Valve Shim Kit

[squid101]

I am still 8K miles away from checking my valve clearance but when I was thinking about it I realized if they are off you have to shim them. I would not want to strip my bike down realize I need a shim and then wait for a dealer to get one in stock. So people who do their own adjustment, do you buy a bunch of shims in different sizes in case you one of them? Is this a Honda part that you order?

 

[squid101]

You have to pull the cams to add shims?

 

[John OoSTerhuis]

How to borrow the STOC valve shim check/R&R kit:
http://www.st-riders.net/index.php?topic=556.0

Just checking the current valve clearances, to simply see if any are out of spec, isn't that difficult. There are a few shortcuts so that you don't have to pull as much tupperware as the manual calls for; but you own an ST1300 (a full-fairing bike) so R&R'g fairing pieces is something you need to get used to.

Actually R&R'g a valve shim is more involved, of course, but quite doable with the kit and the forums to back you up. And if you're lucky, there may an experienced STrider nearby that would be willing to help. Keith gave good advice about recording all the shim sizes so that you can obtain replacement shims from a dealer (or swap amongst those on other valves) without having to pull the camshafts.

[edit: highly recommend you get the Honda Service Manual before doing a valve clearance check and/or shim R&R]

Regards, John

 

[John OoSTerhuis]

You have to pull the cams to add shims?

Yes, the ST1100 engine is a shim-under-bucket design.

[edit: OOPS! Just noticed you have an ST1300. I think my statements are still correct, but I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong.]

 

[wjbertrand]

I bought this kit:

http://www.hotcamsinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=cProducts.view&productid=508

For $90, it'll pay for itself if you use it only once, unfortunately their web site says it's out of stock . The company seems to be oriented around dirt bikes, but fortunately the shims seem pretty universal. Both the ST11 & 13 us the 7.48mm diameter size. In my experience, the 1100 seems to use thicker ones than the 1300 on average. Besides the shim kit you'll need a good micrometer or caliper. I don't totally trust the markings on the shims.

 

[Blrfl]

I have the Hot Cams kit that I don't mind loaning out if you swap in an old shim for whatever you remove and cover the postage out and back.

--Mark

 

[sroddy7855]

It would be nice if you could get the specs on the factory installed shims from Honda by giving them your serial #. It's hard to believe that information is not recorded and available.Or better yet etch the original shim thickness onto the cam covers.

 

[squid101]

Thanks for the info. I already have the manual and I am still far away from doing the work. I just know my luck. I will strip the bike down and need a part that has to be ordered.

When I did my first oil change I bought the filters and filter wrench way in advance. And sure enough the filter wrench broke when I tried to use it and had to visit 3 auto shops to find a replacement that would work.

 

[dond]

I bought this kit:

http://www.hotcamsinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=cProducts.view&productid=508

Besides the shim kit you'll need a good micrometer or caliper. I don't totally trust the markings on the shims.

Same here, I recently did a valve adjust and the shims ALL measured a different thickness than their markings indicated!!

 

[John OoSTerhuis]

Honda has an interesting way of marking their OEM shims, rounding some up and some down. Here's the list I researched a few years ago:

~~~~~ ST1100 Valve Shim PNs ~~~~~

John OoSTerhuis, STOC 1058
STGhOOST@aol.com

Honda PNs / Description(mm) / Stamped:

14901-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.200) 120
14902-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.225) 122
14903-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.250) 125
14904-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.275) 128
14905-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.300) 130
14906-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.325) 132
14907-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.350) 135
14908-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.375) 138
14909-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.400) 140
14910-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.425) 142
14911-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.450) 145
14912-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.475) 148
14913-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.500) 150
14914-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.525) 152
14915-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.550) 155
14916-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.575) 158
14917-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.600) 160
14918-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.625) 162
14919-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.650) 165
14920-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.675) 168
14921-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.700) 170
14922-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.725) 172
14923-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.750) 175
14924-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.775) 178
14925-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.800) 180
14926-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.825) 182
14927-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.850) 185
14928-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.875) 188
14929-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.900) 190
14930-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.925) 192
14931-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.950) 195
14932-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (1.975) 198
14933-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.000) 200
14934-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.025) 202
14935-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.050) 205
14936-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.075) 208
14937-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.100) 210
14938-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.125) 212
14939-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.150) 215
14940-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.175) 218
14941-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.200) 220
14942-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.225) 222
14943-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.250) 225
14944-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.275) 228
14945-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.300) 230
14946-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.325) 232
14947-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.350) 235
14948-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.375) 238
14949-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.400) 240
14950-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.425) 242
14951-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.450) 245
14952-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.475) 248
14953-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.500) 250
14954-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.525) 252
14955-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.550) 255
14956-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.575) 258
14957-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.600) 260
14958-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.625) 262
14959-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.650) 265
14960-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.675) 268
14961-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.700) 270
14962-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.725) 272
14963-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.750) 275
14964-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.775) 278
14965-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.800) 280
14966-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.825) 282
14967-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.850) 285
14968-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.875) 288
14969-KT7-013 SHIM, TAPPET (2.900) 290

[total shims available : 69]
~~~~~~~~~ end ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Every shim I've checked with my metric micrometer was right on the money.

