2.7, 3.0, 3.4 valve adjusting tool or other method? - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

GTFD · 02-07-2009, 04:28 PM

Looked on FAQ, read the manuals. Is there another method to get the shims in and out of there besides using the special and expensive looking tool? Thanks

ErikB · 02-07-2009, 08:08 PM

I've done it with a couple of screwdrivers. All you do is push the valve down and insert something between the edge of the lifter and the cam to keep it from coming back up so that you can get the shim out.

The tool just makes it the whole process easier. Especially if you've a bunch of them to do.

zlathim · 02-07-2009, 08:47 PM

Yea, you can do it with a couple of screwdrivers or similar implements. I used a piece of square stock to wedge between the bucket and cam in order to access the shims. A magnet helps for removing the shims.

johnnytwelvepack · 02-08-2009, 02:44 AM

If i remember correctly the head bolts are independant of the valvetrain on a 3RZ so pull the cams and rockers!!

GTFD · 02-08-2009, 11:50 AM

I don't get it

The bucket edge is being held down real good with a file pried against the cam stock, the notch is front and center but I can't get an edge grip against the shim area in the notch? Tried knife tip, ice pick tip, and good magnet, nothing is lifting out of the bucket. What am I doing wrong? Thanks

ErikB · 02-08-2009, 12:14 PM

Tap a small sharpened screwdriver or an awl with a hammer at the bottom of the shim and it should pop up.

GTFD · 02-09-2009, 06:26 PM

Thank you EricB, zlathim, for the tips. Got the needed one shim out finally by getting a lift grip on the shim with a proper tool that was for Volvo or VW or? The tool was like giant circular needle nose plyers with very sharp tips that could wrap around the cam, fit into the bucket notches and kind of get a grip on the side of the shim, that lifted the shim loose. Then the shim wouldn't come out from between the cam post and the various devices I was using to hold down the edge of the bucket, and I'm not so sure the approved proper factory tool would allow it either, finally the box end of a 7/16 combo wrench allowed the needed hold down and clearance, a strong magnet helped huge, what a hassle, took all day to get that one shim out. So then I needed a thinner shim from the dealer item only, $10. ea! We can imagine how often the valves get adjusted on such set ups, like never.

02-07-2009, 04:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
GTFD Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Member # 127548 Location: San Diego Ca Posts: 38	2.7, 3.0, 3.4 valve adjusting tool or other method? Looked on FAQ, read the manuals. Is there another method to get the shims in and out of there besides using the special and expensive looking tool? Thanks

02-07-2009, 08:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
ErikB Grocery Getter Join Date: Feb 2000 Member # 59 Location: Auburn, CA Posts: 10,514	I've done it with a couple of screwdrivers. All you do is push the valve down and insert something between the edge of the lifter and the cam to keep it from coming back up so that you can get the shim out. The tool just makes it the whole process easier. Especially if you've a bunch of them to do. __________________ . BUY MY CAMPER <click here> http://home.4x4wire.com/erik '97 4runner build Last edited by ErikB; 02-07-2009 at 08:15 PM.

02-08-2009, 02:44 AM	#4 (permalink)
johnnytwelvepack Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Member # 105107 Location: Maricopa, AZ Posts: 314	If i remember correctly the head bolts are independant of the valvetrain on a 3RZ so pull the cams and rockers!! __________________ Need to stop typing and start wrenching...

02-08-2009, 12:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
ErikB Grocery Getter Join Date: Feb 2000 Member # 59 Location: Auburn, CA Posts: 10,514	Tap a small sharpened screwdriver or an awl with a hammer at the bottom of the shim and it should pop up. __________________ . BUY MY CAMPER <click here> http://home.4x4wire.com/erik '97 4runner build

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02-07-2009, 08:47 PM	#3 (permalink)
zlathim Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Member # 112738 Posts: 281	Yea, you can do it with a couple of screwdrivers or similar implements. I used a piece of square stock to wedge between the bucket and cam in order to access the shims. A magnet helps for removing the shims.

02-08-2009, 11:50 AM	#5 (permalink)
GTFD Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Member # 127548 Location: San Diego Ca Posts: 38	I don't get it The bucket edge is being held down real good with a file pried against the cam stock, the notch is front and center but I can't get an edge grip against the shim area in the notch? Tried knife tip, ice pick tip, and good magnet, nothing is lifting out of the bucket. What am I doing wrong? Thanks

02-09-2009, 06:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
GTFD Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Member # 127548 Location: San Diego Ca Posts: 38	Thank you EricB, zlathim, for the tips. Got the needed one shim out finally by getting a lift grip on the shim with a proper tool that was for Volvo or VW or? The tool was like giant circular needle nose plyers with very sharp tips that could wrap around the cam, fit into the bucket notches and kind of get a grip on the side of the shim, that lifted the shim loose. Then the shim wouldn't come out from between the cam post and the various devices I was using to hold down the edge of the bucket, and I'm not so sure the approved proper factory tool would allow it either, finally the box end of a 7/16 combo wrench allowed the needed hold down and clearance, a strong magnet helped huge, what a hassle, took all day to get that one shim out. So then I needed a thinner shim from the dealer item only, $10. ea! We can imagine how often the valves get adjusted on such set ups, like never.