7M-GE Valve Shim thickness equation

toyota.s

Member
Nov 2, 2022
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So I'm doing valve lash and trying to figure out new shim thickness. Also too see if I'm doing the equation right. Some valve clearance are too tight, so even my thinnest feeler gauge .0015in (0.04mm) doesn't even go through, so I end up writing those numbers down as the measurement. I no longer have book specs, new shop specs. I'll give you 1 intake example.

New valve clearance specs .006-.10in (.152-.254mm)
Measured clearance .0015in (0.04mm)
Original shim thickness 0.119in (3.02mm)

Measured clearance + original shim thickness=
Then subtract the difference=new shim thickness

I'll use mm because when you buy new ones they measure in mm.

0.04mm+3.02mm=3.06
difference .254mm-.152mm=0.102mm
3.06-0.102=2.95

2.95 is my new shim thickness.

Anybody know if I correct?
 

Atnas

New Member
Aug 25, 2022
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With 2.95 shim you will probably come out by 0.11mm clearance.
So you need minimum 2.91 shim to be at 0.15 clearance. But you not want to aim to the sharp edge.
On first link you'll see which shims exist.



And

 
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Pabblo83

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Mar 7, 2025
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I'm currently working on valve lash adjustments and trying to figure out the new shim thickness, but I'm also making sure my calculations are correct. Some valve clearances are too tight, and even my thinnest feeler gauge (.0015in or 0.04mm) can’t fit, so I have to record those measurements as they are. I no longer have the original book specs, just the new shop specs. Here’s one example of an intake valve I’m working on. Speaking of valves, it’s impressive how Supertech pistons provides the racing market with top-quality valves and valve train components for virtually every type of motorsport, including drag racing, rally, road racing, and more. They offer the perfect performance solutions for each application, and if what you need isn't available, they're happy to custom-manufacture exactly what you require. It’s a similar approach, making sure every component is perfectly suited for the task at hand!
 
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toyota.s

Member
Nov 2, 2022
41
4
8
36
I'm currently working on valve lash adjustments and trying to figure out the new shim thickness, but I'm also making sure my calculations are correct. Some valve clearances are too tight, and even my thinnest feeler gauge (.0015in or 0.04mm) can’t fit, so I have to record those measurements as they are. I no longer have the original book specs, just the new shop specs. Here’s one example of an intake valve I’m working on. Speaking of valves, it’s impressive how Supertech pistons provides the racing market with top-quality valves and valve train components for virtually every type of motorsport, including drag racing, rally, road racing, and more. They offer the perfect performance solutions for each application, and if what you need isn't available, they're happy to custom-manufacture exactly what you require. It’s a similar approach, making sure every component is perfectly suited for the task at hand!
Measured Clearance

+ Existing Shim

= Existing Total

- Ideal/Average clearance

= Ideal new shim size.
 

Bru

Member
Feb 28, 2013
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Tampa Bay Area
Here's an approach that allows you to maximize the shins you have. Measure the thickness of all the shims and record it. Put sharpie identifiers on them like I1....I12 and E1...E12 to identify where they are now. Measure the valve lash by the book method with the cams in the positions shown in the service manual and record it. Now you can play musical chairs on paper with the shims to get the gaps as close to the center of spec (or slightly higher If you had a valve job done since they tend to settle tighter) as possible. More valve lash is preferable to less, especially on exhaust valves that tend to burn. Once the valve lash is set and settled, its incredibly stable. You will need a 1 inch micrometer, or at least a good digital vernier caliper, and a set of feeler gauges to perform the adjustment. There is a set of shim tools for this procedure. It's easiest to remove the cam shafts and measure all the shims that way. Don't damage the shims or camshaft using a screwdriver as a lever. Intake valve lash specification: 0.006 to 0.010" Exhaust valve lash specification 0.008 to 0.012". Here's a link to the service manual procedure: Valve lash adjustment. and Camshaft removal / installation. EM41, EM48, EM52.
 
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