Vauxhall Astra 1.7TD - Can't find small enough shims

Easiest way is to get your old shims reduced in thickness on a surface grinder. Most good engineering shops will have one of these. -0.1mm shouldn't be a problem. Most shims are through-hardened not surface hardened but it may be wise to check this first.

JB

Are the shims simple bits of metal? If so, a micrometer and a bit of sandpaper (several grades of course) should work just fine. Especially for taking off only .1mm. What thickness would you like? 2.25mm?

Ian Stirling skrev:

Yes, basically. My Vauxhall dealer however, disagrees. They therefore charge =A310 a piece. Shims are sylinder-formed bits of hard metal. They fit thightly into buckets. Above it the camshaft rotates and repeatedly pushes the shims downwards. This opens the valves.

On this URL,

I'm sceptical about using sandpaper. First of all, the surface of the shims are smooth and very hard. Secondly doubt I can make a level surface, without any pits. We're talking about hundredths of millimeters, you know.=20

Yes.

JB skrev:

I'll ask a friend of mine who is a tinsmith. Maybe he can help. I even have some old (thicker) shims he can practice on.

I'm sceptical about using sandpaper. First of all, the surface of the shims are smooth and very hard. Secondly doubt I can make a level surface, without any pits. We're talking about hundredths of millimeters, you know.

Would it matter on the underside.

Tom

I have known the valves to be shortened with no ill effect on motorcycles in a similar situation.

JB

Tom Burton skrev:

There shouldn't be any movement between the bucket and the shim, so your suggestion seems like a viable approach. I will try this first.

I now need some sandpaper which can challenge the shim steel, which I suppose is of great hardness.

By the way, are there any negative aspects of smaller clearances than specified? I suppose the camshaft runs more smoothly if it's closer to the valves.