986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners - View Single Post

Steve Tinker · 03-14-2010, 06:31 PM

The Fiat twin cam shims weren't that bad to check & replace, especially if you had the valve compressor tool. You just slipped the tool under the cam, levered back and removed the shim!
Now, the 4 cylinder Alfa Romeo engines with bucket shims were more difficult, you had to remove the camshafts to gain access, as the shims fitted over the valve stem and could not be removed unless the valve bucket / follower was removed. I wish I had a doller for each shim I replaced over the years - I've owned 5 x GTV's, 1 x Berlina and 1 x Sud.
Even my Lancia Beta Coupe had the Fiat 2 litre engine which went quite well once wound up, though I still prefer the 1800 Fiat and 1750 Alfa engines to the other capacities.

03-14-2010, 06:31 PM	#15
Steve Tinker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 1,522	The Fiat twin cam shims weren't that bad to check & replace, especially if you had the valve compressor tool. You just slipped the tool under the cam, levered back and removed the shim! Now, the 4 cylinder Alfa Romeo engines with bucket shims were more difficult, you had to remove the camshafts to gain access, as the shims fitted over the valve stem and could not be removed unless the valve bucket / follower was removed. I wish I had a doller for each shim I replaced over the years - I've owned 5 x GTV's, 1 x Berlina and 1 x Sud. Even my Lancia Beta Coupe had the Fiat 2 litre engine which went quite well once wound up, though I still prefer the 1800 Fiat and 1750 Alfa engines to the other capacities. __________________ 2001 Boxster S (triple black). Sleeping easier with LN Engineering/Flat 6 IMS upgrade, low temp thermostat & underspeed pulley. 2001 MV Agusta F4.