Thinner than usual valve pads

Technical advice Q&A

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Philippe-J.
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Location: Occitanie
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#1 Thinner than usual valve pads

Post by Philippe-J. » Sat Jun 13, 2026 7:18 pm

I would like expert's opinion about the minimum thickness of valve adjusting pads.
As a matter of fact, after regrinding of the valve seats, and change of valves for new, I measured that the normal pads, minimum thickness of which is 0.085" = 2.16 mm, would be too thick for my engine. Using a thin dummy pad, I inferred that I would need pads as thin as 1.34 mm. The thicker one should be 2.01 mm.
My question is, assuming I find someone able to machine such pads from commercial ones : is there any inconvenience running an engine with 1.34 mm thick pads?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Philippe-J

1967 S1(.25) OTS ... coming together
https://renov-ots-1967.over-blog.com/

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mgcjag
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#2 Re: Thinner than usual valve pads

Post by mgcjag » Sat Jun 13, 2026 7:42 pm

Shims fit on the top of the valve and are above the collar...too thin a shim will sit below the collar and cause serious issues....I dont know what the thinnest shim possible is...you could easily measure it....remember that shims are hardened so grinding them down removes the hardened layer.....iv heard of some skimming the tappet...speak to your machine shop.....sounds like you need new valve seats....Steve..ps 1.34mm I think is way too thin....lightweight thinner tappets from later models are an option....you would need to search
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc

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chrisfell
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#3 Re: Thinner than usual valve pads

Post by chrisfell » Sat Jun 13, 2026 9:06 pm

Generally speaking, for an engine where valve seat recession results in needing shims less than .085”, it is time for a cylinder head rebuild.

Queue shipwright’s disease.
Chris '67 S1 2+2

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