jdadams12

I know that I should know this. I also know that I should have done it before.

However, with 360K+ on my 92, it has never been done unless somebody broke in to my garage and did it.

The car still runs strong and has good power (well, as much as it ever had). It has dropped from 28-28.5MPG to about 24-24.5MPG over the many years, but I just figured that it was old.

I can easily do this, but why should I? What does it help?

I am ashamed to even have to ask this...

ilikehonda

my 90 gets 33+.

the valve adjustment is the clearance between the rocker arm and the cam shaft. if the clearance is too tight the cam could be opening too soon or not closing all of the way. Same goes it is too loose. It could be opening late and not to the correct lift reducing power. both could very easily affect gas mileage.

Arthas

My friend had a shop do it on his RSX-S for $90 and it made his idle noise much quieter and he gained quite a bit of power and MPG's.


@$90 with a 360k engine, I dont see why not.

joe_accord23

it allows the engine to run smoother, and alittle more power. im going to do it on my car, i just need for the weather to calm down.

KWayRacing

It is an often neglected maintenance item that does wonders. It is a critically measured job that has a feel qaulity that untrained people could easily mistake and cause serious problems. So unless you feel comfortable doing a valve adjustment I would pay to have it done. You can usually lessen your expense by bringing your own valve cover gasket set including tube seals and valve cover grommet kit.

HonBeer

WRONG! its the clearance between the valve stem and the tappet. Its basic!

jdadams12

Thanks all, I will get on it. It will be no problem for me, I just haven't done it. Thanks.

jdadams12

Took 45 minutes and did this tonight. Noise is WAY down and even if nothing else changes, it was worth it.

It appears to be pulling over a pound more of vacuum that it did last week. It shifted earlier, so I wonder if the TCM gets vacuum readings. It ran down the road smoother, but if it had more power, it was negligible.

The clearances were anywhere from .018 to .024.

I messed up something - it has a bit of a chug at idle and you can hear it in the exhaust. I probably need new feelers (and another time for experience) - they are copper and worn a bit. I will fix it this weekend. Is this a symptom of them being too close? My book said .007 for the intake and .009 for the exhaust, right?

poorman212

92 4 cyl----Intake .009 -.011 inch Exhaust .011 - .013 inch

KremdelMadison

And don't tighten the bolt all the way down on the feeler, leave some play. How do we know what engine you're working on?

nus_dogg

On the F22 its between the adjusting screw and valve tip.

On the DOHC honda motor, its between the cam lobes and rocker pads.

phootbag

Valve timing is critical. Natrual valve overlap is taken into account when writing the fuel mapping software for the vehicle. This is also used to create a natrual EGR effect and reduce engine temps and NOx creation. Valve clearance can affect engine vacuum which in turn affects fuel mapping. Lack of valve clearance can cause misfires and engine damage. Too much clearance can cause damage to the cam shaft lobes and rocker arms. There are more reasons valve clearance adjustment should be set correctly but these are a few.

jdadams12

I got it. I had one set of exhausts that were too tight - no clearance and probably not seating all the way. I have no idea what I was doing there.

I am happy now - running great and quiet valves.

May-39

Greetings, Honda Newd but car familiar...

Scored a 97 accord EX-L with the F22B1 VTEC 5 spd yesterday for a can't pass price.
Anything "tricky" about this valve adjust besides what posted in how to?

jdadams12

Nope, just do it on a cool engine. It won't turn out right if the metal is hot.

phootbag

The temperature of the valve train should be below 100 degrees fahrenheit.

Robby Jacaba

valve adjustment in our car very is important so that the engine run properly and can last longer..

Crxh22ajdm

hmmm I think he already blow his engine and Got a new one and put it back together, and due the adjustment in that to lol This treath is around 2 and some months old^^

kidcool1977

I recommend this tool for the job makes the task easier.

gdrew888

Nice, does one size fit all? If a specific one is required would you happen to know what size fits a F22A4-1991 Accord? Thanks

kidcool1977

the one posted is specific to hondas, so you are good.

gdrew888

I see the Powerbuilt Valve Adjustment tool comes in 10mm and 12mm so I was wonder what size the valve locking nuts are on Hondas.

holmesnmanny

The 10mm

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-accord-1990-2002-2/how-adjust-valves-your-f22-2477017/

Alot of useful information is in the FAQ's sticky at the top of this forum.

Veggie Man

iTrader: (2)

Eric the car guy on youtube has a great video on it. Made me wanna try it but I dont wanna mess up my car. Its for good measure and relatively straight forward.

Apparently Hondas are pretty good about not needing the adjustment though.

holmesnmanny

The SOHC motors don't need it as often as the DOHC motors, but if you're handy with your tools it doesn't hurt to do it. Just don't rush it...just take your time or don't do it at all.