If you are a senior car enthusiast, you know that valve lash adjustment is a crucial part of maintaining your car's engine. Valve lash refers to the clearance between the camshaft and the valve stem. Over time, this clearance can increase or decrease, which can affect your engine's performance. Fortunately, adjusting valve lash is not as complicated as it seems. In this article, we will guide you on how to adjust valve lash on your car.
Step 1: Prepare Your Tools and Materials
Before starting, you need to prepare the necessary tools and materials. You will need a feeler gauge, a ratchet wrench, a torque wrench, a screwdriver, and a valve adjustment wrench. Make sure to consult your car's manual to determine the correct size of wrenches you will need. You may also need a new valve cover gasket and a new timing belt if they are worn out.
Step 2: Remove the Valve Cover
To access the valves, you need to remove the valve cover. Use a screwdriver or a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the valve cover in place. Once you remove the valve cover, you will see the camshaft and the valve train.
Step 3: Rotate the Engine
Before adjusting the valve lash, you need to rotate the engine to the proper position. The position varies depending on the type of engine you have. Consult your car's manual to determine the correct position. You can rotate the engine by using a ratchet wrench and turning the crankshaft bolt.
Step 4: Check the Valve Lash
Using a feeler gauge, check the valve lash clearance. The clearance should be within the range specified in your car's manual. If the clearance is too tight or too loose, you need to adjust the valve lash.
Step 5: Adjust the Valve Lash
Use a valve adjustment wrench to adjust the clearance. Turn the adjuster screw until you reach the desired clearance. Use a feeler gauge to check the clearance after each adjustment. Once you reach the correct clearance, tighten the locknut with a torque wrench to the specified torque value.
Step 6: Repeat for All Valves
Repeat steps 4 and 5 for all the valves. Make sure to rotate the engine to the correct position for each valve. Take your time and double-check the clearance after each adjustment.
Step 7: Replace the Valve Cover
Once you finish adjusting all the valves, replace the valve cover. Make sure to use a new gasket if necessary. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque value.
Step 8: Test Drive Your Car
Take your car for a test drive to ensure that everything is working correctly. Listen for any unusual engine noises and check for any leaks. If you notice any problems, recheck the valve lash clearance and make any necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
Adjusting valve lash is a crucial part of maintaining your car's engine. By following these steps, you can adjust the valve lash on your car without any difficulty. Always consult your car's manual for specific instructions and torque values. Regularly checking and adjusting valve lash can help prolong the life of your engine and improve its performance.