between valve shim sizes

[kauboi]

On my 84 spider, two of my exhaust valves are loose and noisy with a 3.85, and 3.90 shim, respectively allowing a .022 gauge to fit, and too tight (.017) with next larger shims. I'd rather not have the noise, though I understand loose is better than tight. I'm guessing I could replace the cam tower gasket and change the clearance, but wonder if anyones tried having shims ground to spec?

Also, are volvo shims sized in the same increments as Fiat? theres a local volvo shop that will sell me shims.

[narfire]

Also, are volvo shims sized in the same increments as Fiat? theres a local volvo shop that will sell me shims.

I've been using Volvo shims for years without any issues to date.
I found that shims are usually really close to the advertised size, but mic them anyway. Sometimes they can be a few thou larger or smaller that what they are supposed to be. This helps when you need an in between size.

[kauboi]

so I went and re measured my shims and found I had mixed up their placement....
Sorted that out, and now the car has never sounded better/quieter at idle, but theres still a tick that shows up around 2500rpm..
I'll be checking exhaust manifold and maybe aux shaft alignment tomorrow

[vandor]

Shims come in 0.002" increments, so you should be able to get it within +-0.001" within spec.