240SX, is it the lifters ot the valves, found the problem!!!

[bransonfink]

The tap, tap, tap sound was coming from the number four cylinder, I was almost certain, not the timing chain. I took valve cover off and started checking all the valves for clearance and when I got back to the last intake valve and put the feeler gauge under to check, there was a big gap. I put my flashlight up close and the shim was missing. I looked around and located both halves of the shim. So that solved the problem of the tapping noise I was having. So I will go to Nissan and order a new shim. However upon further inspection on the cam lobe for that valve, it is severely scared on both side of the high point of the lobe and it has a flat spot on the very top of the lobe, like it was hit by a hammer. I will need to order an intake cam for that side. Anyone have an idea as to what may have occured to shatter the shim and screw up the lobe on the cam shaft???????
Once I get this fixed I think she will be in very good shape.

Thanks to all the advice

bransonfink (pf240sx)

[corn322]

Too much free play can cause them to jump out. My motor tossed the same shim twice before I wised up and put the right sized shim in. Measure the clearances per the FSM when you get a new intake cam and get shims to get a tight tolerance as you can within spec.

BTW I have some S13 cams along with a valve shims I'd be happy to sell you.

[bransonfink]

I would be interested in purchasing them both for the right price. All I need is the intake but if they will work I will put in the intake and keep the exhaust for a later day, or do I need to put both in so they match. Let me know. Need to find out by today 6/21. Need to get this thing running by next week sometime. Only car we have for awhile.
Thanks
bransonfink
can email me if you want

[corn322]

Nah, they don't need to be installed in pairs. I'll give you an intake cam for $30 unless they've turned into crap condition while I havn't been looking at them. The shims, however, I don't know what size you'll need. If you have a micrometer and feeler gauges, get the following measurements and I'll see if I have a shim that might work.

Measurements:
1. Cam lobe height.

Get this measurement on, say, 5 lobes of your choosing. Not the bad one.

2. The size shim you should need for the one that popped out according to the FSM.

3. Thickness of the shims already under that cam.

If your cam and my cam end up with the lobe height close enough, you'll be fine with one new shim. If they're far off though, I'll see if I have enough shims the right size for the whole cam.

[bransonfink]

Havent taken cam out yet. took measurement by turning crank with braker bar
#3 intakes are both 42.36mm, #2 intakes are both 42.36, #2 exhaust both are 42.75
Shim that broke is 2.40mm
Does this help
I will still buy both intake, exhaust, and shims
Thanks

[corn322]

It does help, thanks. At lunch today I'll pick out my best set of cams (out of 2 sets) and find some shims to go with it.

[bransonfink]

You can e-mail me at:
[email protected]
I think it will be faster to communicate than going through the forum. I can give you my cell phone number. Let me know the total amount plus shipping and how you want paid (certified check, casheirs check, ect.)
Thanks