Tune up?
 

I would like to embark on a full tune up of my 1987 Carrera coupe with 75,000 miles.
The car runs beautifully with lots of power and smoothly especially after returning from a 1000 trip, Toronto to Chicago and back...
I believe the spark plug wires are the original ones (Beru)or at least 10-15 years old...spar plugs and valve adjustment were done 2 or 3 years ago but one valve has a slight ticking noise.
I bought all the parts including magnetor wire set, plugs, oil & air filters and oil, dist. cap and rotor, silicon gaskets and nylock nuts. I intend to do a back side method valve adjustment ( my first attempt at a valve job).
My big dilemma is...Should I proceed with all of the above if the car is running strong?
May be just part update?
Your input is most appreciated

How many miles since the last valve adj. 3 years ago? Depending on the answer, the adjustment may not be necessary.
Doing the rest couldn't hurt, though.

First off, I don't believe in fixing something if it isn't broken or exhibiting some symptoms, especially since the car is running so strong. More than likely you will screw something up considering all the parts you plan on replacing and then spend more time trying to trouble shoot what went wrong and you may never get it to run as strong as it does right now.

I just bought an 87 Carrera myself with 200,000 miles and have no plans for a tune up as it runs so strong as well and gets such great gas mileage. I'm just concentrating on fixing small things that the previous owner overlooked and enjoying the ride as much as possible.


Cheers,

Joe
87 Carrera

Tune up
 

Last valve adjustment was done 3 years ago...probably 8000 miles back...I do have a ticking noise however...

I also have a very faint ticking noise @ idle on my77 w/ SC engine. Could be a slightly loose valve, an exhaust leak or possibly a little slop in your alternator bearing.

I also have a slight ticking sound, and those who know better than I say 'valve adjustment', but none seem too concerned by it. I am pretty new to the car, and am having new tires put on, an alignment done, and will have my mechanic adjust the throttle while I leave this week for a long business trip. I was thinking of doing a valve adjustment when I got back, along with new plugs and an oil change.

I have the service records back to 2008, and the car was not even driven 2000 miles since then! No valve adjustment was done, oil was last changed in 2010, 1600 miles ago.

Does the ticking warrant an immediate valve adjustment, or can it wait a while?

Check engine while running in a dark garage, could be just a bad plug wire. You will see the blue spark if bad. Won't hurt at all replacing wires filter etc easy job
Ernie 81sc

tune up
 

Thanks guys for the input...I am getting cold feet in doing a valve adjustment...will leave it for next year. I did buy the magnecor wire set but my Porsche mechanic that used to service my car (87) prior to my DIY efforts, has suggested that I use the original Beru wires because they are of superior quality with a steel wire running through them (not carbon wire...) and as long as there are no misses or diminished performance, enjoy the ride...SO...I will just end up changing oil and filters.