Can't find 0.0025" feeler gauge

[BZ911SC]

I have called everywhere I can think of and can't find this size. The set I have has a 0.002", is that close enough? The car is up on the stands and the covers are off so I'd like to get these valves adjusted and done today if possible.

[Porsche_monkey]

Originally Posted by BZ911SC

The car is up on the stands and the covers are off so I'd like to get this done today if possible.

Get what done?

I can't imagine anything that needs 0.0005 tolerance....

[cgarr]

What are you checking? I know you can get shim stock in that size.

[BZ911SC]

Sorry, I guess I wasn't clear on what I was trying to do. I am doing my valves and I thought I had this gauge in my set but I don't. The articles here state I need the 0.0025" as a GO gauge and I can't find one.

[deathpunk dan]

Autozone sells feeler gauge sets with the 2 you need to properly do the backside method. Warning: it's easy to mangle them, so buy an extra set.

[donporfi]

I think you need a 0.004 inch feeler gage or 0.1mm to adjust the valves in a 911.

[sand_man]

Originally Posted by donporfi

I think you need a 0.004 inch feeler gage or 0.1mm to adjust the valves in a 911.

He's attempting the "backside" adjustment method:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_backside_valveadjust/911_backside_valveadjust.htm

[GrantG]

You can get them at Pep Boys and Lowes.

[jhynesrockmtn]

Just bought one at Shucks near Seattle for the valves on my VW based race car. It had increments of .0005 on it. Kind of a cheap piece of crap but that's all they had.

[eauboy]

I bought a set from Sears that had the proper sizes.

[BZ911SC]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm attempting it right now with the 0.002 and 0.003 and not finding it all that easy. If I get the 0.002 to slide in then the 0.003 slides in as well. Tighten it down a touch and now the 0.002 won't go in. Having trouble getting to that happy spot, should it be that fine of an adjustment?

[GrantG]

Yes, it's an incredibly fine adjustment (a very small change to the screw is needed - just a couple degrees in most cases)

[BZ911SC]

Originally Posted by GrantG

Yes, it's an incredibly fine adjustment (a very small change to the screw is needed - just a couple degrees in most cases)

I think I shouldn't be loosening the nut so much then. I'll try loosening it just enough to be able to turn the screw and see how that goes.

With going from top to bottom to check and adjust it looks to me that the traditional method might be easier, at least you're staying either up or down to do the adjustment. It also seems you are working more blind towards the back (especially 3 and 6) with the backside method than you are with the old way.

[Porsche_monkey]

There is a point of diminishing returns. And tolerances can be specified beyond that which can be reasonably achieved.

It is just an engine.... 0.0005 in your valve adjustment? Beyond my ability with a feeler gauge and a locknut. A dial indicator maybe, not a feeler gauge.

[gtihop]

if you're in canada go to princess auto. The Lisle brand has one. Also Can Tire sell them as well. It has a .0025, .003 and .004.

[john walker's workshop]

why start out doing it the hard way? get a 004 and a holder and learn it properly instead of the "close enough" method.

[BZ911SC]

Originally Posted by Porsche_monkey

There is a point of diminishing returns. And tolerances can be specified beyond that which can be reasonably achieved.

It is just an engine.... 0.0005 in your valve adjustment? Beyond my ability with a feeler gauge and a locknut. A dial indicator maybe, not a feeler gauge.

Not being a mechanic or having ever done this before I am relying on the information from this site to guide me. The information here specifies using both the 0.0025" and the 0.003" gauges. I don't have the knowledge to question whether they are reasonable or attainable specs, I'm just trying to follow the advice of others.

It's my first valve adjustment and if you have any advice I'd be pleased to accept it.

[BZ911SC]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

why start out doing it the hard way? get a 004 and a holder and learn it properly instead of the "close enough" method.

I didn't realize that the method I was using was "the close enough" method. Perhaps Pelican should label it as such in the Tech Info Center so newbies like me would know.

[snbush67]

Actually using the .004" would be the "close enough" method, the exact would be to use a .1mm,... or a .00394" which probably doesn't exist.

[Porsche_monkey]

Originally Posted by snbush67

Actually using the .004" would be the "close enough" method, the exact would be to use a .1mm,... or a .00394" which probably doesn't exist.

Not that it matters but 0.1 mm feelers and 0.1 mm shim stock are pretty common.

Now that I think about the 'world metric map' maybe I should say 'common everywhere else in the world'.