby a thicker shim may be fitted.




Good Fortune!

Did you just do valve work? Whoever did it should have put the valves back in the middle of the shim range. That is part of the job

Didnt we have a thread on here where someone had or you could trade youe extra shims for the shims you needed....just pay ship fee or something like that.....this is sure better than full price????????

FOUND IT: kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/346843-29mm-v...-shim-qtrading-postq

APE Jay wrote: Did you just do valve work? Whoever did it should have put the valves back in the middle of the shim range. That is part of the job

On mine, they set the valve heights almost EXACTLY where they were before the head job because there are no 32mm shims available for the KZ engines. I explained that and the guy did exactly what I needed: he hit every valve but one and that one was maybe .002" off from original height. I was able to get a shim for it.

But, you MUST tell them you need the heights kept the same. It is a little more work for them.

Do appreciate all the info. Bike is running great, but just am due (shortly) to adjust the valves and 2.00 mm is as thin as they go. I think I was at 2.00 mm on 3 of the 4 intakes at the last adjustment.