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

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

30 Oct 2026 17:33
#928800
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

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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

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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

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

01 Nov 2026 03:50
#928842
www.amazon.com/113-7680-Valve-Shims-2-05...%2Caps%2C328&sr=8-14

 

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

01 Nov 2026 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

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

01 Nov 2026 04:19
#928844
What sizes do you think I need?

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

01 Nov 2026 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

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

01 Nov 2026 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

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

01 Nov 2026 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?

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

Yesterday 06:31
#928875
Hmmmm.

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

Yesterday 07:12
#928877
chopper1963 wrote:
Hmmmm.
??
1982 KZ1000 Ltd
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/617631...-82-begins?start=192

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

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

Yesterday 09:31
#928879
I feel like it would be easier to just buy the ones you need. If you have like more than three bikes then it might be better to get a kit of shims but half of the time you can mix and match your current shims anyways since they mostly wear at the same time. 
1982 KZ1000M2 CSR
1983 KZ440D5 LTD
1985 GPz 550A2

Craig

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