Fizboy

So about 2 years ago I put in a new 3.0 in to my DD runner. About 10k later I had trouble with the #6 cylinder loosing compression. After a big run around with the company that sold me the remanufactured long block and finding out that in order to get them to cover it under their warranty I would have to ship them the left bank, I decided to fix it myself to save time and $$$. I found out that one of the valves was not ground correctly so I bought a new one and put it in. However at the time I did not shim it, so I have had and annoying tick ever since that I would really like to get rid of.

Since I need to put in a new Knock sensor in(since I didn't do that either when I put the motor in) I would like to shim it as well. It seems finding the correct shim size is trial and error but I would like to try and get it right the first time. I was wondering how hard/easy is it to figure out what size shims you need and put them in? Do I have to pull the cam in order to do this? Does it require any specialty tools? Where can I buy the shims for a reasonable price or are they a stealer only part? Thanks.

powmaster

Hi all,

First post. My step-son has a 95 4Runner with the V6 3VZE engine. I'm in the process of doing a major tuneup and discovered the valve clearance is in desperate need of correction.

I'm looking to buy a set of shims of different sizes before I start to correct the valve lash. He lives a fair distance from a Toyota dealer and I'd prefer not purchase the shims from the dealer because of the incredible markup. SO.....does anyone know of a place on the Internet that sells a "shim" kit for the 3VZE engine? I've searched but found only shim kits for motorcycles of different brands. There is a guy on Ebay that is selling shims (2 for $3) but wants $13 bucks for shipping.

Or........maybe someone has shims they would like to sell.

Thanks for any help.

abecedarian

so....
it seems,
#1 spec is .007, measured is .011, so add .004 shim intake, spec is .009, measured is .008 so remove .001 shim from exhaust
#2 spec is .007, measured is .011, so add .004 shim intake, spec is .009, measured is .008 so remove .001 shim from exhaust
#3 spec is .007, measured is .012, so add .005 shim intake, spec is .009, measured is .008 so remove .001 shim from exhaust
#4 spec is .007, measured is .011, so add .004 shim intake, spec is .009, measured is .011 so add .002 shim to exhaust
#5 spec is .007, measured is .011, so add .004 shim intake, spec is .009, measured is .008 so remove .001 shim from exhaust
#6 spec is .007, measured is .011, so add .004 shim intake, spec is .009, measured is .008 so remove .001 shim from exhaust

abecedarian

grinding the stems causes the buckets to set lower on the valves and increases clearance.

Green93

I wouldn't think you could buy a shim kit for these engines. Toyota sells approx. 24 different sizes. There is no way of knowing what sizes you will need till you open her up. If you're lucky you will be able to use some existing shims in other spots and not need to buy too many. 2 for $3 is a steal compared to what it cost me. I needed 5-6 shims at approx. $20 a shim(depending on thickness).

You pretty much only have 2 options. Park the truck until the right sized shims come in. Or measure all the shims you will need. Put the truck back together till you have the shims then tear into it again. Actually it doesn't take too long once you do it a couple of times.

Good luck, it was easily the most frustrating part of my rebuild.

Jason

Jay351

Is it wrong that I chuckled at that?

powmaster

Green93,

Thanks for the post and info. Unfortunately, he can't park the truck as it's his only transportation and with 3 children, he needs it ever day.

I live 6 hours away and to do the job in two trips would be costly and time consuming. I was thinking if I could have a handful of shims of different sizes, hopefully I could made due. As it stands now, there is one intake valve with a clearance of less than the minimum specification. At idle, the motor runs fine, but under acceleration, the engine is "missing" a cylinder, or at least partially.

Compression is 120 while the other cylinders are at ~150.

Would you happen to know the diameter of the shims?? The reason I ask is the Ebay seller is advertising the shims are 25mm in diameter. He doesn't say specifically the shims are for the 3VZE engine. Just wanted to be sure before I buy.

Thanks again.

Update: (27 Aug 08) After an exhausted search of the internet and several calls to various Toyota service centers, it seems the shims are only available at Toyota. There is no "Kit" for the shims. Some dealers have some shims in stock, and others have no shims and will have to order the shims based on what's needed. One dealer I called has a very few shims, but the mechanics have several used shims and would be willing to "sell" what was needed. The cost of the shims vary too, from $8.49 each to over $12.

So....the only way I can accomplish the job is to drive the six hours to the truck on a Wednesday, do the measuring of all shims that are out of tolerance (valve lash), then call the local dealer and order the shims. I was told the shims would be at the dealer by Friday. Sure glad the valves don't have to be adjusted that often. After this experience....I won't own a Toyota. Yeah...I know, Toyota is a great car company.

Green93

Yes, and a little mean too.

lilevo

I have some shims for sale and I need some shims at the same time.

I have:
1 x .108 (2.76mm)
1 x .109 (2.77mm)
5 x .111 (2.84mm)
1 x .112 (2.85mm)
1 x .113 (2.87mm)
1 x .115 (2.94mm)
1 x .116 (2.95mm)
1 x .117 (2.97mm)

I need:
6 x # 7 shim .0984 (2.50mm)
3 x # 10 shim .1043 (2.65mm)
3 x $ 8 shim .1004 (2.55mm)

LDL

Ok I'm new to the board,and it's an old post . But i'm just now experienceing the same thing you guy's have already gone through. This is a major pain in the azz. Just now starting to search for the needed shim's. Has anyone found a plase at all that has the shim's instock, at a resonable price ? Any and all advice would be appreiciated .

RMA

I have a few , let me get measurments on them and post back later today.
other than that the dealer or ebay , sometimes.