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Hello everyone,
I have a 2001 Toyota Solara V6 and it’s been making a ticking noise. The car has about 120,000 miles and I am pretty sure the car needs a valve adjustment. I know how to do a typical adjustment thanks to ETCG’s videos but….and this is a big ass butt, the car has flat tappet valves so I have to measure each valves shim and do a calculation to see which valves need shims. Then, I have to buy the shims from the dealer and reinstall them. I live in a rural place and no one in my area does a valve adjustment. The Toyota dealership wants 700 bucks to do the job. So I figure I could do it since I have the Haynes repair manual. I asked my dad to help me and he said it’s too much work but I really want to do it because hey, it’s my car and I treat it like it’s my girlfriend. Have any of you had past experience with adjusting valve shims? How hard is the whole process? Do you think I should even attempt it? Thanks for answering!
-Greg
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Personally….i have never done one myself but i do know how much work it is just to remove the valve covers. Unless you’re very familliar with OHC engines i wouldn’t attempt the job.
Would you do open heart surgery on your girlfriend?
Alright, thanks and good point. How long do you think I can put it off until I seriously damage the engine? The ticking sound is pretty minor but in the past 2 weeks its gotten a little louder.
Its no problem driving for long with ticking valves. just make sure oil level is good.
They are mediocre to adjust, depending on how much space you got in between it all. Did this not long ago on an I4 Ford OHC, and had to remove the engine top to get all 8 valves adjusted. Its not too hard, you need to find out what clearance they are supposed to have, you need this type of tool: http://www.industrinett.no/tess/frontend/mediabank2/5503/vh411007_l.jpg
Then you use the correct “seeker/shims” according to what info you’ve found, and stick it between the lifter and valve “top”, (sorry for bad words, im Norwegian) until it goes somewhat “greasey” (just a little bit hard but not too hard and not too easy) in and out from that space, then its tight enough. Also ALWAYS double check the clearance after you tighten the tightener bolt, cause then it usually changes a little bit.
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