Valve Clearance Adjustment - Expectations?

[projektvertx]

Hey everyone,

Since I have the optional luxury of another vehicle to use at this point in time, I'd like to tackle a lengthy(somewhat) project on my car. Over the next week maybe two, I am going to remove both valve covers on my '95 1MZ-FE with almost 229K miles and adjust/check the valve clearances to within factory specifications. Now, some of you may notice that this service doesn't pop up in the FSM maintenance schedule for this engine.

Now, I have all the tools and parts ready and the knowledge as to HOW to do this project on my car. My questions are the following: Should I expect any major, or minor, change in the performance of the engine? Any changes in fuel economy? I understand the principles behind camshaft wear and valve stem wear, however, will performing this service do any of the above? What should I expect as far as changes that would result from this? Where should I set my expectations for the outcome of this?

On another note, is there anything I SHOULDN'T do? Or anything I should consider doing at this point in time as well along with this job?

Any advice or insight is appreciated. Thanks guys!

[MR2Jedi]

Smoother idle, alittle bit better mileage,eliminate any "ticking noise" from too small a clearance. Basically run alittle bit better.
Really depends on how far off the clearances are-if any.
Are you experiencing any problems right now? Ticking noise from valve cover?

[projektvertx]

Originally Posted by MR2Jedi

Smoother idle, alittle bit better mileage,eliminate any "ticking noise" from too small a clearance. Basically run alittle bit better.
Really depends on how far off the clearances are-if any.
Are you experiencing any problems right now? Ticking noise from valve cover?

Hmm, interesting. Thanks for the insight Russ

As of now, I'm not experiencing any ticking, but when I started the car up after I got back from Christmas vaction (it was parked for 20 days outside), I heard a tick for about 30 seconds. It disappeared afterwards, and I haven't heard it since.

As far as compression goes, I tested compression back in April and rang in at 175 PSI +/- 1 PSI (factory specs) on every cylinder.

The only real problem I'm experiencing is the valve cover gaskets have begun to "sweat". So I'm getting ahead of the leak

[MR2Jedi]

Originally Posted by projektvertx

Hmm, interesting. Thanks for the insight Russ

As of now, I'm not experiencing any ticking, but when I started the car up after I got back from Christmas vaction (it was parked for 20 days outside), I heard a tick for about 30 seconds. It disappeared afterwards, and I haven't heard it since.

Well, that would be normal for sitting that long because of the lack of oil on those parts until the oil pressure came back up and got those parts well lubricated again..

As far as compression goes, I tested compression back in April and rang in at 175 PSI +/- 1 PSI (factory specs) on every cylinder.

The only real problem I'm experiencing is the valve cover gaskets have begun to "sweat". So I'm getting ahead of the leak

Everything sounds good. I think since you're gonna change the valve cover gaskets, then you might as well check the clearances and go from there. Unless you find some out of spec, I would leave them alone.