diff --git a/slic/utils/hastyepics.py b/slic/utils/hastyepics.py
index 8395bfd57..0c6654295 100644
--- a/slic/utils/hastyepics.py
+++ b/slic/utils/hastyepics.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ class Motor(epics.Motor):
             raise MotorException("must supply motor name")
 
         if name.endswith('.VAL'):
-            name = name[:-5]
+            name = name[:-4]
         if name.endswith('.'):
             name = name[:-1]