my 60K miles maintenance is here, and the most complicated thing that the Scheduled Maintenance Guide lists is "inspection of engine valve clearance". I stopped by the dealer today to buy some filters, and asked them how much they would charge for valve clearance check/adjustment. They said they don't do that at 60K miles. In fact they said they don't ever do it as regular maintenance!
I told them it was in the official guide, but nevertheless: the guy showed me what they do at 60K, and there was only an "auditory check of valves", in other words, they just listen to it. I know that things may change from dealer to dealer... what do you think about this?
I also have a Carmax warranty on the car. If I don't do the required maintenance, they can reject warranty claims.
Carmax can't know if you checked the valve clearance yourself or not. In other words, I can't see how they could deny a warranty claim simply because you don't have a receipt for the valve clearance check. Many DIYers do that kind of stuff theirselves. Do you have to have receipts for oil changes, too, or can you do that yourself?
If the valves sound fine, I wouldn't worry about it.
Carmax can't know if you checked the valve clearance yourself or not. In other words, I can't see how they could deny a warranty claim simply because you don't have a receipt for the valve clearance check. Many DIYers do that kind of stuff theirselves. Do you have to have receipts for oil changes, too, or can you do that yourself?
According to every sales and customer service representative at Carmax, I can do everything myself, I just have to document what I did and keep the receipts of oil, filters, etc. That said, the fine print on the contract says that they may request evidence that maintenance was done, and if you cannot produce it, they may deny warranty. I never needed warranty so far, and I did all the maintenance myself.
I actually only bought the warranty in case the engine or the transmission is cooked or something, and I meant to cancel it after 6 months. I am just always afraid that if I cancel it today, something expensive will break tomorrow.
The failure would have to be directly related to the maintenance item for them to be justified in asking for evidence. Plus, I'm not sure what "evidence" you can provide for checking the valve lash. A photograph of you in there with a feeler gauge??
Plus, I'm not sure what "evidence" you can provide for checking the valve lash. A photograph of you in there with a feeler gauge??
You are totally right, but one thing is what is justified, another is what they would do. Even if I'm totally right, it would be a pain to fight with them over warranty. Anyway, this is a different question. I've listened at the valve cover carefully, and the engine runs very nicely, I can't distinguish the valve sounds.
Federal law typically states that a warranty cannot be invalidated unless the warrantor can demonstrate that damage was directly caused by a lack of service or maintenance on the part of the consumer. But those laws also typically apply to "full warranties", and the Carmax extended agreement is most certainly not a "full warranty", so I'm not sure what governs how they can administer the contract and/or what they can require of you. I also don't know if the fact that the warranty purchase was voluntary on your part (vs. having a new car warranty from the manufacturer) makes any difference.
For sure, Toyota can deny a warranty claim if they can demonstrate that something you did or installed damaged something that you're trying to get a warranty claim on. But I would think that that type of warranty is governed by different laws from the Carmax warranty, which may even be considered something like an "extended service contract" or similar.
I dunno. Either way, it sounds like your engine is running nicely, so that's a good thing!
Valve clearance adjustment is not only for noisy (too loose) but to make sure the valves can cool themselves (too tight) on the cylinder head, otherwise you'll have burned/warped valves. The dealer you went too probably would want this second part to happen so they can make a nice profit off you. My advice, go to another place, have the service done, and keep your documentation that it was done.
Valve clearance adjustment is not only for noisy (too loose) but to make sure the valves can cool themselves (too tight) on the cylinder head, otherwise you'll have burned/warped valves. The dealer you went too probably would want this second part to happen so they can make a nice profit off you. My advice, go to another place, have the service done, and keep your documentation that it was done.
The fact that the engine runs fine now, and the fact that clearances are only going to open up over time (rather than close), the likelihood of engine damage done by overheated valves is probably incomprehensibly low, wouldn't you say?
What if the hard-facing on some valve actuation components is poor and wearing, causing not only clearance problems but others? Unless someone gets in there and looks/checks it will remain an unknown. What if there were improper oil flow to one area for some reason? It would remain an unknown.
If this would be the first inspection/adjustment, why not just do it for peace of mind.
98% of the time, everything is ok. And I know it all costs money which, as it is said, doesn't grow on trees and I know I've put plenty into basic transportation over the years.
I do think it's a good idea to keep a close eye on things. It just may save some problem later on.
What a disappointment! I showed up at the dealer at 7:00 AM this morning (and I'm not a morning person!) Previously on the phone they said they would charge $55 for the inspection and some more if they need adjustment.
I waited more than hour. Then the lady came out and told me the news:
1. The mechanic didn't open the valve cover yet, but he thinks that the valves sound right (--- great, I knew that ---), and only auditory check is required by Toyota. (--- That's funny, don't they publish the official Scheduled Maintenance Guide??? ---)
2. If they open the valve cover, they may charge me up to $1038, depending on what needs to be done. (--- OK, that's only 1787% than they original estimate. ---) She said she knows this is a little more than the original estimate. (--- OK, so 1787% extra is a "little more".)
3. The oil is black, so they recommend changing it. (--- The color of the oil is a very poor indicator of its condition, and yes, I know it has 5000 miles on it, I'm about to change it in the weekend. I just though I would wait until after the valve cover is opened, just in case some contamination gets into the oil through the open valve cover. Thanks, dealer, really valuable information. ---)
4. They recommend rotating the tires. (--- On what basis??? They are evenly worn and I rotated them 2000 miles ago!!! ---)
5. They recommend replacing the brake pads, because there is only 5 mm left on them. (--- This is probably an exaggeration, I actually took apart my brakes and checked the pads at 45000 miles, they were still in great shape. I don't think they took the brakes apart, because I was watching them a big portion of the time I was waiting. They probably just looked at it, but even that is suspicious, because I haven't seen the wheels being taken off. Can you measure the thickness of brake pads without removing the wheels? And even if it is true, the minimum required thickness for the brake pads is 3/32 in = 2.38 mm. ---)
6. The belt is cracked and they recommend replacing it. (--- No it is not cracked. It was replaced at 37000 and I check it frequently. They are either incompetent, or outright liars. ---)
I got really upset. She said there was no charge so far. I told her, of course, there is no charge, what exactly did you do so far with my car? So I just took the car home.
I could try yet another dealer, but now I am very suspicious about all of them. I don't want them to touch my baby. I haven't decided about the valve clearance check. I can probably do it, but it is big project.
That dealer... could be a stealer, unfortunately.
It sounds suspicious.
What is the adjustment system in your's? If it's a bucket-and-shim arrangement, might as well have it done. It can involve a lot with special tools, etc. I'am sure.
The human ear is a great instrument but only up to a point, I would think.
Lots can be done with a long screwdriver and an ear, I'll admit it. I don't
know that I'd want my valves inspected that way. If an electronic instrument was capable; designed for the specific purpose, if it could be done, would be another matter and something one could probably agree with.
I used to joke that I could repair an Amana Energy-Command furnace over the phone so, maybe a valve inspection and adjustment is possible in a similar manner?
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Either way, it sounds like your engine is running nicely, so that's a good thing! 
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