valve shim tool problem--can't make it work--Help!

1985 XJ700N--ordered shim tool from Chacal so I assume it is the correct one. Reviewed the great tutorial by Bigfitz 52, and I simply can't get the tool to catch the bucket. What's the trick? I'm pretty good with tools and machinery and so this is very frustrating. I must be doing something wrong even though I think I have followed the directions carefully. I'm about ready to try the wire method.

 

I had a lot of trouble the first time I used it as well, but then I got the knack of it. It takes time and practice. but you have to get the tip of the tool in just the right position sot that it catches the bucket but not the shim. When you get it right once, future attempts will most likely be easier ... it was for me ...

 

It appears that the tool isn't even reaching the bucket. It's a new tool and so far all I've done is rub a little paint off the front of the tip-- Is there some trick to positioning the cam to help get it in position?

 

Get four inches of 12/2 house wire, bend a 110* elbow at 5/8 inch, where it's more open than a 90*. So far there have been no issues reported here at XJBikes for using this technique.

 

Did you read Part Deux, which explains what you can't see? http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=29209.html

The "trick" is in centering the tool in relation to the bucket. If you have a cam lobe that's cast slightly off center or wibbly-wobbly in profile it can throw you off if you're centering the tool on the lobe. These cams are only "precision" where they need to be; otherwise they're as lumpy as an Indian brass lamp.

 

after two hours trying everything I could think of I gave up and used the wire method. Would rather use the tool, but either this one just doesn't work or there's something I'm missing. If anyone is near Brunswick, GA I would love to see someone use the tool.

 

Did you carefully look over Fitz's photos? http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=29209.html

That should really help you see orientation and such. In some ways the worst part though is pulling the shims ... it would be very easy using a magnet, however, you magnatize the shims and then every passing piece of metal likes to stick to them and things go bad real quick ...

 

I had problems getting mine to work at first too. The tool was moving very slightly when the bucket moved and would trap the shim. All I needed to do was make sure the shim tool was nice and tight and placed straight then it worked great.

 

Sorry - can't help. I bought the Yamaha tools over 20 years ago and it has worked first time every time ever since, although it still looks to me as if it should be secured by two bolts ! Just the one makes me feel like I'm on a wing and a prayer, but it works for me.

 

I bought an "Aftermarket Shim Tool" from Motion-Pro.

This Tool WILL work on my 900.

This Tool WILL NOT work on my 750 Maxim.

 

It should, however. The 750 is an "airhead" and it should work the same on all of them.

 

RickCoMatic - Please elaborate?
I have a Maxim 750, I bought the Motion-Pro tool over the Winter (while feeling adventurous) I wanted to record my shim values (my valves are currently within spec). I just could not get that thing to catch on my buckets...I even printed Fitz's write up...just couldn't get it to work, after about an hour I just chalked it up to my inability to work the tool.
Please advise

 

Same here - I think the cast Motion Pro tool has some tolerances which make successful use kinda "iffy". Funny that it consistenly works fine on 6 of my 8 valves, but the other 2 are real buggers to get the tool to function correctly with.

 

I have one exhaust lobe on one of my 550s that fits this description; if I center the tool on the cam lobe, it will miss the bucket every time.

I will also agree that the MP tool seems to have some rather "iffy" QC. It may just depend on whether you got a "good" one or not.

 

Weird. I got the motion pro tool and while using it last night on my maxim 750 it worked every time on all 8 valves...

Hmm.

 

Just used the MP version for first time last week on 82 XJ650. Noticed two things: it definitely "walks" a little if not good and tight, and the first two successes I didn't realize because I wasn't using a good tool to pop up the shim - so I didn't think the bucket had caught. That's just my newbie mistake.

Otherwise I would say your tool might not be angled enough. Maybe defective - return?

 

When the Tool I have is properly installed to Remove a Shim on the 900 Head; the Tool holds the Shim Bucket depresses far-enough to allow the Shim to be lifted-out of the 900's Shim Bucket.

When the Tool I have is properly installed to Remove a Shim on a '83 750 Max; the Tool:
a) Allows the Cam Lobe to reposition.
b) Holds the Shim Bucket firmly depressed.
c) DOES NOT Hold the Bucket "Depressed Enough" to Allow the Shim to be Removed from the Bucket.

::: The error is slight. I might be able to "Force-it", ... but ... I'm NOT a "Force-it Guy". THAT means, ... there's a Problem with this Tool; and I'm sending it back. :::

 

Then by all means I would say send it back, the tolerances between working and not working are tight I'm sure

 

Hi,
I made a tool out of a small piece of angle iron





Made with vice and basic hand tools in about an hour. It needed a small packer piece (that's what the tape is holding) to brace it against cylinder head and stop it moving back off the bucket as it was tightened down. I've used it checking valve clearances a couple of times without problems.

 

Interesting. The one from Chacal has a small nub on the tip of it that yours doesn't.