FZS600 Standard Valve Shim Sizes?

[markus2066]

Hi All,


I've owned my 600 fazer for a few months now, it has nearly 38K miles on the clock and from speaking to the previous owner I'm pretty certain the valve clearances have never been done.


I would really like to try and order a set of shims which is likely to do the job so that I only have to take it apart once and get the job done as I need the bike to get to work ect.


Does anyone know from experience if there is a small range of sizes typically found in the bike as standard, im hoping I can check the clearances and if they need doing (which i'm sure they will) order a suitable range which will allow me to get it done in one go.


My bikes a 99 fzs600.


Thanks in advance.

[Fazerider]

There's a big difference between the two jobs. Measuring the clearances is pretty easy and with such a low mileage there's a good chance they'll all be in spec still anyway.
I'd check them first, then maybe buy a kit of shims (about £80) if necessary.

[markus2066]

Hi,

Thanks for the quick reply.

Interesting you say that's low mileage, is 38k considered a low mileage for the bike I thought the interval was 26k?

I've heard that the clearances are pretty stable on the Fazer and all the clearances creep quite uniformly, which makes me think I will need alot of the same size shims. I worry that a kit with a broad range of sizes might not have enough of the same size shims, is this something I should worry about?

Also is there a source you could recommend for the kit?

Many thanks

Many thanks

[unfazed]

Better off checking them first as there is no hard and rule to the shim sizes.

Check the clearances of all 16 valves, if any are out of spec then remove the cams buckets and shims. Lay them on a clean smooth surface with the clearances and the shim sizes written down. Don't mix up the buckets and shims. With a little bit of ingenuity you may be able swap them around enough that you do not need to buy any or just one or two.

OEM are about £8, WeMoto do them for half that.

Check with you loacal dealer first as he might be willing to swap or sell some.

You will need to have a micrometer to check the sizes as some of the etching may be worn off.
The etched number is not always 100% accurate either

[markus2066]

Excellent thanks for the advice guys.

I've just been looking at the work shop manual which I have managed to get hold of and it says to drain the coolant to remove the radiator, is this really necessary? From what I can see looks like over kill to me?

Cheers

[Kingy]

I checked mine a little while ago at approx 26000 miles and all were well within tolerances. From memory you dont need to drain it all out only enough, into a jug, to remove the water pump which is located under the tank.

[unfazed]

No need to do either, you might have to undo the bolt holding the thermostat housing to allow you to move it for
 a bit of extra clearance

[markus2066]

Excellent, doesn't sounds too bad.

Thanks guys

[andybesy]

I had mine done couple of months back at 44k. They were all within spec.

My mechanic commented how wide the range allowed by the spec was, said he didn't think they'd go out any time soon. So yeah, Fazers pretty forgiving things.

Andy

[Bretty]

In an attempt to answer your original question. I recently took apart a 2002 donor engine which must have had the original shims in. They were:
172
175
176
178
178
179
179
180
181
181
181
184
185
185
185
185
I'm open to offers if you're interested in buying them off me.

Brett

[markus2066]

Ah excellent info cheers Bret.

Are you based in the UK, I may well be up for buying them off you. How much would you want for them?

Thanks

[Bretty]

I'm in NW London.

I don't know? I can do the lot delivered for £20? Or make me am offer.

Cheers,

Brett

[Bretty]

Ready to go...

[markus2066]

Hi Bretty,


A friend of mine wanted some help doing his valve clearances so he brought a kit and between us we had enough shims. All the ones that came out of mine are similar in size to the ones you have there.


That set would be perfect for someone who needed to do this job, between swapping them around and a few extras there it would it sorted.


Thanks

[Gnasher]

It's unusual shims need changing at 28k even 50k plus.


So I'd be surprised yours need doing, quite a few owners measure them wrongly and then start playing only to find they are now too tight/big.


The old saying measure twice cut once is oh so true and applies when checking clearances [size=78%]      [/size]

[mtread]

   I'm on 43k and no sign of them needing to be done. I'll have them checked again at 48k but be very surprised if they do. Fazer engines go on forever (subject to oil changes) 38k is low milage

[markus2066]

About 6 of mines were right on the lower limit of the spec, had quite a good shim kit so managed to get them all nicely in the middle.