[Shotimes] 60k/Valve adj.

[Mark D. Mallory]

> After returning all original shims to the same
> position, I did a second check of clearances for peace of mind. Most of
> my second check #'s were within about a thousandth or two, but on cyl #4
> (intake) my first clearance check showed .008.  When I did my second
> check I got .016.  Has anyone run into this before?  It makes me a
> little nervous about feeling confident about what shim size I need to
> replace it with.

It's possible you had the feeler gage at too great of an angle when you
tried to measure it the first time.  I've done it before and that will cause
the gage to get stuck or feel like it won't fit.  Don't loose confidence...
like you said the car isn't going anywhere anyway.  After 24 measurements
you're bound to get things right!

Also, remember that the shims are reusable if the surface in good shape.  No
scratches, pits, or heavily worn spots.  Not you will see what appears to be
light scratches on the surface, however as long as you can't feel them
they're ok to be re-used.  Usually you'll see that the "scratches" will
change as you wipe the shim.  Just marks in the oil.  If one side is bad and
the other is good, you can flip the shim over.

> 2.	When the clearances are out of tolerance, what does this do in
> terms of performance of the engine?  (again, I am not much of a car guy
> but am trying to learn - and having a good time in the process).

Not much of anything.  Now if you were fine (and I do mean fine) tuning the
car it might be different.  Think of how little you're changing the
thickness of the shim, that's how much you're changing the valve lift by.
In the end, you're not going to gain or loose much of anything.  Try to keep
the clearances in the mid range.  Better to keep cam wear down than gain
very little (if anything) in performance.

> 3.	Are all the shims (primary/secondary, or left/right) the same
> diameter?  I didn't check this when they were out, so I thought I'd ask.

Yes.

Good luck and congrats on getting down and dirty!  That was me about 3.5
years ago.  I learned a lot mostly because I just did it.  The information
is out there and there's nothing to stop a guy from learning (and saving a
whole bunch of green in the process).

Mark Mallory
Toledo, Ohio
'95 SHO MTX

>
> Happy Holidays and Thanks!
>
> Kerry Kinion
> '93 Green MTX, 110k, Bone stock and sitting in the driveway for way too
> long!
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