Valve shim help

[berlingo2]

Hi all have a 02 berlingo with tight tappets getting hard to start i reckon could have 2 exhaust valves which need setting any 1 ever grind down the valve shims or have the tappets setting as I'm going to strip mine down later

[ron]

I assume you know it's a camshaft out job? The shims aren't terribly expensive but if you know someone in the motor trade,you may be able to "borrow" a box of s/h shims of assorted thicknesses. I used to have Citroen & Fiat shims by the 100's but gave them away when retiring & getting a HDi.

[Gadgetman]

Please, NO!
Those shims are hardened steel. Grinding that stuff requires specialist equipment to get it done properly.
As Ron suggests; buy them!
See those blocks holding the camshaft in place?
Notice that they're numbered?
Those are precision ground to match the position. If one breaks... you can't replace it. Really. You'd have to replace the entire head.

Removing and remounting these parts is a delicate procedure. I'd suggest getting hold of the Haynes Service manual.

[geoff]

I've just recently done the shims ..... look here ....

http://www.berlingoforum.co.uk/thread-12527.html

Reducing shim size has to be done sometimes as despite the vast array of shims available at the Dealership they don't always have the ones you want. Haynes is good for timing belts and camshaft removal, make sure the caps go back the same way !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edit : you need a micrometer or good vernier caliper.

Edit : Set the valves to max tolerance ie the prescribed size plus the tolerance !

[ron]

I've just recently done the shims ..... look here ....

http://www.berlingoforum.co.uk/thread-12527.html

Reducing shim size has to be done sometimes as despite the vast array of shims available at the Dealership they don't always have the ones you want.  Haynes is good for timing belts and camshaft removal, make sure the caps go back the same way !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edit : you need a micrometer or good vernier caliper.

Edit : Set the valves to max tolerance ie the prescribed size plus the tolerance !

Hence my vast collection.The dealer usually has the one you don't want.

[ron]

Please, NO!
Those shims are hardened steel. Grinding that stuff requires specialist equipment to get it done properly.
As Ron suggests; buy them!
See those blocks holding the camshaft in place?
Notice that they're numbered?
Those are precision ground to match the position. If one breaks... you can't replace it. Really. You'd have to replace the entire head.

Removing and remounting these parts is a delicate procedure. I'd suggest getting hold of the Haynes Service manual.

You made a very good point about the bearing caps.Us mechanics take that for granted & tend to think everyone else does too.

[Lighty]

I usually grind the shims down, I have a friend that has the tool to do it, very simple & accurate , involves a very powerful magnet to hold the shim & a vernier to lower the grinding tool.
I suspect finding someone with the kit will be hard to find these days.