Hi,
So about 3 years ago at about 185k miles I adjusted the valve height because of noise at idle. Some of them were slightly out of spec.

So now at about 198k its been gradually making more valve noise. I tried to do the adjustment again and now most of the valve adjustment screws are seized to the nut. The part that the screwdriver goes into is breaking before its unseized. On one of them I backed the nut and screw out as far as the screw would go and broken the but free but then the screw was jammed. I cut the flat head slot deeper and barely got it out.

So I guess im going to try to find a whole rocker assembly from a junk yard. I'd like to know what caused this though. I was careful when i did the first adjustment, I think I only torqued down to 12 ft lb (spec is 14), using the smallest size wrench. I double checked the clearance after torqueing. Now the exhaust valves have .015 and they should be .009 - .011.

What could cause the screws to seize? How has the clearance changed so much? Will the valves get damaged if I leave it alone or is it just a noise issue? BTW this is a daily driver and completely stock, original owner.

 

You are breaking loose the 10mm nut first right?

I think the tip of the adjuster is bigger than the threaded hole? Has to be installed/removed from the valve side of the rocker arm.

 

Yeah I'm breaking the 10mm nut and the screw comes with it seized. If I hold a screwdriver in the slot and try to break it free it is cracking and chipping the end of the screw. I could remove the rocker assembly and cut the screw and file the burr so I can unscrew it and replace it that way, but I'm looking at about $150 just for the screws and nuts from a dealer. Or I could just get the whole assembly from a junk yard if I can find it. But I'd like to know what caused this to begin with because I was very careful the first time I did the adjustment. I did the same thing on a 94 accord and had no issues, I went back later and readjusted a few valves and had no problem breaking them free.

 

Try adding some heat?

That is not something I have ever encountered in the dozens of valve adjustments I have done. The worst I have come across were sludged up threads that needed to be run in and out to allow for the delicate feel of setting lash but never seized like you are describing.

 

I guess I will try that next.

What happens if I just leave it alone with the exhaust valves that loose?

 

Will be loud and down on power and economy.

 

Heat did the trick!

I tried soaking for a couple hours in PB blaster first. One got loose but barely. Heated the nut until the PB started to boil off and that's all it needed. Must have been gummed up. I don't know why, I've kept up with oil changes and don't put any oil additives in. Anyway got them all done.