Checking Tappets

[Daston]

Hi guys

With all the talk about people checking their own tappets and replacing shims etc I just wondered how you go about doing it. I understand that you move the figur follower to on side but what do you use to measure the clearence and how do you do it? Also what distance are you measuring is it the distance between the figure follower and the shim? Any pointers or guides I can read up on?

Also what do you do when it comes to services do you just let the garage know you adjusted the shims or will they insist on checking anyway (seems a little pointless in doing it if they do). Also would it bother you if you were purchasing a car that was worked on by an enthusiast (I am no mechanic but I am enthusiastic) and not a main garage.

Thanks for any replys

Dave