valve adjustment

[bcr4d]

Could someone please tell me what should be the average mileage between valve adjustments, and what the average cost is in the NE. I had one shop quote me 700.00. I thought this was insane. I am pretty decent with a wrench, so how difficult is it to do. Also, what is the worst could happen if they aren't adjusted properly. thanks

[ianc]

It's not that difficult on most 911's, although you neglect to include what model of car you have.

If they are too tight, you can burn a valve,

ianc

[Scott R]

The going labor rate in my part of the world is around $100/hr that's a 6 3/4 hour job with a $20 part cost. That seems a bit excessive.

At any rate it's a DIY, get two sets of gaskets the first time as I bet you will be going back in on at least one of the exhaust valves. I see many people using the valve adjustment tool listed here at Pelican, I however heated and bent a regular feeler and it worked great.

[dentist90]

I think the biggest challenge in valve adjustment must be the access to the valvetrain itself. I haven't done mine yet, but I have checked the sparkplugs and there is NOT a lot of room between valve covers and engine bay walls.
BTW: if one were to err in adjusting clearance, would it be more prudent to have a bit excess valve lash (say .12-.15mm) than have them too tight? I realize the motor will not breath as well, but at least the valves will fully seat. I would hate to be responsible for my car needing new valves and seats because I overtightened the rocker screws. I'm probably frettin' over nothing as I'm sure I'll turn the crank over 10 times and recheck the valve lash until I've broken my last feeler guage!

[bcr4d]

sorry I fail to mention that my car is an 88. I have Wayne's book and it seems pretty much cut and dry. I guess I'm a little hesitant, being it will be my first time.

[Scott R]

Originally posted by bcr4d
sorry I fail to mention that my car is an 88. I have Wayne's book and it seems pretty much cut and dry. I guess I'm a little hesitant, being it will be my first time.

I was the same way, the folks here helped a bunch, and there are a ton of posts on the topic, not to mention the main tech article. Once you get the feel, you can duplicate it easily over and over again.

[rusnak]

The valve adjustment job is easy to do, but requires a lot of fingertip feel. The hardest part is tightening the locknut without overtightening the adjustment screw. I developed a feel for backing off slightly from the correct gap, then when I tighten down the locknut, the adjustment screw is at the perfect gap.

Check, check, and recheck the gap before moving on to the next cylinder.

My mechanic will adjust my valves and change oil for $90.00.

[KCinBR]

I did my first valve adjust a few weeks ago with no problems. I used a regular feeler guage that I bent to fit under the rocker and with some help from a fellow Pelican we were done in about 5 hours or so.

If you are a fairly good wrench ........YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

[Wil Ferch]

This method proposed by Doug ( 2.7Racer) is absolutely brilliant -->

valve adjustment

Everyone should read and study this....it would make valve adjustments MUCH easier and predictable....

Wil

[DARISC]

In SOCAL, my mechanic, excellent shop, +/- $250.00 (based on $90.00/ hr.shop rate). Works out to be less than 3 hr.s labor - I'm mechanically disinclined, so thats what I pay.

[RoninLB]

[ben parrish]

$700.00 is INSANE! Check around opr do it yourself.

Ben