feeler gauges for tappet adjustment

[pdg]

I've managed to undo the feeler gauge plugs to find that my parallel-edged feeler gauges won't fit through the access hole. Do "standard" tapered feeler gauges fit, or is it necessary to buy a special narrow set (from somewhere)?

Many thanks, Peter.

[terryg]

Time to break out the scissors and tin snips, perhaps?

[RichardL]

Peter,

I found the following in our section for manuals: http://www.a7a10.net/BSA/A7-47-50.pdf

There is one page in the maunal where they show needed tools and the feeler gauge they show as included in the tool kit has parallel sides. This said, I have zero experience with the longstroke engine and there may be other things at play.

Richard L.

[coater87]

 Terry,

 If you need odd feeler gauges, you can get individual sheets (yes, sheets) of feeler guage material from companies like Granger. They even sell really long feelers, like 24 inch .004 material. How you would use that I dont know, like trying to push a wet noodle straight up a hill.

 That way you can keep your nice bladed set whole, and not feel guilty about cutting up a sheet to size and shape you need.

 Im sure this stuff is widely available, but most people dont know because they never need it.

 Lee

[RichardL]

Peter,

I'm still curious why a standard feeler gauge doesn't fit. Can you post a couple of pics?

Richard L.

[Tomcat]

I ground the side off the feeler gauge to set the tappets on my longstroke. FYI I found -015" too noisy so now have them at -010"and -012" with no problems. HTH Cheers TC

[Craig]

You need the tapered end type feeler gauges that will fit into the holes.

I got myself one of these.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DRAPER-36169-10-BLADE-METRIC-FEELER-GAUGE-SET-GUAGE-WAS-73988-/151230072884?hash=item233603c834:m:mxLM_nuhA4fCqhLcMo6C3Vw

[duTch]

 I couldn't answer this at the time, but kept it in mind.

 dunno if it's any help, but the 'recommended method' for adjusting the valve lash on my T100R ('69 Daytona 500) was to bring the adjuster to zero lash, and back it off (can't remember the ##, but ~?/? turn ). So @ 1/4" BSF (same as 1/4"BSC) a 1/2 turn would be 0.013".

 easy peasy

[muskrat]

I use that method on most engines to get them close to turn the motor over, then finish with feeler gauge.
26tpi = 0.03846" per 1 turn, 0.0096" per 1/4 turn.
Cheers

[pdg]

All sorted, thanks. Got some tapered feeler gauges from Halfords, and replaced the slotted access plugs with hex versions from Draganfly.

[duTch]

 I forgot to say that the T100  inspection holes are smaller diameter than the 650's so almost impossible to get anything in there anyway

[BSA_54A10]

Peter,

I'm still curious why a standard feeler gauge doesn't fit. Can you post a couple of pics?

Richard L.

Because the tool kit came with a magneto spannar with had 3 x 5mm wide feelers on it , .012" for the points and an .008 + ,010 for the tappets (assuming I have renmembered the clearences properly )

[RichardL]

Peter,

I'm still curious why a standard feeler gauge doesn't fit. Can you post a couple of pics?

Richard L.

Because the tool kit came with a magneto spannar with had 3 x 5mm wide feelers on it , .012" for the points and an .008 + ,010 for the tappets (assuming I have renmembered the clearences properly )

For reasons unknown to me, it appears I'm determined to get to the bottom of this mystery, though it has no specific usefulness to me.  So, Trevor, how does that explain the valve clearance feeler gage shown in the picture from the manual? I see the magneto spanner in the picture, but why have a picture of a different gage labeled specifically for valves?

Richard L.

[Greybeard]

The feelers I use are parallel. I have no problem adjusting tappets. They might not work for an early A with small tappet covers.