VT1100 lash cap measurement
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Dave Gun New Member2001 Honda Shadow VT1100 – Hydraulic Lifter Clearance Measurements
I’ve been rebuilding my VT1100 engine and just finished measuring the hydraulic lifter clearance to determine the required shim thickness.
I followed the Honda service manual procedure:
- Removed all existing shims and assist springs.
- Bled the hydraulic lifters in oil using vacuum and the factory Honda tool .
- Verified the lifters were firm and not collapsing.
- Positioned and zeroed the dial indicator on the assist shaft.
- Rotated the engine through two complete revolutions.
- Repeated the measurements to verify consistency.
FRONT CYLINDER
- Intake #1: .004”
- Intake #2: .004”
- Exhaust: .008”
REAR CYLINDER
- Intake #1: .003”
- Intake #2: .003”
- Exhaust: .0025”
According to the Honda factory shim selection chart, all six measurements fall within the range requiring ZERO shims.
For reference, the factory chart specifies 0–1.20 mm of measured travel requires no shims.
The engine has been completely disassembled. I’ve replaced some worn valvetrain components with better-condition parts, replaced the hydraulic lifters as needed, and lapped the valves.
What’s surprising me is that not a single position appears to require a shim.
I’ve double-checked the procedure, verified the indicator readings are repeatable, and confirmed that the assist springs and shims were removed during measurement.
Has anyone else rebuilt a VT1100 and found that all six hydraulic lifters required zero shims?
I’m curious whether this is fairly common after a rebuild or if there’s something I’m overlooking.
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Dave Gun New Member
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