Valve adjustment interval

[bazar01]

How many miles of driving will normally cause a significant change in valve stem and rocker gap from specs of 0.1 mm (0.0039") .
I just cannot believe that Porsche valve seat will get hammered by the valve to cause a wear just after 6k miles.
I've had my 1993 964 almost a year now and drove it for 6k miles.
Is it due for valve adjustment? I am not hearing any valve ticking.
Am I taking a risk at damaging some top end parts by not doing the valve adjustment?
Thanks for the guidance.

[JWPATE]

Oh, don't fight this, for it is not a big deal.
I would say set your own schedule, but keep it always
under the factory recommendation, or use the factory specs. as
your limit
Generally, I find that the oil change sets a good schedule, and
that is at least every 10K with synthetics. Usually this is the
limiting factor. Do it regularly and the valve adjustments work
out as more checks than adjustments. Mine seem to be perhaps
two of the twelve needing actual adjustment.....and then only
very little.
The exercise is always good fun I think..........but some amoung us are perhaps more than just a little - strange!!!

[bazar01]

Thanks JW.
What is the factory recommended interval for 964s?
I change oil every 5k miles on synthetic. Shell 5W-40 this winter.
I'll do it at 10k and maybe just check the gaps and head studs.
Hopefully there is no valve tappet to adjust and no head studs loose.

[JWPATE]

Shouldn't ever need to retorque the head studs, if that is what you mean
by "check the head studs". On the 964, the factory head nuts are torqued down using a angle method which does not lend itself to checking at later intervals. Just look to see that none are broken, it does sometimes happen with those Dilavar studs.
"Check valve clearance" is part of the factory recommended 12,000
mile service schedule, as is change engine oil and oil filter.

[colo964]

I've gone 58,000 miles since my last adjustment - no chatter yet.

If you plan to sell it or are a worrywart, do it every 15,000 like the book says. On the flip side, it also requires an oil change only every 15k, but I change my oil (15W-50 Mobil1) and filter every 5k.

Right now, I'm trying an experiment; last change was at 195,000 miles; won't change again until 210,000. Valve adjustment? I don't need no stinking adjustment.

[bazar01]

I've gone 58,000 miles since my last adjustment - no chatter yet.

Wonderful! I don't hear any valves ticking either. I don't worry about it, just wondering what others do.
I already have the valve cover gaskets, hardware and feeler gauge tool.
For now, I'll just change oil and drive even during the winter then check after 15k miles.

Right now, I'm trying an experiment; last change was at 195,000 miles; won't change again until 210,000. Valve adjustment? I don't need no stinking adjustment.

Are you using the Mobil 1 extended mileage oil good for 15k miles?

Thanks.

[gamma]

Checking the valves is cheap insurance. A silent valve is the big problem, no a noisy one. A noisy valve is a loose valve, easy enough to adjust. But a silent valve that has gone tight is the real danger. A valve that has gone tight is a valve that will burn, and need a more extensive repair. Waiting for a noisy valve only eliminates part of theproblem.

Even if you do not want to risk adjusting your own valves, learning to check clearances is not a huge deal. If everything is good, off you go. If an adjustment is needed get it into the shop. Kevin

[bazar01]

Kevin, you brought up a good point.
A silent valve (no ticking) may mean the clearance is getting smaller than spec.
Where I live, we don't get snow and salt on the roads so I drive it all year round.
I am not saving this car for the next owner to enjoy.
But I'll check it at 10k miles instead of 15k miles.
I have all the tools I need for the job. Thanks.

[voodoo964]

Mine are ticking - can this cause problems?

thanks!