I just got a valve adjustment done and the engine is making a very audible constant ticking/clacking sound now, especially when warm and increases in speed with acceleration. It made no noise before.

I gave my mechanic the correct specs for the H23a1 (.07-.011 & 0.15-0.19mm), and he said that the valves were completely closed from previous owner for some reason. So he set them to .08 and 0.16 because I wanted them on the tight side. I trust him and his work.

I bought the car salvage titled and this is the first valve adjustment I've done. Could it be that the seller closed the valves to mask an internal problem?

The car does feel better now, it's just the damn noise!


*btw, the engine was allowed to cool for around 7 hours.

 

7 hours is not enough time to cool off. The spec is overnight. That would explain why they were "closed" when he checked them.

 

Seriously? dang I should probably re-evaluate my opinion of this guy.

I'll do it myself and see what's up as soon as I get some time in the morning.

 

I took the plunge today and just attempted to do it myself using the service manual.

Let it sit overnight, took the VC off, turned the crankshaft so TDC was up.

I put a 12mm wrench into the nut and I noticed the assembly was loose.. The nut itself is very tight (so tight I couldn't undo it). I don't know what it's called but there is some freeplay in the metal ball joint thing under the screw that connects to the larger nut on the block.

I checked all of the valves and I/E valve ball thingy on cyl 1 was loose, as well as intake of 3 and 2, exhaust of 2 if I remember correctly.

I slid a .2mm feeler into cyl 1 and it fit. I have no idea what's going on lol.

Is this normal?? I just stopped and decided it was best to get some answers first.