Help removing/replacing valve shims?

[VK]

I have the valve depressor tool and have followed instructions on my Haynes manual to remove shims, but can't seem to pop the shims loose so that I can remove them (am prying at the slot with a small screwdriver).  Is there some trick to this?  Several of the measurements are out of tolerance, so need to get the shims replaced.  Any advice would be very much appreciated!

VK

[Walt_M.]

You just aren't trying hard enough. The shims have been in there probably 25+ years and there will be enough oil contamination particles holding them that they are pretty stuck. Use the thinnest tool you have, jewelers screwdriver, razor knife or the like and they will come out. A heat gun to thin the oil might help. As somebody else said, 'never give up'.

[Night Vision]

that tool can be a bugger to use..... it has to be exactly centered between the two buckets.... that takes a couple of tries..

you kinda hafta "pre-load" the buckets so that when the tool makes contact, the buckets spin and you want the position of the slots to be where you can get to them with a screw driver.... that takes a couple more tries....

but you already know that if you're this far...

the important thing is to make sure the tool is centered so it only rests on the outside edge of the bucket... not the shim
also notice that the tool "flattens out" past the bottom of the "J".... if you turn the cam too far, you'll be pressing on the shim and you'll never get them out...

like Walt says... the stiction of the oil makes them resistant to coming out (that's a good thing)....

when you have the stars aligned correctly... you'll feel a "pop"

[VK]

Thanks Walt and Night Vision, your comments definitely helped push me in the right direction.  My problem seemed to be that I was trying to pry the shims, and may even have been turning the cam too far.  Ultimately tried wedging the screwdriver into the slot as tight as I could and then twist the screwdriver (rather than trying to pry up).  Using that technique I was able to pop all of them out and read their numbers.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to complete before the shop I was to buy shims at was closed.  Now must wait till Tues to complete the job.

Thanks again!

VK

[auto]

Just did my valves,and a few were fought me.If you have the tool correctly postioned try spraying brake cleaner or contact cleaner into the notch.Then use compressed air and it will pop up.Might take a few sprayings.

[Coil Coyle]

Thanks Walt and Night Vision, your comments definitely helped push me in the right direction.  My problem seemed to be that I was trying to pry the shims, and may even have been turning the cam too far.  Ultimately tried wedging the screwdriver into the slot as tight as I could and then twist the screwdriver (rather than trying to pry up).  Using that technique I was able to pop all of them out and read their numbers.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to complete before the shop I was to buy shims at was closed.  Now must wait till Tues to complete the job.

Thanks again!

VK

Hi VK,
I'm down in Medford and own a set of shims that I got on EBay. Don't pay more than a few bucks a shim at the dealer. I'll mail you what sizes you need if you just send the ones you replace back to me in the same envelope if your dealer is too high in price.
You'll pay postage both ways and $5.00 to the ROV Donate button if you do it with me.
Let me know if you want to do this,

;)
Coil

[VK]

Coil - Didn't notice your note until after I had already purchased and installed the shims, but I appreciate your offer nonetheless!