Valve clearances wear

[Davy]

I'll let you know how it goes. 

[keithriley]

Always here to help 👍

[Art]

+1 eBay

Measure twice, order once, paid £4.60 each for JMP 7.5 mm valve Shims from www.ebay.co.uk/str/powerpartsuk

As with everything else they're £6+ now

[Davy]

So, the new shims are in and the pots installed. The two cam shafts and the chain tensioner are out. The manuel says put the EX cam in first then the IN so all the slack is taken up by the  tensioner. The  problem is there doesn't seem to be  much slack chain to work with and how do you get the camshaft located correctly without the cam holders in place. Any help appreciated with how you get his all back together again!!!!!!

[keithriley]

You must have got them out ! Hence they must go back, it's finding that sweet spot I suppose, where things just align. I expect I'll be doing this very same exercise this weekend as I rebuild an engine, I will post any findings or tips.
Looking at it, I'd say engage both gears in the drive chain before lying the camshaft down, obviously checking / monitoring that the EX and IN marks align as they should.

[Art]

I don't remember which camshaft sprocket I fitted the chain to first but I do remember it was a struggle.

Try this, temporarily fit the chain as close to the timing marks as you can. Mark the chain and sprocket where they should be to line up with the timing marks, one link left or one link right or whatever. Remove the chain and refit it starting at the point where you've marked it should be to line up with the timing marks

[Art]

... the camshafts should then drop in place.

[Steelworker]

I remember some years ago when I rode Kawasaki fours that to replace a valve shim you would use a cable tie to secure the cam chain to it's sprocket, either inlet or exhaust, move camshaft out the way and replace shim. Repeat for the other shaft if neccessary. That way the chain remains correct in it's original location. Not sure if this would work with the CBF, none of my valves need changing yet.

[Art]

The old 'cable tie hack'. No reason why it wouldn't work for those mindful of the hack from the outset. My experience with the SC58 was that I had to re-fit the timing chain 2 or 3 times before I got it spot on with the timing marks, so having to fit it twice would be a win.

[Davy]

The job is now done 
All the valve clearances are now in spec 
getting the camshafts back in is a "flaff" and not even mentioned in the handbook 
Ordered the shims from Wemoto £4.80 each and only needed 3 as I was able to use some of the original Honda shims at other locations.
It started first go having been dismantled for weeks and seems to be running fine - I'll give it a good blast to test it all out when the weather improves.
Going to do the oil, filter etc. etc. now and roll on the summer!
Thanks for your replies and advice