Valve Clearance

[nelmo]

One of my inlet valves clearance is on the tolerance limit (0.11mm). The current shim in there is 2.56mm, so ideally, i need to replace that with a 2.52mm shim, to get me to a 0.15mm gap , if my maths is right (max gap is 0.18mm).

 

But Ford only do a shim of 2.49 or 2.55mm, annoyingly, which would leave me with a gap of either 0.19mm (outside of tolerance slightly) or 0.12mm, which is better but is it worth £20 for a 0.01mm clearance change?

 

So, choices:

 

1. Leave it as is (0.11mm).

2. Make clearance 0.19mm, a bit loose.

3. Make it 0.12mm for £20.

 

Opinions?

 

Or does anyone know anywhere else i can get shims from of a different size?

[Longboarder]

So the valve seat is disappearing faster than the valve train wears. You have a slightly worn 2.56 shim. Add a flat block and a few sheets of emery paper and you can make your own 2.52 shim if you have a vernier or digital callipers to measure with.

[nelmo]

I thought about that but i don't trust myself to get it flat - I'll probably end up with a wonky shim and, eventually a wonky camshaft lobe and more problems. ..

[richyb66]

Leave it, that's the reason you have a tolerance, to save unnecessary adjustments.