XUD Valve Shims

[smoker]

I measured the valve clearances on my '98 XUD non-turbo 306 yesterday. All exhaust valves were slightly over 0.30mm but within the +/- 0.05 tolerance. However, all inlets were tight, with one less than 0.05mm (spec is 0.15mm). So, adjustment is due (looking at the state of the rocker gasket, no-one's ever been in there in 120k miles).

I realise I have to take the cam out to do the job, but it seems I have to do this twice - once to see what thickness the current shims are, then a second time having obtained the right shims. Is this correct, or is there a way of seeing what shims are in there now, without taking the cam shaft out?

Is there a preferred source for shims, or are they main dealer only?

Thanks in advance.

[Oldpug]

The only way to find the size of the shim is to remove the camshaft,measure the shim with a micrometer,work out the size of the new one and fit it.Do this with all eight,refit the cam shaft,job done.The camshaft has been removed and refitted just once.Mind you it has to be right first time or you will have to take it apart a second time.Also unless you have access to a set of assorted shims (which I have) its back and forth to the Dealer?? Its a fairly straight forward job but needs a lot of careful thought,with some experience with this type of job.
Normally valve clearances on this engine are set for life,and are only altered on the bench after a rebuild.I realise now that you have found this tight clearance your eager to do the job,but is it worth the effort? Does the engine start first time and run perfectly? I bet it does these old XU`s are bullet proof.My old 306 XLD has done 170K,I have not a clue what the clearances are as I`ve never checked them.What`s the point,it starts instantly,runs as sweet as a nut,no smoke,and goes like a rocket.

[spider]

That was partly my concern too as no other transport so would have to invest in a selection in advance.

The 1.8 is more prone to their 'adjustment' although I think (someone (Jim?) correct me here) its more prone with the NA unit. The turbo 1.8 does not seem to suffer as much, certainly my 205TD did not have them done by me and it would start instantly hot or cold.

Thought: The 1.8 NA units in most cases do not have the oil cooler unit around the oil filter probably resulting in higher oil temps. I wonder if that plays a small part in their frequency of adjustment. Just thought of that as the 1.8TD does have a cooler.

[CitroJim]

I have and Excel spreadsheet to help take the pain out of cauculating XUD shims... It also works with Excel compatible spreadsheet programs too..

If you want a copy, download it here..

[Oldpug]

Blimey Jim that`s to technical for me.Pen a piece of paper,add or takeaway,its simple arithmetic.I have invested in a digital micrometer though. The secret to this job is having a huge set of all the shim sizes in sections clearly labeled.It saves so much time,you always have the same amount in the set,Take eight out put eight back in.

[CitroJim]

Maths was never my best subject Oldpug!

[citronut]

i would have thought the reason for the clearances to alter is the valves eroding the seats/there face's,

[evilally]

Any tips on where to pick up a set of shims? Peugeot want £11 each

[CitroJim]

Any tips on where to pick up a set of shims? Peugeot want £11 each

Gosh but that is for a pair!

Many of us have collections of shims from heads we've done in the past. Work out what you need Ally and let us all know.

Often, between all 8 valves in yours and all eight in the other head you can find 8 that will do the job.

If push comes to shove you can carefully grind them thinner on plate glass and grinding paste until they're the right thickness.. Just make certain they're ground absolutely square and flat.

[Rhothgar]

Blimey Jim that`s to technical for me.Pen a piece of paper,add or takeaway,its simple arithmetic.

If you're taking orders, I'll have Cantonese Duck with Orange Sauce. Takeaway is always on the menu after I've done work on a car.

[smoker]

Thanks for the prompt responses. As I need the car every day, it seems this does have to e a cam-out-twice job; I won't have time to remove the cam, work out what I want, obtain the parts and refit all on the same day.

Very helpful to know that folks have a few spare knocking around. I may well be back with a needs list in the not too distant future!

[smoker]

PS. I should have said, I take the point about leaving it be. The car is running fine, starts on the button and always gives 50+mpg. But with on inlt at <0.05 (that being the smallest gap I can measure) I wonder how long before it is permanently open, which would start to cause problems. Think I'd rather tackle it now, especially as summer's here!

[Oldpug]

As I said,now that you know the clearances its on your mind and troubling you .If you did not check them I bet you would be driving it as normal for 1000`s of miles.
Good saying...."Don`t fix what aint broke".

I`m sure you will be replacing the cambelt when you do the job,but pay special attention to the water pump and do not forget the camshaft oil seal.

[spider]

Regarding shims, I thought abuot a scrapyard visit to collect a large selection. OK some may not be perfect but you should if you say take five cars worth have a reasonable selection once you've got them cleaned up and measured maybe ?

Cost would be minimal I'd expect to pay a couple of £ for a lot of them.

The local scrapyard around here, their "main" part usually has vehicles that would never run again so there's no concern about taking parts from a head that someone else might want.

[Oldpug]

If you have an engine recon`business near you they may hire a shim kit out?? Our local one does.