Guys I have the head off of my 1.5L (Z5) Protege due to a blown head gasket. While it's off, I was thinking about cleaning up the valves, including a light lapping. But this engine uses shims on the valve tappets and I do not want to have to buy new shims. Could a light lapping close up the valve clearances such that I would be looking at needing new shims, or does the lapping process not usually change the clearances that much?

 

It won't change it much but it could change it enough if it is at the edge of tolerance. I doubt it though. Just be sure to reuse the valves in the cylinders they came out of and replace the valve seals.

 

Yes, will do. Thanks.