FWIW, YMMV, yadda yadda

 

[BigBadblue]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the ST uses 7.5mm diameter shims which are the same as the shims used in all 250cc 4 stroke motocross bikes. The 400cc and up motocross bikes (all brands) use 9mm diameter shims. And you can use shims from different brands as long as they are the correct diameter.

 

[Carl Custer]

FWIW,
Procycle in Oregon seems to have the HotCam kits in stock for $80:
<http://www.procycle-online.com/hotcams/valve_shims.htm>
Plus shipping.

I checked with Discount Honda and they don't have a stock shim kit but individual shims run ~$5
Actually: SHIM, TAPPET 14902-KT7-013 016 $5.08
Plus shipping.
& FYI the shims also fit both ST's, later Magnas &:
CRF150R, CRF250R/X, NX250, CB1 400, CBR600F2/F3/F4, CBR600RR, RC30, RC45, 750 Magna 94-03, VFR750, VFR800, CBR900/929/954, CB919, CBR1000RR, CBR1100XX, ST1100, ST1300, GL1800, NP50 Ruckus, ARX1200 Aquatrax.

 

[rbs]

I have the Hot Cams kit that I don't mind loaning out if you swap in an old shim for whatever you remove and cover the postage out and back.

--Mark

I also have a shim kit that I am willing to loan out.

 

[H_V_Bryant]

I have a 2002 1100. I have the hot shims kit that I used when I did the valve inspection at 32k. I adjusted 5 valves. I am willing to ship it to you for you to use what ever shims you need. I have all of the tools needed to do the removal and replacement of the shims, metric calipers and micrometer for measuring, 17MM socket for turning the engine, 10mm wrench, etc. If you were in So Cal I would help.... Let me know if I can help.

 

[DAS]

Bumpty bump. anyone still have a shim kit they are willing to loan out? I may need one or two of the following - 200. 205, 208, and/or 212. All I'd like is to have some shims on hand if needed. I'll gladly replace any that I take with the one I pull and of course mail the kit back to you.

 

[John OoSTerhuis]

Hi Dan. Seven years later (post#4) but the STOC free loaner ST1100 Vave Shim R&R Tool Kit is still available and going strong:
http://www.st-riders.net/index.php?topic=556.0

John
via iPhone 4S

 

[Blrfl]

Bumpty bump. anyone still have a shim kit they are willing to loan out? I may need one or two of the following - 200. 205, 208, and/or 212. All I'd like is to have some shims on hand if needed. I'll gladly replace any that I take with the one I pull and of course mail the kit back to you.

Mine is available from T_C. Info here: CLICKY

--Mark

 

[DAS]

Hi Dan. Seven years later (post#4) but the STOC free loaner ST1100 Vave Shim R&R Tool Kit is still available and going strong:
http://www.st-riders.net/index.php?topic=556.0

John
via iPhone 4S

ooo boy, now what's my user name and password. I've not been over there is a long time obi wan. Thanks anyway - I'll figure it out.

 

[DAS]

Thanks Mark - PM sent to T_C (corrected) requesting availability of the shims that I need.

 

[ToddC]

Have you checked with your local dealer. Sometimes they will let you swap for a modest charge. I used to do that with my 1981 CB900C.

T