Valve Clearance Adjustment Cost Guide
Honda/Acura 4-Cylinder
Labor Time: 2.5-3 hours
Typical Cost: $312-375
Includes valve cover gasket replacement
Honda/Acura V6
Labor Time: 4.5-5 hours
Typical Cost: $562-625
Includes valve cover gaskets replacement
Toyota/Lexus 4-Cylinder
Labor Time: 2-2.5 hours
Typical Cost: $250-312
Includes valve cover gasket replacement
Toyota/Lexus V6
Labor Time: 3.5-4 hours
Typical Cost: $437-500
Includes valve cover gaskets replacement
Toyota/Lexus V8
Labor Time: 4.5-5 hours
Typical Cost: $562-625
Includes valve cover gaskets replacement
*Prices based on our shop rate of $125/hour. Additional parts costs may apply. Actual time may vary based on vehicle condition and model-specific requirements.
Important Notes:
- Prices include basic valve cover gasket replacement
- Some vehicles may require additional parts or labor
- Spark plug tube seals are typically replaced during this service
- A valve adjustment inspection is recommended every 60,000-90,000 miles
Valve Clearance Adjustment Procedures
Mechanical Valve Adjustment
A mechanical valve adjustment is the most straightforward procedure:
- Engine Preparation:Engine must be cold and positioned at Top Dead Center (TDC) for the cylinder being adjusted
- Cover Removal:Remove valve cover to access the valvetrain
- Measurement:Use a feeler gauge to check clearance between rocker arm and valve stem
- Adjustment:
- Loosen locknut on rocker arm adjusting screw
- Insert correct feeler gauge between rocker arm and valve stem
- Turn adjusting screw until proper resistance is felt on feeler gauge
- Hold adjusting screw and tighten locknut
- Verification:Recheck clearance after tightening
- Reassembly:Replace valve cover with new gasket
Hydraulic Valve Adjustment
Hydraulic valve adjustment is more complex and requires additional steps:
- Engine Preparation:
- Engine must be at operating temperature
- Position engine at TDC for cylinder being adjusted
- Access:Remove valve cover and any necessary components
- Lifter Preparation:
- Allow lifters to bleed down (usually 30 minutes)
- Clean lifter assembly if necessary
- Adjustment Process:
- Zero lash adjustment: Turn adjusting screw until zero clearance
- Add specified turn (typically ½ to 1 turn) per manufacturer specs
- Tighten locknut while holding adjuster
- Verification:Check rotation of pushrod for proper preload
- Reassembly:Replace valve cover with new gasket
Shim-Under-Bucket Adjustment
This type requires specialized tools and precise measurements:
- Preparation:
- Engine must be cold
- Remove camshaft(s) to access shims
- Measurement:
- Measure current clearance with feeler gauge
- Calculate required shim thickness
- Remove bucket and current shim
- Shim Replacement:
- Select correct shim size based on calculations
- Install new shim and bucket
- Reassembly:
- Reinstall camshaft(s) with proper timing
- Verify valve clearance with new shim
- Reassemble remaining components
Important Notes:
- Always refer to manufacturer specifications for exact clearances
- Use quality tools and measuring instruments
- Keep work area clean to prevent contamination
- Document initial measurements and adjustments
- Replace any damaged components discovered during inspection
Understanding Valve Clearance Adjustment
What is Valve Clearance Adjustment
Valve clearance adjustment, also known as valve lash adjustment, is a critical maintenance procedure that ensures proper spacing between valve train components in your engine. This spacing occurs between the camshaft (or rocker arm) and the valve stem.
What Does Valve Clearance Adjustment Do
- Maintains proper valve timing for optimal engine performance
- Prevents valve-related issues such as burning, noise, and power loss
- Ensures efficient fuel consumption and engine operation
- Reduces harmful emissions from your vehicle
Why is it Important
Over time, normal engine wear causes these clearances to change. If the clearance becomes too tight, valves may not fully close, leading to:
- Loss of compression
- Burned valves
- Decreased engine performance
If the clearance becomes too loose, it can cause:
- Noisy engine operation
- Increased wear on valve train components
- Reduced engine efficiency
When Should It Be Done
Valve clearance adjustment intervals vary by vehicle manufacturer and model. Generally, it's recommended to check and adjust valve clearances every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, you should always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific maintenance schedules.
Regular valve clearance adjustments by qualified technicians can significantly extend your engine's life and maintain its performance.
Common Signs of Incorrect Valve Clearance
Valve Clearance Adjustment - Signs & Service Intervals
Signs of Valve Clearance Issues
Ticking or Clicking Noise: The most common symptom of incorrect valve clearance is a distinctive ticking sound from the engine, especially noticeable at idle.
Loss of Performance: You may experience:
- Reduced engine power
- Poor acceleration
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- Rough idle
Starting Problems: Improper valve clearance can lead to difficulty starting the engine, particularly when cold.
Typical Service Intervals
Honda/Acura: Generally recommended every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on model.
Toyota/Lexus: Usually requires adjustment every 60,000 to 90,000 miles.
Subaru: Typically needs checking every 60,000 miles.
European Vehicles: Service intervals vary significantly by manufacturer:
- BMW: 60,000 to 100,000 miles
- Mercedes: 60,000 miles
- Volkswagen/Audi: 40,000 to 60,000 miles
Note: These are general guidelines. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific maintenance schedules, as intervals can vary based on driving conditions and engine type.
Important: Don't wait for symptoms to appear before checking valve clearance. Regular maintenance according to manufacturer specifications can prevent expensive repairs and maintain optimal engine performance.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
