Valve shims

[graham.hilder@telecom.co.nz (Graham Hilder)]

In Vol 6 no.14, Rick wrote.......
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Alfa valve adjustment shims are quite soft and can be reduced in height
somewhat by the method described by Michael.  I had a race motor with
GTA type shims......... (and) ......... to get to final thickness and smooth
the surface, we then put 400 grit wet or dry on a piece of glass and,
using p-oil as the lubricant, ran the shim around in figure 8 patterns.  
>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Well Rick was luckier than me. The first time I did an Alfa Nord valve
clearance job I thought I'd try to trim down my existing shims (it was a
Sunday and the shim shop was closed). After a long long time with
firstly some wet and dry and then with a nice flat oilstone, I think the
micrometer might have shown about a half thou difference. I flagged it
away until Monday then bought new shims.   Maybe I struck an extra
hard shim.  I didn't try any others to find out !

I did however try it subsequently on one of the Alfa Sud motors of the
shimmed variety. Same result........ only a milli-tad of change after a lot of
effort.   

Rgds,
Graham H, N.Z.
71 & 77 Nords, 82 & 83 Suds.