[alfa] Valve shims

[alfacybersite <acs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Okay, its a magnet. Actually Steven at Centerline (name dropping) called 
just as I was reaching for my letter opener so I could read my email and 
politely explained what it actually is.

However, Chris at Highwood (and I'm giving him way too much press, 
though need to be nice so I can get a huge discount on the TZ wheels) 
was the only one to answer the real question - is it okay to reuse 
shims? Actually he admitted he sometimes sells used ones, and certainly 
assumes so. To me the proof is in the pudding, i.e., are the final 
clearances + or - .001"?

I'd previously mentioned to Steven I was debating whether to call (man 
am I name dropping) Penn Tools to order a small Mitutoyo 0 - .5" / 13 mm 
thickness micrometer. He commented that one Has to have a thickness 
micrometer if they're serious about it and want to save vast amounts of 
time. I've been using my electronic calipers with a precision 2" rod, 
then place the shim on top to measure. Not terribly accurate, and if 
doing it in metric, not easy to deduct the two inches to get the correct 
metric reading. So I then called Penn Tools. Oy, one more tool. Will it 
ever end?

Biba
Irwindale, CA USA

Oh yeah, when it comes will measure all my used shims, put a big U on 
top of each and file away in the orange box.

Are you guys with the orange box / boxes full of shims better at putting 
shims back in their proper compartment if not needed? If I was rich and 
did more engines I could see hiring someone who would stand beside me 
when doing the shim bit, wearing a white smock, mask, and rubber gloves. 
I'd say for instance, "Two sizes up" and assistant would immediately 
hand me the correct shim and dump the old one in lacquer thinner to 
sterilize (remove the STP which I use as an assembly lube), then put a 
light spray of WD-40 over it, and place in correct compartment. Makes 
sense to me - though you might disagree.
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