Xs1100 valve shim sizes

[Czekus21]

Does anyone know how large the valve shims go? It seems I need a 390, 385, and a 380. And, if someone has these sizes, would you be willing to trade?

[mlew]

I have never seen one bigger that 310. That's the largest in my kit. I have never used one bigger that 285. I would be worried if I needed one that big. I am curious on what size is in there now. I have seen carbon deposits get stuck in the valve seat when using a zip tie to hold the valve open to get the shim out and give false readings.

[Radioguylogs]

310 is the biggest size I've seen as well.

I agree it seem almost certain your valves are held open by something. You could probably confirm it with a quick compression check.

[mack]

Shims

They go up as high as 320. Could be your ready for a valve job. There is an exellent write up on it in the FSM. An inspection of the valve after a very light lapping will tell you the condition of the seats themselves. The location of the lap circle and width will indicate which angle (or both) needs to be addressed.They can be reground or cut. I had to do all the seats on the E I just finished. I think it cost me $20.00 for a speed shop to do it. At any rate, the compression test will tell you they are seating properly, and if not, the head will need to come off anyway. Perfect time to do a proper service.

[TomB]

Shims sizes needed normally goes down with worn engines/valves, as the valves sinks more into the head. If I had a need for big shims I'd be taking a very close look at whether my valves were seating correctly, a slightly bent valve would hold it open like needing BIG shims.

One other thing I have experienced on engines that have not run for a long period, the seats/valves can rust, this pushes the valve down making the shim size needed appear larger. Again valves not seating.

[Czekus21]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I should've given a little more info. The engine is a total rebuild. Everything has been gone thru. I rebuilt the head before class. (Attending MMI). My measurements are probably off. I checked all tolerances and are within limits. Either measurements or math. Gap is: intake 2=.152mm\ shim275, intake 3=..127mm\shim 270, intake 4=.152mm\shim 270. Valves are in tolerance, seats are good, valves have been lapped and seal properly.

[mack]

piece of mind

When your doing 100 mph, piece of mind that it's up to your spec is important so you can concentrate on the road and not the funny sounds coming from below your crotch.

[Radioguylogs]

Either measurements or math. Gap is: intake 2=.152mm\ shim275, intake 3=..127mm\shim 270, intake 4=.152mm\shim 270. Valves are in tolerance, seats are good, valves have been lapped and seal properly.

Intake spec is 0.16-0.20mm

So, you might want to:
Change #2 to 270...this will make it right at the high side of the spec @ 0.202mm.
Change #3 to 265 and it will be right in spec @ 0.177mm
Change #4 to 265....this will make it right at the high side of the spec @ 0.202mm.

So, #1 Intake is already in spec?

Exhaust are all in the 0.21-0.24mm range?