82 xj750-nonX valve shim musical chairs.

Can I use my existing shims on different buckets/cam lobes? Or do they take a set to the cam they have been on and therefore should not be used on another cylinder. I saw one reference in the plastic temporary discs section to using existing shims on other holes. My experience says I probably should not do this. But I don't know these bikes. If I can reuse I only need to buy 3 shims. If I can't I need 7 new shims. Any feedback??? Thanks.

 

I would use them. I would measure them again with a caliper and make sure they are still within spec for what is printed on the shim,. If you can use them after you check the spec and have a good reading, sure use them again.

This will also save some $$ even though they are not that costly.

 

plastic shims are fine for swapping and musical chair shims is the way to go.
member Hogfiddles has a shim pool if you want to go that route

 

what 3 shims do you need?

 

I need two 275's and one 245.

 

I took advantage of Hogfiddles shim pool... He didn't have everything I needed at the time, and swapping with him took extra time (mailing shims back and forth) but I think it was worth it... In the end, I got what I needed and was less $$$ than buying new shims.

 

Swapping shims is a common, and accepted practice among professional and hobby mechanics alike.

 

Thanks for every ones feedback! Now I feel confident in moving the 4 shims I have.

 

so you are replacing 280 and 250 shims ? or were your valves tighter

 

Going 280 to 275 and 265 to 255 Not scary tight but tight. I found (in mm) 152-101-101-127 exhaust and 101-101-152-076 on intake. I'm gonna move everything to put them right in the middle. I can move existing shims to get what I need except the 3 I need.

 

don't roll the cam over a bucket without something between them. a plastic shim is best but in a pinch, a piece of two liter pop bottle works. cut it big because it might slide with the cam

 

In spec is in spec. Go by the table. Trying to hit the middle of the in-spec range just makes the next shim change come up sooner.
Also, your measurements either need decimals, or all of your clearances are impossibly loose.

 

Yeah. Cool thanks. I'm new to this site. Everyone else has been so kind and helpful. I assumed you could figure out the
whole decimal thing. Seems pretty obvious. You are the first person that has been condescending dick. I'm sure you are the exception.

 

that's one, ya only get two

 

What I am is intent on clarity. Without clarity mistakes get made, and machines get broken. If you took that as an insult it's all on you.

You literally wrote that your measurements were in millimeters. I can assume that 152 means 152 mm (as you wrote), or 1.52 mm, or 15.2 mm, or 0.152 mm, but only one of those numbers will result in you putting the correct shim in to bring your valve clearances back into spec (and two of those values are possible to see on a valvetrain).
So if you want help, please be specific, so that we don't get your motorcycle broken.

 

Good plan. Insult the guy who is helping you. Notice how he gave you serious advice regarding shim specs? He's one of the most knowledgeable and helpful people here. Also a good plan to do so with a moderator. Just about as clever as punching the cop in the junk when they ask for license and registration.

 

clarity in numbers and terms puts us all on the same page. there are a few threads where people use the wrong terms it does cause problems

this thread is an example of wrong terms
XJ650 RJ Seca 4ko Rear Drum Brake Sticking

 

I asked for help in the practice of swapping shims around, that's all. I got my answer and thanked everyone. Everything was fine. I didn't ask for the rest.

 

You are not the only user of this forum. Others will read this information. Some from other lands, where English is not the first language. Thus, clarifying any error in your post prevents confusion. It seems that the only person being dickish would be the one throwing out insults to the people who are helping him.

 

This is something I didn't ever consider initially. All the more reason for clarity as many will find the language barriers a challenge. That aside, someone with less skills and experience like myself appreciate EXACT info especially as it relates to numbers.

In many cases, to me, things are not obvious.

 

What he did is ask questions until he found something to take issue with. Then he started the lecture. I was unaware such issue would be taken in what I thought was two guys talking shop. I never should have engaged. I had the info I came for. But I tried to be hospitable. Big mistake. For everyone that takes issue with my remark, I wonder how many are saying finally someone has called it like they see them without being intimidated by the forum bullys.

 

wow.I learned a lot via this thread. I dread doing my shim experience more now. When I get to that point I will be clear what the shim numbers on the shim is, and ask whether which way I should state the adjustment range I am using per the manual.Thousandths,or mm, or which.And telling me how to properly state it will be helpful.

