Triumphrat

clive955 · 04-08-2008

Im just doing the shims on my 52 plate tiger. I have 4 shims which need adjusting and all of them have closed up and after removing them and using a vernier they all measure 2.65 mm.

Is this unusual for them all to wear down at such an even rate? and with 24,000 miles on the clock am I looking at a future head problem as obviously the valves are pulling into the head slightly. ????

BigStripey · 04-08-2008

The wear rate on my shims that needed replacement were all within +/- .02mm of each other. Are the 'tight' ones on the exhaust or inlet side or a mixture of both. Our motor does have a habit of tightening up on the exhaust side ??

clive955 · 04-09-2008

Have got 3 Exhaust and 1 Inlet. They have only tightened by 0.001 of an inch but just enough to need doing. What worries me a little is that she sounded as if she rattled a bit from the top and with this decrease in shim size she may sound even worse.

Cheers for your help Big Stripey. !!!!!!

littlefield · 04-09-2008

Theres' no significance to the fact that all 4 shims are 2.65 mm. Just a coincedence. It is odd that the valves sound loose but the clearances show tight. I guess you've double/triple checked? From what I've read, some shim changes can be needed at the first inspection but normally not after.

clive955 · 04-09-2008

This may be me just worrying but thats how she sounds, the valves were checked at 12000 by a stealer but said they were ok, however I no longer use them hence doing everything myself and so not sure if they were actually checked over. Yes have checked them twice.

Arrybash · 04-09-2008

You have measured the shims, but they do not wear. Its the clearance between the shims and rocker that changes.

In the days of pushrods and OHV engines the clearance increased, but with modern engines the clearance seems to reduce presumeably as the valve seats wear.

It's just coindcidence that you have 4 shims all the same size

Chris

miker · 04-10-2008

I wouldn't worry Clive, the engine will always sound a bit rattley. My 06 needed a couple of shims at the 20,000km service as well.

Apparently, these later engines are better than the previous. My 99 Speed Triple has now done 120,000km according to the new owner, but at last check, there was still room for shims, so the head isn't toast yet.

I wouldn't worry about such a young motor, unless you really give it a hard time.

Mick

clive955 · 04-10-2008

Thanks Guys,

Have always dreaded this job but actually it was really simple with the right tools. Would certainly do it again especially after being quoted nearly 450 Quid for a 24 k service.

Always worried about the valves after I saw a 955i Daytonna engine or head after just 20,000 miles and the valves mushroomed in it.

BigStripey · 04-13-2008

I was paranoid when i first did the shims on my Tigers, but i think it is all in the mind. Concentrating on not making a mistake gets you cranky. I dont know how many times i went around and around checking the gaps....... i was right first time just didn't believe it!

Well done anyway.................. and think of the bucks you saved doing it!!

FifeTiger · 04-14-2008

this is all mildly relevant to my impending 36k service.

At 24k my local non Triumph guy swapped a few of the shims around and replaced a cpl.

Now at 36k I'd like to get a valve clearance done at the same time. I was assuming a new set of shims would be a good idea but from what you're saying maybe not ?