METRIC Feeler Gauges - Which ones?

I picked up another XJ recently this time a 750. In the process of rebuilding carbs and waiting for some parts so I'm reading up on checking the valve clearances. I was going to buy some gauges and check the valves on my 650 two years ago but never got around to it but now I need to get them.

From what I read I should get the angled type (I think) and also TRUE metrics ones. Searching on Amazon is overwhelming because there are so many choices. Some are SAE AND metric but I read that those are no good for some reason.. some skip certain sizes that others don't, etc..

If someone can post some links for correct ones that will make the job easiest that would be awesome. I also like to learn everything about everything so if anyone could explain the details that would be great. What's the difference between true metric gauges vs all the ones that are SAE AND metric. Also curious what to look for as far as the sizes included and sizes skipped. Thanks!!

 

You will never get all the sizes you might need. The only option is to stack two together for certain sizes. I know, not optimal, but it works. You need angled ones for Maxim X models but not necessarily for the Maxims.

 

Look thru McMaster-Carr; they have every size you need/want

 

I know I can stack them if need be. Just having a hard time finding a cheapish metric only set.

 

I haven't found a good metric set that has all the sizes I need or work all that well with stacking. I use imperial with the metric conversions, and find it easier to even make an estimate if you're "in-between" (or resort to stacking a metric one). I also have some 12" long metric feeler gauges I think I got from McMaster-Carr that you can get individually in in-between sizes for a couple of sizes... but here's the deal... when working in metric, trying to get to a tenth of a millimeter is getting pretty anal, lol.

 

These are what I used on my Maxim X. You don't need bent gauges (my mistake) but you do need narrow ones for the X.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B3TQQSV?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1

 

Tolerance is .05 per shim size so there isn't really a huge issue with stacking the feeler gauge.

0.11-0.15 inlet and 0.16-0.20 exhaust is only 0.04 worth of measurement on both counts.

Odds are you will only be stacking 2 feeler gauges to work out the gap.

It's kinda up or down. Or custom shim sizes.

 

Yea I've done wayyyy too much research and searching around for metric gauges it's insane. Unless I wanna spend $150+ there are no true metric feeler gauges that have sizes in between .10mm, .15mm, .20mm. The KD Tools and Gearwrench 2274 gauges that I've seen recommended on here a lot have the following sizes..

0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 etc

I found a few other metric only sets that have similar sizes but they all go to .5 increments after .10mm as well
J00MM25 PROTO25-Blade Metric Feeler Gauge Set
Kastar 343A
Lang 343A

So unless I'm missing something the only option is stacking two together for every single size I need to try besides .15 for intake and .20 for exhaust. I was under the impression I won't get accurate results stacking especially for almost every measurement but I guess I have no other choice?

I did find dual marked SAE/Metric ones like these Tusk ones. Instead of having random metric sizes they are stamped as .10mm, .13mm, .15mm, .18mm, etc which sounds great.. but from my understanding even though they are marked with those sizes they are not exact metric measurements but instead just rounded up or down from the TRUE metric size of each
What a pain in the ass.

@chacal Is my best bet just using something like the KD Tools 2274 even though I have to stack two together for most measurements? Sorry this kind of thing drives me nuts as you can see haha

@XJ550H tagging you as well because I see you commenting/helping a lot in the threads I've been reading

 

Dead easy don't forget you are literally looking for closer to the max size that gives you room as the valves go towards the cam. $20 set.

 

Which feeler gauges are those?

 

Not sure what brand, bought them a long time ago but pretty common, here at any rate.

Like this local.
https://autopro.com.au/ap/Autopro-C...-00mm---SP64030/p/TO15664?queryID=&indexUsed=

 

digital micrometre is ideal for measuring pre used shims and also checking your current shim before doing the math on buying a replacement based on an out of spec gap.

I have a box full of old shims and a lot aren't stamped anymore and even if they are they might be 0.01-0.02 different, manufacturer differences or wear maybe.