 

Please quote any of the questions that I asked.
Please also re-read my response to the insult that you directed at me.
I wrote very clearly about my intent. helping others in person is difficult enough. Doing so effectively when the machine being worked on is hundreds, or even thousands, of miles away requires the use of precise language, and clarity. Others will read posts later, and if that clarity is not provided, they will be led astray.
We do not bully here. We do make sure that motorcycles are preserved and ridden; even by people who never post a question, but only read what others have posted.

 

No need to dread... It is only marginally more involved than an oil and filter change. If you provide your numbers, people here can guide you in the shim swap do si do, which can help you move the ones you have around to minimize the new ones that you need. Also, a member here runs a shim pool so you can swap unnecessary sizes for required ones and save from purchasing new ones. The difficulty arises when you take umbrage with the questions directed at clarifying the process.

Unless you have an x. Then you have problems... Five valves per cylinder, and they're waaaay down in there!

 

I would add here that the numbers I read seems to be SAE converted to MM. I checked mine with SAE and of course that was wrong. Then I got a MM feeler gauge and did it again. In fact, I did it numerous times to make sure I had it right. Those tiny feeler gauge blades get stuck together so quickly you don't even know it. Very easy to make a bad read. Check it again and again. I check mine with the lob 180 degrees opposite the shim. Each check takes about 15 minutes total time. Not a lot of time investment to get it right. Might even step away and come back.

My two cents on bullying. Just not needed anywhere anytime at any age. There is no woodshed here so being a jerk is easier when people don't know who you are. Not saying that is the case here, but its nice when I read comments without attitudes, arrogance, or a sense of entitlement. Its like asking for an opinion and about the sunrise time and the response is, "I never get up before noon". Add to that all the extra that makes getting up at noon the right thing to do. Great forum here and I have been all over it getting information. Sometimes just like checking the shims I look for consistency. I might read opinions that differ. YICS tool anyone?

 

It makes a good back scratcher.

 

Shims weigh very little. I wonder how they would be sent.In a small box or envelope probably. I also assume they are cheap. I wonder what makes them have different wear . Also I figure the whole process doesnt have to be done often.Depending how much and in what manner a person rides. The one I am going to try to fix has 19,000 miles. And from the look of oil I doubt it has ever been touched.I am hijacking the thread. I will butt out.

 

Intervals are printed in the manual. It has to do with mileage. X heads can go far longer between checks/adjustments.

 

shims do not normaly wear the valves pound them selves into the valve seat closing the clearance.
most ebay people send shims wrapped in saran wrap in a first class envelope or bubble pack envelope
after market shims about 8$ oem 35$

metric bike metric feelers why do you ask just look at the specs for valves
notice the sae number 0.006 it = both 0.15mm and 0.16mm
for feeler gauges you can just buy a few and do the go nogo test so all you need is the smallest clearance feeler and the larger clearance feeler.
if small one does not go in get a thinner shim if the biggest one slips freely and flops get a thicker shim.

no one bullied the op he got offended on being corrected. we do do that so we can give the correct info
some times I want to scream at posters here because getting info from them is like pulling hens teeth but i just keep asking questions.
we all help, teach, and learn

yics tool not needed why is it not needed ?
1 because when you use it the carbs are not working like they do in the real world,
2 to use it you have to make sure all the tiny holes are clear ,
3 I have seen a few ruined heads when someone gets to agresive trying to remove the port bolts.

 

I did not ask for any additional help.

 

you will soon, and we all want to help. You will not find a better resource on the web for XJ motorcycles. between the collective knowledge and the rapid response. you could literally sit at your bike and get answers while you work.
hubris is downfall of many a man

 

Dear dreaded. Do your home work before asking for help. If not you will probably get a lecture. Good Luck. I'm sure it will be fine. Most of these people want to help. Actually I think they all want to help. I'm just surprised there are a couple that are not as good at giving advice with tact.

 

I will soon?

 

Yes hubris is exactly what we have here. And it is a shame. This sight should be user friendly. Shouldn't we all be friends. After all we have the same interests.

 

I think we've all said our peace. Let's move-on, and get some bikes fixed.

 

Do you often over react this much Mark?

 

I guess Robb can't let it die. Wants to take a back handed swat. Good for you Robb. Thought we had moved on.

 

Locked.