ADVICE ON WASHERS FOR CAM HOLDERS

[droog]

Hello - I'm new here - sorry for the boring first topic - I'll try and be more interesting in the future . . .

I'm removing the cam holders on a CBR600 in the course of a valve shim change, I have to replace x8 M6 washers which fit the bolts which fasten the cam holders.

I was a bit shocked when I saw the price of the OEM Honda washers;
£3.88 per washer - which is over 30 quid for 8 washers.

I'm going to source some cheaper 'off the shelf' washers for this job - unless more experienced folks on here think I absolutely should be sourcing OEM washers for something like camholders which have to be installed absolutely spot on.

Assuming that the cheaper washers are ok I just want to confirm that I should be ordering aluminium 'sealing' washers for this job - and not steel etc - on the basis that this is the same type of washer as OEM? (so it seals and torques up properly when bolted down).

Sorry for being so pedantic and paranoid for something as mundane as a washer - but this is my first valve clearance adjustment and I want to get all the details spot on.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[redeem ouzzer]

I would use the OEM washers in such a critical application. They will be of a specific hardness and profile.
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Be a REAL MAN!

[droog]

Yeah, I think you are right Forced - I'll bite the bullet and go OEM - not worth cutting corners on engine related stuff for the sake of thirty quid.

I appreciate the advice.

[Hong Kong Phooey]

Why are you replacing them, can't they be reused?
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'81 CG125, '97 FZS600 : '99 CBR600F4, '09 KTM RC8

[Pete.]

I would just re-use the washers. Lots of times they specify fitting new when it's just a precaution. The rubber washers under Suzuki cam cover bolts is one example - don't know anyone who has fitted new ones of those.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[MCN]

I wonder the logic of replacing only the washers and not the bolts and washers?
Unless the washers deform when torque to spec.

Why not ask a dealer, say something like, 'Why are the washers replaced?'

👍
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[Polarbear]

If they are aluminium the are going to deform a certain amount under a certain torque.

Solely for that reason, as much as I would cringe at the cost, I would use OEM's even though logic tells me it probably wouldn't really matter.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[MCN]

[droog]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

[Riejufixing]

My guess about this is that they say "Use new ones" because they are annealed and work harden when used. You could probably re-use them, maybe annealing first, or use new ones (search for "6.5mm" aluminium sealing washers (I think the ID someone said is 6.5mm)). Unsure why copper couldn't be substituted.

[droog]

[MCN]