Inspecting Valve Clearances

[jfitz981]

This is where my lack of knowledge shows. My car will be going in for service next month. Nothing big this year. The timing belt is not due for a change until 2011. There is nothing wrong with the valves, but they have not been checked in a few years. Should this be something that I have looked at? Can a mechanic inspect the valves without taking allot apart including the belt? Or is this something I should just wait and have done when the timing belt gets done?

Thanks for the educational help!

Jason

[Vulcan Grey]

valve clearances can be checked with belts on, just have to remove cam covers and spark plugs.

But if the valves need adjustment, then the cam towers would need to come off along with the belt.

[jfitz981]

Thanks Travis!

Do you think it would just be better to hold off until the timing belt is changed? I dont have any issues now...

[lotus4s]

Since it's fairly easy to do and you say it hasn't been done in a few years then I would check the clearances just to make sure you don't have any problems developing there.

[ozontour]

I would buy a compression gauge if you have one and give it a test...

they are cheap and give a good indication for both rings and valves

HTH

Justin

[jfitz981]

Sounds like the compression guage would be a more economical option if I am having my mechanic work on the car? So as long as the car is producing the correct compression things should be ok? (I am understanding correctly)

Jason

[USAndretti42]

A compression test will not check whether you valve clearances are OK or not. If the clearances get too wide it can lead to the valve head breaking off in extreme circumstances. It's not a long job so shouldn't cost too much. When you know what the clearances are you can decide if it's worth adjusting them now or waiting until you replace your timing belt.

[jfitz981]

Okay...it is settled...I will have them inspected! Thanks for the clarification!