Question on valve adjustment

[hokie]

Hello! I just joined the site. A little history: My wife's car is a 1997 Camry LE 4 cyl with approximately 112K miles on it. I love the car and the quality that is evident in Toyota products. I've only had to do maintenance on the car and have yet to have any major problems. The car looks and runs like the day we bought it (minus a couple hundred rock chips in the front bumper and hood) The only modifications to the car are tinted windows, aftermarket fog lights mounted inside the bumper opening, and a K&N air filter.

Ok, now to my question. I have noticed some rattling noise coming from the engine for about the last 40K miles and it used to stop after the engine warmed up, but now it never stops. I try to keep up with all the maintenance (& try to do it myself) but I've failed to check the valves. I believe that I may have one (or two) that need adjusting. I've got a Haynes repair manual and it shows a special lifter tool needed to remove the shims. The tool looks very much like an adjustable wrench, but I am sure there is more to it. My question is:

Is this a tool specific to a Toyota, or is it a generic type tool that I could pick up at any auto parts store?

Thanks in advance.
Shane (Hokie)

[profuse007]

how do you know its the valve? i have a 94 camry 4cyl w/ 180kmiles and havent had a overhaul on it yet and it still running quiet as hell.

[hokie]

I don't know for sure, but a friend of mine is very knowledgable with engines and seems to think that is the problem. I figure if I can check them myself, it wouldn't be a very expensive fix, and worth a shot to try.

Shane

[dan99solara]

this is a very common misconception. when people say their valves are clicking, its not really the valves. it is the lifters that are moving up and down thru sludge caused by an older engine. there are many products that get rid of sludge and my favorite is Auto-Rx. ( http://www.auto-rx.com/ ). I used this for my older acura legend and my lifters quick ticketing after 2 treatments of the product. just make sure you read up real good on the directions before you do this.

[dan99solara]

Oh yea, and I would get your valves adjusted by a shop around town. getting the valves adjusted pretty much just helps fuel economy and better performance and longer lasting engine. they don't click when they are slightly misaligned.

[calvic]

My 88 Camry has 280,000 miles on it. I bought it new. Valves were checked at 30,000. Never been adjusted in 16 years. I'd almost bet your valve aren't out of adjustment.
jj

[csaxon]

hokie, the valve lifter tool set number is 09248-55040
It is 2 pieces the valve lifter press 09248-05410 and the valve lifter stopper 09248-05420. Talk sweet to the parts man and he can order them for you.

[hokie]

Thanks Csaxon. I appreciate the help!

Shane (Hokie)