For those that do your own valve adjustment

[Cooter]

I saw that. Mike is justifying his test by claiming Hot Cams might have started using hardened shims in their kits since his original file test (which isn't accurate due to varying grades of abrasive material). I was merely suggesting he solidify that claim by testing a current set of shims.

If the lab says they're hard, I believe they're hard. The only other way to somewhat-accurately test is with testers files, but that will still only give you a hardness range which will likely give you the same results as the lab test.

oh, Gotcha

[StrangeTrip]

For $80 you could test that theory and lay your claim to rest. http://amzn.to/2hHJ7NB

Look at the third review of the shims on Amazon, the guy says "you can sand them to fit" WTF?
That doesn't sound good?

[EBRRider]

Yes, this true, you can take any brand shim and sand it down with 600 wet/dry paper. I did this on my KTM and my honda.
They are case hardened so dont over do it.

[LeesEBR]

Look at the third review of the shims on Amazon, the guy says "you can sand them to fit" WTF?
That doesn't sound good?

As already explained, you can sand hardened steel. If hardened steel wasn't sand-able, you'd never be able to sharpen your knives.

[Mike]

EBRRider -

You apparently didn't read my last post..!
I DID...try sanding both the EBR and Harley shims...not even hardly a mark (dry) on either..!
While the previously mentioned shims...took .002" in just a minute or so..! NOT a good thing.

This IS funny yea know. Many claim EBR/Buell to be the best thing since sliced bread...yet here you are cheapen out on critical components ?

Your money, your engine...I'm out.

Mike

[EBRRider]

I am not suggesting I would do it on my EBR, Just saying I have done it on my dirt bikes.

[LeesEBR]

Mike,

Are you running sandpaper for followers? Is your top-end dry? If neither of those applies, neither does your sandpaper test.

Get some 2k+ grit sandpaper, cover it and the shim in motor oil, see if it still removes anything.

[LeesEBR]

The shims are not installed nor utilized in a manner where 600-grit sandpaper is anywhere near a real-world depiction of use nor a legitimate test.

[zviadi]

I already wrote in the beginning of this topic that at 6000 miles I used Hot Cams.
Continuation of a story. For 12000 miles I regretted the adjustment of the valves for various reasons, mainly because of laziness.
Now the run is approaching the third valve adjustment interval (18000 miles) - still all right with the engine. Riding is constantly at high revs. This engine is quite reliable.


Mike, could not the mod be so nervous and leave this forum?
I still have questions for you about the greatly inflated shipping cost of original spare parts to Russia. So business is not done.

[zac4mac]

My experience has been similar to Mike's.
The shims are very hard, I use diamond files.