If I remove a shim, can I still rotate the engine? Will the cam lobe contact the bucket? Removing the shims on the inner bank is a pain in the arse. Also, what year and model volvo used the same type shims (78 GTS)? Thanks Henry
1. Why do you want to rotate the motor with the shim out? 2. Any Volvo shim is the same I believe. Take one with you when you go to the dealer.
Because it is such a pain to get to the ones on the inside. If I pull one to measure it, then put it back in, I'm going to have to remove it again after I get the proper size shim. If I leave it out, then I can rotate the motor and remove the others.
No, you can't turn it. You'll damage the edge of the bucket, and possibly the cam itself. Volvo 4 cyl engine from the 240/360/740 range use the same shims. Why don't you just take the cams out after noting all the clearances... then change the cam seals while the cams are out and swap all the shims which need doing and are now very easy. Or, with the right home made tools, the shims soon pop out quite easily too... It usually takes me about 4-5 miniutes for each clearance.... measure gap, pop and measure shim, fit new correct shim, re measure to confirm, move on. You can also do all the valve clearances with the engine in four positions, there is no need to get each lobe absolutely opposite.., anywhere on the un worn base circle is ok.
This is why you need a closet full of shims at different thickness so that you can do one at a time, and still finish in the same day. I think there are some places that will "rent" you a box of shims. I personally just do it over two days, one day to measure and do what I can do, the next day to finish off after I buy whatever shims I don't have.
i check and adjust valve clearances every year ... 'tis amazing how many (re-usable) shims one collects over a period of time. the engine cover will be off for the winter, in the next week or so ... it's great to be gettin' the old hands dirty again ! cheers, d
Actually you'll damage the corners of the cam lobes, because of the way they will contact the bucket.
How often are they out of spec enough to change? I'm 4 years (albeit on 4 cylinders and two valves) and they're still in spec. Ken
Thanks guys, this is exactly why I asked. FYI, the last time the valves were adjusted was about 20k miles ago. All the intakes are within spec (0.20 - 0.25), but all the exhaust were tight. They were all about 0.05 - 0.10 tight (spec is 0.30 - 0.35) with one measuring 0.19 (yikes!). I think I'm gonna pull the cams and replace the cam seals. Thanks again.
good question, ken. i think tonight i will dig out the data and prepare a graph of the clearances "before and after" at each winter service. there may be a pattern developing, relative to one or two particular valves. generally speaking, there is only one two, max three to change, but last winter was the big (expensive) rebuild, therefore many to do. cheers, d
