Lifter Shims New, used and which ones and where to buy? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Steve Gutman · #1 08-05-2005, 10:58 AM

I am getting ready to change lifters and want to buy shims. I have some shims a guy gave me and there are the old ones in the car. Should they be new or just the right clearance? There are wear marks on them. Are they hardened? What is the downside?

Also, there are a number of sizes. Which ones to buy? Could the unused ones be returned? They are not cheap and if you have to buy a lot it adds up. Any advice?

#2 08-06-2005, 01:02 AM

I asked a similar question here a while back hoping someone who had done the job and hadn't replaced the lifters could chime in but no luck.

My local mech is suggesting just replacing the lifters on their own and leave the shims.

Matt.

Steve Gutman · #3 08-08-2005, 11:04 AM

A mechanic friend of mine gave me a bunch of used shims in 3 sizes. I assume its okay to install used shims or he would not have given them to me. But I can see a concave surface where the rocker cut into them and another spot where the valve stem cut in a little. That is why I think they should be replaced as a wear item and proper seating of the rocker may be inhibited. The shims have to come out to remove the rocker to remove the lifter. Since they have to come out anyway, shouldn't they be replaced?

The lifters have only a little travel. To be properly set, there is a correct shim size for each lifter and it has to be measured after it is installed. You install a shim of whatever size then crank the starter for 30 seconds to fill the lifter, and then measure it with a special tool. You have to change the shim to be in the middle of the go/no-go gauge. If your mechanic said use the same shims he must mean to get a base reading then change the shims as necessary. That sounds plausible. But if they are good in height with the old shim, do you leave it in place or change it to a new shim?

Strife · #4 08-08-2005, 12:15 PM

I've got a few clicks, etc in my engine, and I planned to change the rockers and hydraulics; and I did buy the go/no-go tool, but the price of the shims floored me. to get a set to try out would cost several hundred dollars! (in addition to 30*16 + 15*16 for the parts themselves. I'm going to reanalyze this in the fall and hope that I can selectively change just a few.