What size shim for a new lifter (117.962)
 

When installing a new lifter, what size shim do you use. After install it can be checked by running the starter moror for 30 seconds to pump it up but what size do you start with?

Depends on many factors!

Has the engine had a recent valve job?
ARE the lifters making noise due to incorrect adjustment?
Has the cam OR any of the rockers been replaced?
What size did you remove?
I normally start with 4.8-5.0MM & work from there.

No recent valve job. Motor has 128,000 miles and runs well.
One lifter seems very noisy and others chatter. I am trying to identify it with a stethoscope. I think lots of the lifters need shims so I want to change the bad lifter(s) and shim them all.
The cam and rockers are original.
I have not removed any. I have a few (used) shims in 3 different sizes that were a gift from a friend. It is okay to use the worn shims, isn’t it? The center is grooved a few thousandths but if the fit is good I assume they can be re-used.
Thanks for the advice to start with 4.8 mm. I can do that.

The guy who gave me the shims is a professional MB & BMW mechanic. He said to just replace all the lifters and rockers. He gave me 5 rockers too. I hate to spend the extra hundreds on the parts and to pull out good ones seems a waste. Is it prudent to just change the bad lifter(s)?

Steve,

Have you gone forward with this valve job? I am considering it and have the same symptoms you do. Any advice? I have never dealt with the valves before.

Rich Mayer
82 500 SL

Still not done. I put the car away for the winter and haven't had the time or temprature to do it. I am a little concerned myself but have an extra car if I need to walk away from it for awhile. This will be my first time but every job I do is for the first time.