Valve shims

After searching I cannot seem to find the answer.  I'm checking the valve adjustment.  I have the Motion Pro tool, the lever and metal tool with the semi circle.  I have that placed under the cam, and off the shim, but cannot get the shim out,  I can spin it, so I know I do not have the tool on the shim.  What's the trick for getting the shim out?  I've tried a small magnet, with no luck.

There is a "cut out" in the rim of the bucket, you should be able to "pop" them from there with a sharp pick - in the VW world we had special pliers that reached around the cam and fitted in the cut-outs of the bucket

To add to Wookie's answer: when you insert the holding tool on the edge of the bucket, verify that the notch in the bucket is lined up with a spot that's accessible for the hook tool and you'll be able to "pry" the shim out.

Cheers guys!

Does anyone else ever have the same thought, "Why can't things go right sometimes, or at least once?"  I got my new shims and installed them.  Apparently my measurements were off and a couple of the clearances are still tight, with the new shims.  Now, the new shims are so snug I cannot pop them out to change them.  It seems sometimes I just cannot win.....

rickysnicker wrote:

  Now, the new shims are so snug I cannot pop them out to change them.

Hi Ricky,
I don't understand your issue. The different thickness of shims isn't something that affects the installation and removal of the shims.
As sf4t7 said you should rotate the valve bucket so that the notch faces to the other cam before you turn the cam to depress the valve. If the bucket rotates as the cam lobe comes down you may have to play with it until you manage to depress the valve and still have the notch in the bucket in an accessible location.
The shims are always stuck in place because the engine oil has filled the spaces around the shim. As Wookie58 said a sharp pick will lift the shim if you insert it through that notch in the bucket.
Hope this helps.
Bill

Though frustrating sometimes, persistence pays off in the long run.

When my Kawasaki adventure started in y2k, several options were available for service where I live.

Today one option remains, and will, til I can use a tool no longer.
 

Yes, I have rotated the so the notch is in the front and accessible.  I put the new shim in and now cannot remove it, even with using a pick tool.  Yeah, I'm just frustrated and a bit grumpy.  Nothing ever seems to be as easy as what it should be.  I'm considering using a heat gun to heat up around the shim to see if that will allow it to pop out.

Daveo,

I understand that.  That's why I am trying to do this myself.  I have adjusted valves on other bikes, but they have never been this difficult to remove.

I understand your frustration, but shims removal should not be difficult. 

I agree, it should not be.  I'm getting to the point where it would almost be easier to remove the camshafts so that I would not have to do battle with them as well.

If you can pop the shim up and it will not  come out more than likely the bucket is not down far enough to allow the shim to be removed. I personally use the Kawasaki tool but you do need to careful on which way to turn the cams. Im assuming you have a z1900?