Buying valve shims...

headshrink · March 5th, 2010, 01:10 AM

... well, thinking about it anyway.

The original plan was to take her in for one last dealer-done mega service, and develop the skills to DIY before the next mega service. Then the close dealer went under, I became aware of the bad reputations of the others, did my bills, shed some tears, started fantasizing about becoming my own man..... So I guess I have some shopping to do. I suppose if I wait until next time, I'll have to buy the extra tools then anyways.

First up are the valve shims.
Do I HAVE to open it up to measure, only to wait a week to order appropriate shims while my bike is in pieces? Or is there an appropriate kit I can get before I crack her open? I'm looking, but coming up dry.

Edit: Correction - I did find this http://www.bikebandit.com/hot-cams-v...ge?m=17215&t=1

but I don't know which collection to get.... still need to pre-measure?

CZroe · March 5th, 2010, 04:29 AM

Are you talking about Alba going under or are you someplace else in CA?

According to the Schnieder's 250R blog, Alba was THE place to do the shim-exchange before that happened (mail-order nationwide). Because I was local and have no tools or mechanical expertise, I got them to do my valve service, but they folded only two days later and my exhaust was smelling "gassy." Performance has gotten worse and worse ever since to the point where I've even broken down in the rain, but I still can't definitively say that it was a bad valve service. Anyway, I just crossed 12K miles while running some Seafoam through the engine, so we'll see how it does before I take it in for the next scheduled maintenance.

2WheelGuy · March 5th, 2010, 08:10 AM

You need to start with a complete shim kit. I got this one from Ebay:
EBAY LINK

The refill kits are just to fill holes in your full kit.

headshrink · March 5th, 2010, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2WheelGuy

You need to start with a complete shim kit. I got this one from Ebay:
EBAY LINK

The refill kits are just to fill holes in your full kit.

Ahhh, nice catch. I didn't realize the one I linked to was only a refill kit.

headshrink · March 5th, 2010, 01:24 PM

Since the auction was running out in a little over an hour, I grabbed it. Wish I would have had a little time to look around (especially since I wasn't TOTALLY sure I was going to do it myself - looks like I am now), but it looks like a good deal. Thanks for the find.

March 5th, 2010, 01:10 AM	#1
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	Buying valve shims... ... well, thinking about it anyway. The original plan was to take her in for one last dealer-done mega service, and develop the skills to DIY before the next mega service. Then the close dealer went under, I became aware of the bad reputations of the others, did my bills, shed some tears, started fantasizing about becoming my own man..... So I guess I have some shopping to do. I suppose if I wait until next time, I'll have to buy the extra tools then anyways. First up are the valve shims. Do I HAVE to open it up to measure, only to wait a week to order appropriate shims while my bike is in pieces? Or is there an appropriate kit I can get before I crack her open? I'm looking, but coming up dry. Edit: Correction - I did find this http://www.bikebandit.com/hot-cams-v...ge?m=17215&t=1 but I don't know which collection to get.... still need to pre-measure?

March 5th, 2010, 08:10 AM	#3
2WheelGuy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Craig Location: Silicon Valley, CA USA Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): '98 EX250, '02 EX250, '08 250r, '03 SV650, '98 GSXR750 '03 Hayabusa, '87 YSR50, '84 ZX900, +MORE Posts: A lot.	You need to start with a complete shim kit. I got this one from Ebay: EBAY LINK The refill kits are just to fill holes in your full kit. __________________________________________________ CraigHarris.org Pacific Track Time CraigsWeb See you at 2014 MotoGP Laguna Seca! We'll be camping on Fox Hill. AFM #278

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March 5th, 2010, 04:29 AM	#2
CZroe CPT Falcon Name: J.Emmett Turner Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.	Are you talking about Alba going under or are you someplace else in CA? According to the Schnieder's 250R blog, Alba was THE place to do the shim-exchange before that happened (mail-order nationwide). Because I was local and have no tools or mechanical expertise, I got them to do my valve service, but they folded only two days later and my exhaust was smelling "gassy." Performance has gotten worse and worse ever since to the point where I've even broken down in the rain, but I still can't definitively say that it was a bad valve service. Anyway, I just crossed 12K miles while running some Seafoam through the engine, so we'll see how it does before I take it in for the next scheduled maintenance.

March 5th, 2010, 01:24 PM	#5
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	Since the auction was running out in a little over an hour, I grabbed it. Wish I would have had a little time to look around (especially since I wasn't TOTALLY sure I was going to do it myself - looks like I am now), but it looks like a good deal. Thanks for the find.