Measuring the valve shim-cam gap

[KA1J]

This may be answered in engine building 101 but I never took that class.

Here's the question... I want to check the shim/cam gap to see if my shims are OK or need replacing. So where do I have the cam lobes pointing when I do this?

Do I have the lobe tip pointing as far away from the shim as possible and I check 180 degrees away from the tip? Do I have the crank set to TDC and check the gap along the side of the fat part of the lobe? do I look for the maximum gap wherever I find it?

What is the Gold standard of cam placement when checking the gap?

[3Phase]

The Gold Standard is cam lobe tip facing 180* away from the valve shim on an overnight-cold engine.

Rotate the crankshaft clockwise from the left-hand end and just check one valve clearance at a time.

Don't get in a hurry.

Write down each clearance.

Don't worry about TDC or other timing marks unless you actually remove the camshafts or have to re-time the engine.

Relax!

[KA1J]

Thanks for that. I always thought that is where the measurement was taken but I'd read a thread saying its taken when the piston is at its maximum height on compression so I needed to ask.

I'll take the measurements & tomorrow will look for shims.

Getting closer...