Conflicting info re shims

[roswell998]

I've received some different opinions on flipping shims. A search of the forum also shows a little difference of opinion over time but probably the latest info available is accurate.

1. Is it absolutely OK to flip shims over?

2. If used surface looks OK, would you still recommend flipping anyway just to get the best and newest surface exposed? (FYI, car has all original shims and 106K miles.....none out of tolerance at first 60K)

3. If flipped, will numbers written by hand on new bottom side with a Sharpie permanent marker hold up for later reference?

Thanks ,

Ashton

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

1. Is it absolutely OK to flip shims over?

2. If used surface looks OK, would you still recommend flipping anyway just to get the best and newest surface exposed? (FYI, car has all original shims and 106K miles.....none out of tolerance at first 60K)

3. If flipped, will numbers written by hand on new bottom side with a Sharpie permanent marker hold up for later reference?

1. Yes, provided the backside surface looks and feels fine.

2. Yes, the surface of the shims have a service life. What if the the surface is almost but not quite used up? You dont want to perform another upper 60k in 20k do you?

3. I doubt it.

 

[Rob94]

The combination of oil, unburned fuel, and rubbing from the cam will erase the "Sharpie" permanent ink quite quickly.

 

[roswell998]

The combination of oil, unburned fuel, and rubbing from the cam will erase the "Sharpie" permanent ink quite quickly.

Just to clarify question......I meant to indicate that the Sharpie labeling will be on the bottom side and not on the side that the cam rubs against.

 

[Rob94]

In that case, it's questionable. I am not sure how it will hold up to just a "bath" of oil. I'd keep a paper trail of the shim sizes and locations just to be safe.