Can't Find My Box of Valve Shims. '81 GPz550

chopper1963
Topic Author
Offline
User
Registered
Posts: 436
Thanks: 94

Can't Find My Box of Valve Shims. '81 GPz550

30 Oct 2026 17:33

Typically I trip over that box of shims for years now can't find it. I want to buy a selection of shims. Am I looking for the 13 mm shims? I used to know this! TIA

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

chopper1963
Topic Author
Offline
User
Registered
Posts: 436
Thanks: 94

Re: Can't Find My Box of Valve Shims. '81 GPz550

31 Oct 2026 16:46

#928833

www.peakmoto.com/products/k-l-supply-13-...12-ac19-e5a75526333b

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

chopper1963
Topic Author
Offline
User
Registered
Posts: 436
Thanks: 94

Re: Can't Find My Box of Valve Shims. '81 GPz550

31 Oct 2026 16:46

#928834

www.amazon.com/Hot-Cams-HCSHIM32-Shim-Ki...d1-a707-3f4e65a4b666

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

chopper1963
Topic Author
Offline
User
Registered
Posts: 436
Thanks: 94

Re: Can't Find My Box of Valve Shims. '81 GPz550

Yesterday 03:50

#928842

www.amazon.com/113-7680-Valve-Shims-2-05...%2Caps%2C328&sr=8-14

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Nessism
Offline
Sustaining Member
Registered
Posts: 8218
Thanks: 3583

Re: Can't Find My Box of Valve Shims. '81 GPz550

Yesterday 03:56

#928843

Those kits contain sizes you will never use. And not enough of the sizes you need.

Ed
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/14-vendor-forum/62...rburetor-o-ring-kits

www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know

1981 KZ750E2
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

chopper1963
Topic Author
Offline
User
Registered
Posts: 436
Thanks: 94

Re: Can't Find My Box of Valve Shims. '81 GPz550

Yesterday 04:19

#928844

What sizes do you think I need?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Nessism
Offline
Sustaining Member
Registered
Posts: 8218
Thanks: 3583

Re: Can't Find My Box of Valve Shims. '81 GPz550

Yesterday 04:25

#928845

chopper1963 wrote:

What sizes do you think I need?

Most used bikes, in decent condition, not high mileage, take shims in the .245 - .265 range. There are exceptions, of course. Since you have to pull the cams to change the shims, I'd just pull them and take an inventory of what you have now, then buy accordingly. The clearance always goes down, not up, so plan ahead.

Ed
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/14-vendor-forum/62...rburetor-o-ring-kits

www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know

1981 KZ750E2
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Wookie58
Away
Moderator
Registered
Posts: 6907
Thanks: 4338

Re: Can't Find My Box of Valve Shims. '81 GPz550

Yesterday 04:26

#928846

I can email you an excel document I built, if you input your current gaps and shim sizes you will be able to see what you need. You will probably be able to move some to different locations which will reduce how many you need to buy

1982 KZ1000 Ltd
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/617631...-82-begins?start=192

kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/616810-electr...-fault-finding-guide

The following user(s) said Thank You: chopper1963

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

chopper1963
Topic Author
Offline
User
Registered
Posts: 436
Thanks: 94

Re: Can't Find My Box of Valve Shims. '81 GPz550

Yesterday 07:29

#928849

This engine is a fresh top end rebuild with a few hundred miles on it. The valve clearances are thus far really tight so I am thinking I need some much smaller sizes. I have just a few that are 200, 205, 215 etc then I have seemingly more than a dozen 240-260. Is my best bet to go to eBay and buy thinner ones?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.