I just did a valve adjustment today on my 94 gsr with 120k miles. Its the first time I ever did a valve adjustment... well anyways. I used the .007 for the exhaust, and .006 for the intake, i started at TDC, and went 1-3-4-2. First of all, adjusting the valve is a pain in the butt... especially the intake because my neuspeed strut bar was in the way... anyways. I know everything was tightened down securely, etc, etc.

Afterwards, however, my engine "seems" to sound different in the high rpms. When I was adjusting the valve, I adjusted them so that the angled feeler gauge would fit in there, but it was pretty tight. I'm just wondering if they're too tight maybe..?

It could be nothing, but I'm just wondering what would happen if they are adjusted with the gap too low? Also, the noise isn't noticeable, theres no banging or clanging, knocking, etc... but to me... it sounds different

any insight?

... also
i changed the distributor cap, rotor, plugs and some other miscellaneous stuff (painted valve cover, new cam plug, etc, etc...). The spark plugs I pulled out weren't gapped correctly. 3 of them were around .057 and the 4th was .051. They were all light white, well i gapped the new plugs to .050 (helms manual says .047-.051), and after all was said and done, the engine still pulls strong but the when the secondary butterflies open at 5800, the "kick" doesn't seem to be as strong now. I'm not sure if its due to the plugs being gapped way too high and maybe that was bogging the engine down low and them making it "seem" like more power up top, or if its due to the valve adjustment, weather, my paranoia, etc.

 

well if it's too tight or too loose you should be hearing the valves tap..... if it's in spec the engine should sound quieter than before, of course only if the valves were out of spec to begin with, which reminds me, i should do a valve adjustment too

 

you should be fine with .006 and .007 clearance. i think it was said not go below .003 or your valves come in contact with your pistons. and yah if ur valves are too tight or loose you will hear tapping. my valves used to tap when i put my cams in. my clearance was .007 intake and .009 exhaust but thats wut the shop put it as cause of the rough idle.

 

I had my step-dad listen to it and he said its sounds really good.

so i went out and ran it a few times and yeah, its perfectly fine, i was just a little paranoid thats all.

 

I just got my 95 gsr w/ 105k. Should I do valve adj. Should I do it myself or take to dealer cost about $150. what do you think?
thanks

 

Was it hard to do?? Ive been thinking about doing mine for a while, but i dont wanna **** up. What did you use to hold the locknut while turning the adjustment screw? i know snap on sells a tool but its like 40 bux. im tempted to just take it in and have it done..

 

http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/v...lveadjust.html

 

I've always adjusted mine... I just did last week... it's really easy. Couple things that I did not see mentioned:

1. If you adjust the valves too close (to small of a gap), besides hitting the cylinders you may loose some compression if the valves cannot properly and fully seat in when closed. I've done it before.

2. If let's say you're adjusting for .006" I make sure a .007" doesn't get through... and obviously the .006" gauge should slide through.

3. Follow the temperature advise in the manual. Some cars require the engine to be cool... others hot.

4. I always make a final pass and torque down to specs all bolts. I've had a bolt loose one time in my first years

I would NOT pay anyone $150 to adjust my valve clearances, specially when it is such a piece of cake to do this in any 4 cyl Honda/Acura. Also, like someone else said... it is a good time to do a little checking on your spark plugs, clean-up gasgets, etc. I usually even check my timming... another piece of cake if you have a timming light. Lastly... since you have the cover off... check your timming belt for any cracks, oil, water, debris, etc. Check that it is not loose and it is centered in the pullies... check that it is not hitting and grinding away the plastic cover.

That's all I can think of for now...