[03EX]

I'm at about 130k right now and a little overdue for the valve lash check/adjustment on the K24. No excessive engine noise yet, and the MPG is still pretty good (33 mpg on a recent highway trip at 70-75 mph with AC on). But I figure it's probably time to at least check the valves for peace of mind.

I've done basic maintenance like replacing spark plugs, air filter, PS fluid, oil change, etc, but haven't opened up a valve cover before. I have a factory service manual, most of the tools needed (torque wrench, ratchets, etc), and I can get the feeler gauges and jam nut wrench off Amazon pretty easily.

What say DA? Should I attempt to DIY the valve adjustment or just pay my mechanic (a solid independent shop) $150 to do it? Has anyone on here done valve adjustment before without prior experience opening up the engine?

 

[mobiless2]

I'm at 260k and have not done a valve adjustment, because they are not making noise deemed excessive. Still getting decent mileage. Valve cover was replaced a while ago because of a slight leak.

 

[rszappa1]

Same here approaching 230,000 no valve adjustment... no noise and 33 to 35 on the highway...

 

[BLCKFLSH]

That depends on you. Confident you can do the job? I don't think you need any special tools. Loose valves make noise, but tight valves do not. I did the valve adjustments on my V6, and I'm glad I did because many of the exhaust valves were tight. Not saying I would have burned valves any time soon, but I like to have things adjusted as close to spec as possible, and you don't know if they are off or not, until you check the clearances. It takes a little time/practice to get the feel for setting valves, but if you never do it, you never get the feel for it. When in doubt, loose is better than tight.

 

[Drew03Accord]

Dealer talked me into doing mine at 111K, while I was in for recall work. $150 was the damage and it included new valve cover gasket. Absolutely no difference in the car, noise or other.

 

[2006accord4]

Do it first and take it to a mechanic if you mess up?

 

[t-rd]

4-cyl valve adjustment is extremely easy, unlike the v6 with the rear 3 cylinders. You can attempt it yourself first, just take your time.

 

[chris918]

Tight valves do not make noise, and I believe they will tighten over time. When you will burn a valve is anybody's guess.

I figured no matter who I paid to do it, no one would care as much about getting it done right as myself so I bought a cheap feeler gauge set and did it myself around 130,000 miles. By the time I was done I had severe pain in my legs from leaning over (16 valves, yikes!) but I know it's done right and i'll check again around 200,000 miles.

 

[cD5myeleanor]

Its up to you..
first ask your self, after reading these peoples suggestions and advice.. do i want to do it?

if no, save your money.

If you yes.

then you have to decide if you want to learn how to adjust valves and spend some quality time with your car. If thats a yes then you should do it. I watched someone readjust my old preludes valves. it was someone I'd never met before from Importatlanta forums. We just shot the shit and he fixed my car. Helped me a few other things and it was a great time and money spent.

if you just want it done, over with, or you're feeling impatient, id say just take it somewhere reputable.

good luck!

 

[CarlR33]

237K and whats a valve adjustment?

 

[rszappa1]

228,000 on mine with no valve adjustment............................

 

[digitalh3lix]

for 150 its worth it.... I went to 3-4 different dealers and they all made up different prices. ranging from 150-400. its basically all labor but its not a quick job... if its ticking or throwing codes get it done or you can wait a bit.

 

[greg1c]

You can adjust them yourself, not sure I would pay someone to do this but to each his own! Here is an Eric the car guy video that shows you what to do.

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[Keystone]

My advice is buy the tools (they're inexpensive) and go ahead and check the clearance. If you feel comfortable doing that, then go ahead and adjust the ones that are out of spec. If you feel you're not sure what you're doing, or are otherwise questioning your measurements, button it back up and take it to someone.

Btw, as I recall, when I checked mine around 110K miles, all the exhaust valves were out of spec with too little clearance. IMO this isn't something you should neglect doing.

 

[greg1c]

Exhaust valves clearance decrease as they wear and finally burn the valve as they will not close and seal. So no noise is heard if they are too "tight", clicking noise is heard when valves are " loose".

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[RickBlaine]

EXCELLENT advice there about buying the tools (cheap) and trying it yourself first. If you can't do it- no shame. It's not like you have to re-assemble an engine- just a few bolts at the top of the engine.

When the time comes- I shall try it. It will impress the neighborhood toughs and earn me respect.

 

[2006accord4]

I'll probably try this myself as well if I ever needed it done. Book rate for labor is 1.1 hour. Doesn't look that difficult.

 

[cintocrunch]

I've had the new valve cover gasket sitting in my garage for weeks. I have new plugs to go in right behind the new gasket as I reassemble the old girl. Just been putting it off because I'm nervous but I am definitely doing it myself.

 

[03EX]

For those of you who did it yourselves, did you replace only the valve cover gasket, or the entire set of gaskets?

The valve cover gasket can be purchased alone for $8, or you can buy a gasket kit which includes the valve cover gasket, spark plug gaskets, and some additional gaskets that go under the valve cover bolts. Did you guys replace these additional gaskets or just the main valve cover gasket?

 

[t-rd]

Since you are there already, why not replace the entire gasket set? You should also replace the rubber gasket under the valve bolts. Those start to leak also.