> My RP Sport valve shim height tool review for sr20!!

[z6hatchboy]

So i recently blew a rocker arm in my sr and after talking to someone from rp sport on 240sx forums i came to believe more it was from improper shimming rather than my 2 step. Needless to say it needed to be re-shimmed, so i bought the rp sport valve shim height tool. Just as the instruction and the guy from rp sport had told me it, it was extremely easy, anyone here could do it assuming your able to take your head apart first lol. So here we go.

With cams, rockers, shim, and HLA's out your ready to start. Set the tool in the HLA hole, be steady and slow because if you try to shove it hard it will shoot oil out of the HLA side hole (and it shoots far, upon my first measurement lol).

After that turn the entire tool as it sits in the HLA hole by the top of the tool "pole" and bring the dial sensor over the valve guide. Then loosen the side hex screw and lower the dial assembly on to the valve guide. At the point of sensor touch with the guide the dial number will rise, make sure the number is at least 5.00 mm and re-tighten (so itll have enough play to read your clearance when you rotate it to the other valve). In some instances on the intake side because of the fuel rail you have to lower the dial where the number is above 20.0 so you'll have enough you to rotate between valves and not hit the fuel rail with the back of the tool. This isnt a big dial, its normal.

Once youve done that, press the "zero" button. This will make the 5.00mm (or whatever your number, doesnt really matter. I just used 5.00, it can be 4.53, 10.89, ect.) the new zero, so when you rotate it to the other valve (without the shim), it will essentially measure the distance from the valve guide down to the valve stem top of the other valve. because both valves must be the same height, which is why mine broke.

From that point, Lift the dial sensor (from its top above the middle top of the sensor face) so that it wont catch anything (so just lift like a centimeter) and rotate the tool by the top of its "pole" (DO NOT TAKE TOOL OUT OF HLA HOLE, that will result in a horrible measurement) where the dial sensor will now be above the valve beside it (in the same cylinder set, just the one without the guide, the one your measuring for a shim). Gently let the dial sensor down onto the valve stem top (in which the guide would sit on). The dial will show a negative number (this is because the sensor is now below its "zero" point which was the companion valve beside it with the guide), this measurement will be the shim you will need to buy. Upon seeing the negative number, i like to rotate the tool back to the valve with the guide and make sure it still reads 0.00mm, to make sure the tool itself hasnt dropped or anything. So -2.99mm=2.99mm, therefor you would need to buy a 3.00mm shim.

Then write your numbers on the nice paper from that came with the instructions and part number papers with from rp sport.

All of them done

And a glamor shot of it in action lol

So overall, i think the tool is great. Precise and extremely easy and fast to use. All together the tool is 175.50 (165 + 10.50 shipping), some may think its a little pricey but with the frustration you may spend on making one of these, or the price of a nissan specific special or price of a shop to do this Its well worth it, and besides that with a different base you can use the dial for other things, such as dialing cams and ect.Heres the link for all those interested, shipping was quite fast, 3 days if i recall as well. http://www.rpsport.net/vsht/ Great tool RP sport!
Modified by z6hatchboy at 8:29 PM 7/13/2009

[johngriff]

Thanks so much for the write up! I know I am a little late replying back, but I have just been so so so busy all last week!

[OutToWinPAHC]

I found this interesting..... If it brakes you can replace the gauge at good ole harbor freight.

http://www.harborfreight.com/c...93295

[johngriff]

you've got it! it was the most cost effective, yet highest quality gauge I could get.

I wish they did wholesale discounts though, it gets pretty ridiculous when you have to buy 5 at a time.

John

[White Comet]

very nice. how often do you need to shim with hlas

[johngriff]

These are my recommendations. Losing rocker arms sucks. I would treat this service just like servicing lash in a B series or any other high reving motor with adjusters.

This tool should be used to check shim "T factor" whenever:* Valves are cleaned or moved around in the cylinder head* New cams are installed (high lift will accentuate prior problems)* New valve springs or retainers are installed* On a Freshly Imported Engine* Every 50k miles, the Rocker arm guide wears quickly* If you have a "tick" sound in the cylinder head

[johngriff]

I am getting allot of requests for international delivery, but people are scared shipping is going to be super expensive. I have it worked out with USPS flat rate to ship the tool anywhere in the world for $13.50 shipping.

If you are outside the US, you should visit this link. Http://www.RPSport.net/international

Also, I just made a whole bunch of brackets, so these are instock and ready to ship!