3rz owners, valve adjustment shim kit?

[99Runnr]

I am looking at digging into a valve adjustment for my 3rz. I just had my third hand surgery and don't have the specialty tools. I found someone local who does and can do this for me, however, my local dealer doesn't stock shims and anything I see online so far is a shot in the dark at best to order ahead of time. LCE looks like 2 packs of individual sizes, ect

Being that I will be taking it to his shop, tearing it down somewhat, it's impractical to order stuff after. Is there any kind of master shim kit or something that exists I'm not seeing?

Thanks

 

[mtbtim]

[MENTION=148218]JZiggy[/MENTION] has adjusted the valves on his 3RZ and I remember him saying he had to order the shims. Hopefully he'll chime in with some advice for you.

 

[99Runnr]

[MENTION=148218]JZiggy[/MENTION] has adjusted the valves on his 3RZ and I remember him saying he had to order the shims. Hopefully he'll chime in with some advice for you.

Bummer.. I was hoping they make a shim kit. My quads which use shim's similar to this design, have a master kit with all assorted sizes and such.

My local dealer is only a day or two out for parts, but that is a long time when your truck is torn apart at someone else's place haha.

 

[JZiggy]

Hey 99,

Once you get the right tools and get your mind around how the adjustment works it's not that hard.

I would suggest checking the clearances and pulling/measuring/replacing the shims on the valves that are out of spec. Put the valve cover back on and keep driving it. Then you can order the order the new shims you need and tear it back apart once you get the replacement parts. It may add 2 hours to the project but you won't have vehicle downtime.

This tool works quite well:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014DF1AG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My only gripe was that the little end of the holder tool was not quite long enough to keep the bucket depressed far enough. I squashed the end in a bench vise and it grew 0.030", then it worked perfect

 

[Kanoe]

I am planning to do this very soon too. Only source I have found is the dealer. The dealer says the parts come out of California so shipping will be a long time. JZiggy's advice is what I am planning to do. Hate to open it up 2x but what choice do you have?

When I did this job on a KLR650 the dealer kept a tray of used shims. You gave them your old ones, took the new ones you needed and paid a few $ for each trade. I wish Toyota did this too.

Alternatively, there is a long list of Toyota Vehicles that use the same shims. If you can get to a junkyard that will allow you to strip an old engine you can start your own stock.

Hey, does anyone know if the part number is stamped on the shim? Or is measuring the only way to determine which one you have in your hand?

 

[99Runnr]

Hey 99,

Once you get the right tools and get your mind around how the adjustment works it's not that hard.

I would suggest checking the clearances and pulling/measuring/replacing the shims on the valves that are out of spec. Put the valve cover back on and keep driving it. Then you can order the order the new shims you need and tear it back apart once you get the replacement parts. It may add 2 hours to the project but you won't have vehicle downtime.

This tool works quite well:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014DF1AG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My only gripe was that the little end of the holder tool was not quite long enough to keep the bucket depressed far enough. I squashed the end in a bench vise and it grew 0.030", then it worked perfect

I'm not afraid of the job, it's more my hand to be honest. I just had trigger thumb surgery now, the inside edge of my thumb is all sliced and stitched up. I have a big cast on my hand rendering my right hand (dominate) useless for the next couple weeks. Then it's recovery time. I don't exact;y have a lot of choice but to take it easy. I was able to work around my carpel tunnel incisions no problem, but this one isn't the same haha.

I will just go that route, I will check out the tool you linked as well. Thanks

 

[nobb]

I don't think most dealers stock shims, but it's only 1-2 days to get it. Inconvenient yes, but do it right and you'll likely never have to touch these again. To get the whole kit would also likey to be super $$ since each shim is already $20 each at the dealer.

I didn't use the official tool when I did mine. You can get by with a small thin piece of fabricated metal and an allen key. Not that I would recommend it though...

 

[JZiggy]

I am planning to do this very soon too. Only source I have found is the dealer. The dealer says the parts come out of California so shipping will be a long time. JZiggy's advice is what I am planning to do. Hate to open it up 2x but what choice do you have?

When I did this job on a KLR650 the dealer kept a tray of used shims. You gave them your old ones, took the new ones you needed and paid a few $ for each trade. I wish Toyota did this too.

Alternatively, there is a long list of Toyota Vehicles that use the same shims. If you can get to a junkyard that will allow you to strip an old engine you can start your own stock.

Hey, does anyone know if the part number is stamped on the shim? Or is measuring the only way to determine which one you have in your hand?

If I recall right, the old ones I pulled out had the part number worn off, so don't count on it.

The new ones will have a laser-etched part number on one side.