Special tools for adjusting valve lash?? | FerrariChat

Special tools for adjusting valve lash??

Discussion in '308/328' started by AZDoug, Jun 24, 2009.

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  1. AZDoug

    AZDoug Formula 3

    Jun 17, 2009
    1,606
    Along the Verde , AZ
    Full Name:
    Doug
    Once my back is better and I can deal with checking lash,

    what tools are needed that are special?

    I see from my manual, they show drawings of a curved spring compressor lever and a shim plucking tool.

    Is that what you guys use? Or something else? Where obtained?

    What about shim sets? Are shim packs available, or what do you do when lash is in need to adjustment, check lash and order individual shims?

    Thanks again,
    Doug
     
  2. jimshadow

    jimshadow F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Feb 19, 2006
    5,743
    Indiana
    Full Name:
    JIM
    The tool can be obtained from Rutlands. Its very easy to use. Shim sets are frequently on Ebay, though I got the ones I needed from a local shop who has a bunch on hand. Search the archives for the cross reference on the shims. (I think you can use Volvo shims, but don't quote me....) I checked each shim and ordered the ones that I needed.

    FWIW, YMMV.

    JIM
     
  3. Irishman

    Irishman F1 Rookie

    Oct 13, 2005
    3,518
    Raleigh
    Full Name:
    Kevin
    I have a 2V carb car and got my shims from the local Volvo dealer. They were compatible with the 240/360/740 gas cars.

    I measured first then pulled the cams which meant I didn't need a special tool. Plus, it was then very easy to replace the cam seals, too.
     
  4. f308jack

    f308jack F1 Rookie

    Jun 7, 2007
    4,300
    Cape Town, South Afr
    Full Name:
    Jack Verschuur
    If you are friendly with the Volvo dealer, they also had very handy tools for this purpose in the days. I've been thinking of trying to locate one of these, I like it better than the Ferrari-tool, but haven't had access to one to try and see if there is space on the F-car.
    It is a clamp that goes around the camshaft, and winding it down it presses the bucket/follower down on both sides, leaving space to take the rhim out. There was a handy stepped pair of pliers for that from Volvo as well.
     
  5. FF8929

    FF8929 Formula Junior

    Apr 12, 2008
    799
    Livonia, Michigan
    Full Name:
    Fred Flynn
    Dennis McCann, Allferrariparts.com also has the shims.
     
  6. fdekeu

    fdekeu Formula Junior

    Jun 19, 2008
    582
    Belzium
    Full Name:
    Frank
    2V engines: Shim OD 33mm
    4V engines: Shim OD 29mm
    Thickness 3,75 to 4,15mm
    I buy the ones I need in a local shop
     
  7. md88plt

    md88plt Karting
    BANNED

    Mar 4, 2008
    201
    usa
    Full Name:
    dc
    vick auto sports sells the shims at 2.50 plus shipping


    5200 Vesta Farley Road
    Fort Worth, TX 76119

    Phone: 817-572-7793
    Fax: 817-483-1104
    Toll-free: 800-466-3428
     
  8. dave80gtsi

    dave80gtsi Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 3, 2003
    1,813
    Ohio
    Full Name:
    Dave Meredith
    The last time that I adjusted my valves, I used a pair of screw drivers, one used to compress the valve and another, turned sideways at the edge of the bucket, to hold it down once compressed.

    Sounds a bit crude as I type this, but it worked far better for me than did several of the different "official" tools in my collection for this operation.

    And, just in case anyone was unaware of this, the 2 valve shims used in 308's are the same as used in Fiats of that era.

    The reference to Vicks above is because this firm is a Fiat parts vendor.

    There are other, similar, Fiat vendors who also sell these shims dirt cheap.

    Cheers - DM
     
  9. fgcfire8

    fgcfire8 Formula Junior

    Jan 19, 2008
    459
    Montpelier Va
    Full Name:
    Frank Castelvecchi
    Fiat x1/9 and 124 shims are the same as the volvo 240 shims
     
  10. Birdman

    Birdman F1 Veteran

    Jun 20, 2003
    6,687
    North shore, MA
    Full Name:
    THE Birdman
    If you watch ebay, valve shim kits pop up from time to time. I got a complete 2 valve 308 shim kit for like $100 a couple years ago.
     
  11. f308jack

    f308jack F1 Rookie

    Jun 7, 2007
    4,300
    Cape Town, South Afr
    Full Name:
    Jack Verschuur
    Often you can move shims around between valves, and just need to buy a few. It's of course ideal to build a small collection:)
     

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