Hey guys, I need some help. Is it neccesary to get that Valve Adjustment tool? The one for the 10 mm jam nut valve screws. Is there a replacement tool that I can use? Thanx alot.

-Jamison

 

you can use a 10mm crows foot and a screw driver

 

OK, thanx alot, and thanks for posting so fast.

-Jamison

 

I would recommend getting a valve adjustment tool. I tried doing mine w/ a bent wrench and screwdriver and it was very difficult, ended up botching it several times. I still don't think it's quite right. I plan on buying the set from Harbor Freight, a set of 4 size adjustment tools (even thought we only need the 10mm size) for $25. Just go to http://www.harborfreight.com and search for "valve" and you'll see it.


[Modified by PatrickGSR94, 12:37 PM 3/15/2002]

 

Yes its possible to do it. if you get a box wrench and bend it to a 90 degree angle you can use that. The trick is not to loosen the lock nut too much. Just a little bit so you dont have to turn it far. When you tighten it up make sure you hold the screw in place otherwise you will over tighten the valve and have to start over.

I did it that way for my first valve adjustment and let me tell you I have already purchased the tool for it.

 

Damn...now why couldn' you have posted this last week! I just got my single Snap-On valve tool that I paid a little more than 2x for and $25 gets you 4 tools at Harbor Freight. Oh well, I'm gonna have to do valve adjustments every weekend just to get my moneys worth out of it.

 

i actually saw that link a few weeks ago when someone (maybe it was Fooser) asked about a valve adjustment... i got the snap on tool for about $45 also.. so dont feel so bad ...

 

I need to check them out before I buy another tool... I paid 45 for mine also, but I think it has paid for itself. Especially since I collect 15k miles in 6 months.

 

You can do it this way too- get a 10mm deep socket, vice grips and a flathead screwdriver.
-->it helps if you can mill/grind/dremel two flats on th esocket to grip with the vice grips.
Hold the socket with the vice grips and you can get the screwdriver thru the hole in the socket.
This worked okay for me my first time and was sooooo cheap.
then when I figured it all out and was done with it, I took my socket and an extra box wrench and had a firnedd weld the wrench to the socket so I have a permanent valve adjustment tool ready to go and cost me under $10.

 

How does one know when a valve adjustment is necessary? Does the car perform irregularly??

 

if the motor becomes louder than usual and there is a ticking/clicking sound emitted from the motor then you NEED a valve adjustment... i usually follow the interval of every 15K miles since i paid $45 for the valve adjustment tool.. i might as well have my valves in check...

 

what does adjusting your valves do for your car?

 

It's like changing engine oil--a maintenance you have to do in order to keep your car in good condition.

 

If the valve clearance is too big, there will be a gap between the camshaft lobes and rocker arms when the engine heats up, which is what causes the ticking sound. If they are too tight, the valve won't seat all the way when closed (when the engine is hot), which can cause all kinds of problems.

 

so how often and what does it take to get this done?

 

Every 15000 miles. Go here for how to http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/v...lveadjust.html