Twisted Buckets

[Miker]

I just checked the valve lash on my '85.  I noticed a few of the exhaust shim buckets are positioned to where the little notch is inaccessible, so I can't pop the shim out with a flat head screwdriver.  I bought the bike a year ago and this is the first time I checked the valves.  Luckily (for now), I don't need to change those shims.  Rather not have to disassemble everything just to turn those buckets.  Does anyone know of another way to get the shim out of a bucket without access to the bucket notch?  Does anyone think the buckets somehow turned over time due to vibration or were they just installed improperly? 

[aviationfred]

A magnetic pick up tool works great to pull the shims out. This is the type that I use. It is very versatile.

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Magnetics-Bendable-Magnetic-Retrieving/dp/B002YCOC2O/ref=asc_df_B002YCOC2O/?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid={creative}&hvpos={adposition}&hvnetw=o&hvrand={random}&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl={devicemodel}&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583520382446096&psc=1


Fred

[racerrad8]

The bucket will rotate freely before compression.

This will allow access to the slots.

Randy -RPM

[Miker]

 Thanks very much Fred and Randy!  Great info as usual.

[Miker]

The bucket will rotate freely before compression.

This will allow access to the slots.

Randy -RPM

Hi Randy

I just went back in to try that, but my buckets won't spin.

[FJmonkey]

Make sure the cam lobe is pointing up to spin that valve. If it still wont spin then you have a problem. Like a valve that is way too tight.

[Miker]

Make sure the cam lobe is pointing up to spin that valve. If it still wont spin then you have a problem. Like a valve that is way too tight.

Thanks. Yup lobe is up. I'm using the valve tool. The buckets definitely move when the engine is in use as they've moved from the position where I last checked them. I just can't move them freely.

[aviationfred]

Make sure the cam lobe is pointing up to spin that valve. If it still wont spin then you have a problem. Like a valve that is way too tight.

I'm using the valve tool. I just can't move them freely.

I am not sure if you are using the FJ valve tool and then trying to turn the buckets. Turn the cam lobes up, spin the buckets, then put the valve tool in.
Forgive me if you have already done this. 


Fred

[Pat Conlon]

This is getting fun

[racerrad8]

The bucket will only turn when there is no load on it.  Love pointing away and no tool

If there is pressure,  it is difficult to impossible to turn.

Randy - RPM

[Miker]

The bucket will only turn when there is no load on it.  Love pointing away and no tool

If there is pressure,  it is difficult to impossible to turn.

Randy - RPM

Gotcha!  I'll try that. Thanks Fred and Randy