Noisy Valves - Should I be Worried

[HarryD]

I just attempted my first valve adjustment and some of the valves are noiser than before. While I know the correct answer is to go back and readjust, I have some obligations on my time that prevent me from doing so for a few weeks. What is the downside of having noisy valves for about 500 (or so) miles? The car runs ok with no obvious power issues or other odd noises.

FWIW, I had a top end done about 15,000 miles ago so my heads are in the best shape they can be.

[island911]

the specification is .004 . ... plus or minus .002!

That means, that you are likely "w/in spec" . . but they do get noisy over .004.

[livi]

Harry,

I hesitate to comment on a question from you. How can I presume to know anything at all in this business that you don´t know much better !!

However, my thought is that if the valves are making more noise, that probably means they are looser, which within reason, does not present as much danger as the opposite - at least not for a few hundred miles.

Then again, I am the paramount newbie around here.

[Wayne 962]

If they are loose, then you'll probably just be down on power for a while...

-Wayne

[ZOA NOM]

Originally Posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts

If they are loose, then you'll probably just be down on power for a while...

-Wayne

I'll second that. I just had the same issue, just prior to adjusting mine. I had limited time, and waited longer than I wanted to. They seemed to get louder every day, but once I got the time and adjusted them, all is well.

[HarryD]

Thanks for the feedback., I think I wll listen to the clatter until I get some time to address it.

[Joe Bob]

Better than tight....

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by livi

Harry,

I hesitate to comment on a question from you. How can I presume to know anything at all in this business that you don´t know much better !!

However, my thought is that if the valves are making more noise, that probably means they are looser, which within reason, does not present as much danger as the opposite - at least not for a few hundred miles.

Then again, I am the paramount newbie around here.

Me...

I am far from an expert. Just opinionated sometimes. You would be surprised at my range of ignorance on stuff. The good news it that you don't know what you don't know so every discovery is a pleasant surprise.

With 5,000+ posts, newbie..... NOT