I've just installed a JDM head with only 11000km on it. Reused the cams from my stock head. Is valve adjustment really necessary on such a low milage head?

If so can someone explain to me why?

 

I'd check it just to be on the safe side of things. Why not do everything on the safe side.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Pompiuses &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've just installed a JDM head with only 11000km on it. Reused the cams from my stock head. Is valve adjustment really necessary on such a low milage head?

If so can someone explain to me why?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

I would check them. You have no idea if the salvage yard loosened them for whatever reason, if the previous owner did, etc, etc.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dave_B &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'd check it just to be on the safe side of things. Why not do everything on the safe side.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah sure it's always nice to be on the safe side, but someone told me that I MUST adjust valves after the cams have been out of the head.

I cant see why the valves should be affected by changing cams?

 

I would check them, you dont know the condition of the cams and rocker wear. You may or may not need to adjust anything. but I would, just to be safe.

 

the job should not take more then a hour, if it is the first time you do it. better safe then sorry.
if eveything is fine and no adjustment is needed would it take 10min

 

The correct way to remove/install cams is to lossen all the tappet nuts to remove pressure on the rocker arms before removing/installing camshafts. If you didnt do that you may have damaged the cams. Check them to be sure. Like everyone said, no telling what the clearances are.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Pompiuses &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Is valve adjustment really necessary on such a low milage head?

If so can someone explain to me why?
</TD></TR></TABLE>


A valve adjustment is only necessary if it is out of spec (not dependent on mileage). How do you know if its out of spec.? You hear ticking noises OR you use feeler gauges and check them before you put back on the valve cover.

It only takes a few minutes to check if they are within spec.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Pompiuses &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Yeah sure it's always nice to be on the safe side, but someone told me that I MUST adjust valves after the cams have been out of the head.

I cant see why the valves should be affected by changing cams?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

because

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JDM_teh_WIN!! &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
The correct way to remove/install cams is to lossen all the tappet nuts to remove pressure on the rocker arms before removing/installing camshafts....
</TD></TR></TABLE>

But its been done all the time without loosening the nuts.

 

Worse case scenario if the rockers are adjusted too tight, you could burn a exhaust valve.


Happened to my buddy.

Why take that risk?