flipping shims for 60k?

[Huntervf]

I've heard it's ok to just flip the shims during a 60k if they're still in spec but showing wear. I've also heard that this is NOT a good idea. What's the consensus?? This was never an issue with me before, but now I'm in the middle of a lash adjustment & finding that I'm running out of 2400 series shims and that seems to be primarily what I need. Any/all info is appreciated!

 

[fredhurderjr]

Chris, I'm mixed on the flipping of shims myself. I haven't had time to bring a few shims to work to rockwell hardness test them & see if they're going to wear the same on the number side. I'd be concerned with using what might be a bowed shim also.

I think you'd find a 50/50 split on re-use vs. replace. Right now, I replace.

FWIW, I also had a hard time getting new 2400 series shims (2450, I believe was the worst). My last batch of shims was trucked in from all across the country, and still took 2 weeks to get in. I don't know if there's a shortage or if my dealership just doesn't know where to get them quickly from. The price is great though, so I can't complain too much.

 

[sdpatt]

I recommend NOT flipping the early Ford shims that had the 3/16" diameter dark spot in the center of the numbered side. I have found this spot to be of harder composition than the un-numbered side and believe it to be a threat to the camshaft lobes. The newer shims I have gathered do not have the spot on the numbered side and appear to be the same finish on both surfaces. I think it would be okay to use the flip side of these shims. They must be from a different supplier than the originals. The 2700+ size shims that I have obtained through Yamaha dealers also appear to have the same finish on both sides. These too, would be okay to use on the flip side.