2.7 litre valve clearance issue

Great site!
I’m replacing a burned exhaust valve on a 97 Tacoma 3RZFE 2.7 litre 4 cylinder.
The valve had been pounded for some time. I cleaned up the head and checked all the other valves and found them to be in great shape. I was unable to acquire a genuine Toyota valve so replaced it with an aftermarket valve. I’ve been successful adjusting every valve except for the replacement valve. With the thinnest shim available, I can only get .004 thousandths of an inch clearance. I don’t want to put it back together like this.
Has anyone come across this problem? My first guess is the valve seat may have been damaged and allows the valve to sit lower into the head, resulting in less clearance.
My other options are grinding a little off the the top of the valve stem. Machining a little off the thinnest shim. (expensive). Unless I hear from anyone out there with the same problem, I’m going to try and locate a genuine Toyota exhaust valve an measure it against the aftermarket one I have. I’m hoping it may be just a few thousandths shorter , which is all I need.
I’m looking forward to hearing from anyone with the same problem or advice.
Thanks.

 

Grinding the stem of the valve is the right way to do this. Do not grind the shim! Almost any true auto shop will have the appropriate tools to accomplish this. Good luck

 

Thanks for the reply John.
I’ll let you know how I make out.
To satisfy my own curiosity, I’ve ordered a genuine Toyota valve, and I’ll use it regardless if it needs to be shortened or not.
I may have to wait a while until it shows up.

 

Just received the genuine Toyota valve today and after measuring it’s total length, knew it was going to work. It’s at least ten thou shorter than the aftermarket valve. Had it installed and adjusted in no time.
In this case, it payed to stick with original parts....