It is a faff, but very satisfying when you do it yourself. I bought EMS shims from the States so I have a box of various ones. Probably cost less than one visit to Ducati servicing
It's far easier to do with the heads off the engine and on the bench. Have actually ground the valves in and taken all the measurements I need today on the 900/966 engine I'm building. Little bit of maths tonight and a call to Moto-Rapido tomorrow. Nasher
So, are Ducati the best and cheapest supplier or are there alternatives? I recall a guy who does the 2v belts, anyone know if he does shims etc? It's come time to do mine after they've developed a bit of noise!
Exige does belts. Its maybe him you are thinking of. Not aware of him doing shims. I got a box of EMS shims from the US, loads of them and collets too so I will hopefully never need to go to Ducati as I have all I need. I have 2 Dukes that use the 8mm shims. Usually you just take the one you have and send it to your local dealer along with measurements and they do an exchange. At least Ducati Glasgow do this.
Are there any distributors for the EMS shims. Presume you will get hit for import duty and VAT. One concern is calculating the size, but actually it turns out you where a bit out and needed 1 or 2 shims bigger or smaller. Any suggestions for an economical solution? Cheers Gaz
This might be helpful - https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/laser-tools-closing-shim-measurement.76175/#post-1567172 and also this - https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/just-done-my-first-valve-check-adjustment.58175/
Hi, As Ian says, to have the shim kit to hand is invaluable. I've used my EMS kit now on many occasions. I now have a couple of gaps for some sizes and 5 or 6 of other sizes (hence my add for shims a couple of weeks ago) If you measure your shims accurately and tell me what you need and what you have, I'll do you a swap as long as I have more than one. (Openers and closers) May help both of us....
How I miss pushrods and feeler gauges.......carburettors as well. Even distributors and points. No bloody computers. So easy and low cost to service.
Pauldonjuan, Thanks for that. I did measure a bit ago and managed to buy one off ebay. When I get my garage clear of all this tip rubbish and get some space I will re visit it. Oldtech thanks for links. Cheers Gaz
I tried to order an EMS shim kit(8mm valves) this week to be told that with covid19 there would be no postage till 2021! This is to Australia. I can't find anybody else that stocks the shim kits so it seems only EMS can supply. It appears Kibblewhite do a similar kit but I can't find anybody with stock outside the USA.
The longer term way is to start off measuring your existing clearances and shims and then just buying the shims you actually need from Ducati for this service. You may find that you can limit the number of new ones required by swapping existing ones around to achieve clearances which are within spec. You'll probably have to buy a few new ones and will then have a couple left over that you can't use this time round. This is how you start to slowly build up a stock of shims, though it does help if you're lucky enough to own more than one Duke! Over time by repeating this exercise and perhaps using 400 grit wet and dry on a flat surface plate to rub down the odd shim that is just a bit too thick, you'll build up your stock of spares to the point where you only ever need to order the odd one. Of course everything depends on the depth of your pockets, your patience and how long you intend to keep Ducatis, as this is by no means the quick solution. It probably is the cheapest though if your local dealer won't swap shims with you. The whole process IS a faff but you do get quicker the more you do it and it's a hell of a lot cheaper than paying a dealer to faff around too. Plus you'll know that you've done it right (well hopefully you will have ).
Thanks all. I did come across the kibblewhite. Could just about justify $285 EMS but with postage and taxes it's just getting a bit much. I think samurai is right, you have to build up bit by bit, either buying oem or swapping where you can. Will have another dose of measuring to double check and go from there. Thanks all. Cheers Gaz.
I've got four Ducati's with 8mm valves so for me it(kinda) makes sense to buy a kit!! I like being able to have everything on hand so if you start a job you can finish it. It would be great for the UK based guys to have a shim CO-UP.
Do DOCGB not have this? It would seem a good idea for the members if they don’t. I know they have a stock of Ducati specialist tools members can borrow.
