Anyone re-shimmed their DE head?

[slipnfall]

Just a quick question: did your replacement shims come with a hole in them? I ordered directly from a nissan dealer (MidWay Parts FWIW), and used a dealer micro-fishe to get the correct thickness part numbers. ANyways, some of the shims that came in have a single hole in them, about 1/8-1/4" from the outer edge, and about 1/8" in diameter. Are these to make removal easier, or to ensure the shim seats properly?

Big question is do I have any reason to be concerned about using them on my '92 KA24DE? Shortly after re-shimming my head(perfect gapping now, checked warm) I have a ticking from under the engine bay: I hear it over my exhaust. It's intermittent, but usually it heard when cold or over 3000rpm.

Guides and tensioners were replaced about 2yrs ago, non-OEM FWIW. Should I be checking the right side upper guide or oil pressure?.

(I asked a while back but just wanted a fresh perspective.)

Cheers,Jamie

[NISTECH]

the holes are for ease of installation and removal. As far as the ticking you may want to recheck you gaps.

[Defiant]

Also check for exhaust leaks.

[slipnfall]

Thanks NISTECH: I'm relieved to hear that. I checked the gap immediately after reshimming, then about a month later, both when warmed up. I'll make it a point to recheck them though.

Something I didn't even think to check was for an exhaust leak: can this sound like top-end noise? It's easy enough to check, so I'll tighten the manifold and check the flanges underneith.

Thanks greatly,Jamie