29mm Shims

I'm currently rebuilding a 73 z1 and when I measured the clearance with a feeler gauge I couldn't get my smallest size gauge under there (.0015"). No place around here sells shims and I don't have a clue on what size I'm going to need (only that I need smaller then 2.60mm), I really don't have 200$ to play a guessing game buying shims. Anyone have any suggestions?

Edit,
kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...ew&catid=2&id=346843

For shim swapping

You will have to get a hold of some smaller shims. Put the smallest one in then measure and make your calculations from there

KLD wrote:

I'm currently rebuilding a 73 z1 and when I measured the clearance with a feeler gauge I couldn't get my smallest size gauge under there (.0015"). No place around here sells shims and I don't have a clue on what size I'm going to need (only that I need smaller then 2.60mm), I really don't have 200$ to play a guessing game buying shims. Anyone have any suggestions?

I think the issue is that each valve shim adjustment might be unique...so you are looking at a maximum of 8 different shims...probably less. You either need to find a KZR member that has a nice selection of shims and is willing to swap them one-for-one, or find a local bike shop that deals with old Kawasakis and swap them one-for-one.

With the cam lobe pointing away from the bucket, will the shim turn underneath the cam?
If so, there's at least some minimal clearance, albeit woefully insufficient clearance, and the next thinner size shim may afford correct clearance. If not, may require two sizes thinner.

Could remove all existing shims, and carefully record the size and location of each existing shim. Likely the existing shims will be various different sizes.

Take the thinnest existing shim and put it where the thickest shim was removed from to see if there's then sufficient clearance to calculate the correct size shim needed for that particular valve.

Repeat this process for each bucket, testing clearance with the thinnest existing shim.

For the bucket with the thinnest existing shim and insufficient clearance, a new thinner shim will be needed, perhaps two sizes smaller.

Good Luck!

If any of the old original "dimpled" shims are still there, they should be discarded.

As I recall (but could be wrong), Kawasaki redesigned the shims early on because the dimpled version had a tendency to crack.

Good Luck!

Yamaha used the same shims in some of their bikes. Back in the seventies the Yamaha shim was about half the price of the Kawasaki shims.:woohoo:

Triumph shims are 29mm as well...
I pick mine up local T shop, $6 each....

Welp. The sizes are, starting from exhaust working left to right and then starting again on left side of intake.

(1)2.60mm
(2)2.70mm
(3)2.80mm
(4)2.75mm
(5)2.60mm
(6)2.60mm
(7)2.60mm
(8)2.60mm

I might be able to fix 2,3,4 with the shims I have currently. I don't know if I can spin the shims. I'm currently putting the cams back on. Ill let you know in a bit

Old Man Rock wrote:

Triumph shims are 29mm as well...
I pick mine up local T shop, $6 each....

Wish I could find a place in nebraska that had shims, lucky guy. I'm dreading ordering shims from z1 enterprises, then reordering more shims when I figure out what i need.

Ford Taurus SHO shims are 29mm too. Yamaha made that engine for Ford.

While they don't span the full range of thicknesses needed for KZ's, the Ford shims are available in 1/2 sizes... very nice for refining the clearances for optimum settings. I'm not sure of all the years - but certainly the early 90's thru mid to late 90's.

Jeff.Saunders wrote:

Ford Taurus SHO shims are 29mm too. Yamaha made that engine for Ford.

While they don't span the full range of thicknesses needed for KZ's, the Ford shims are available in 1/2 sizes... very nice for refining the clearances for optimum settings. I'm not sure of all the years - but certainly the early 90's thru mid to late 90's.

interesting...ya learn something new everydayB) ..i knew yamaha made them, but didnt know they had shims....i know they are high maintenance cars in SHO trim...go like stink,but high maintenance....

KLD wrote:

Old Man Rock wrote:

Triumph shims are 29mm as well...
I pick mine up local T shop, $6 each....

Wish I could find a place in nebraska that had shims, lucky guy. I'm dreading ordering shims from z1 enterprises, then reordering more shims when I figure out what i need.

got any idea what you might need? i have a full shim set i bought from z-1 and used some of them...i have to look, but i think i have a few of the smaller thickness....let me know if you are interested....i m willing to trade....