Valve Adjustment Questions

[jsbenami]

Toyota wants to inspect my valvetrain on my 92 &7MGTE They say the valves going out of clearance and needing adjustment could require more than new shims, could also be worn buckets, or cam lobes. I kind of doubt it at 80k original miles, but a few of the valves are moderateley noisy.

Question: Has anyone done the adjustment before on a well cared for low mileage engine? Did it need just shims or buckets too?

#2 I need a timing belt done, should the timing belt be done BEFORE or AFTER the valves are adjusted? Can that make any difference in the clearance (deosn't seem likely)

#3 Toyota wants to replace the water pump as part of the timing belt. My pump in externally belt driven. Deos it need to come off and have the seal broken to replace the timing belt? If not I'd rather just leave it alone.

Thanks!
-Jonathan

[Jeeves]

Yes. To replace the water pump means removing the whole bit. I've never seen one fail. Chock that up to Toyota trying to make a buck. As for valve train, it seems to me they'd need the head off to do a proper inspection. Really, it doesn't sound like any of this is necessary. Maybe at 150,000mi, but at 80? Nope. Just keep on truckin'.

If it ain't broke don't fix it. Give it regular maintenance on the Dot, and don't skimp and you should be golden till something major fails or gives way.

[jsbenami]

Well the sole reason I want to get the valves adjusted is because they are tapping more than just a bit now. Not excessively, but they are. It was a very slight tick at 55k when I bought the car, now its more audiable at all temperatures, especially when its cold. If they tell me its cam's are bad, or other expensive crap I'll probably have to leave it alone, but I am hoping they will just re shim it, like it's supposed to be done to resolve clearance issues.

[Jeeves]

Up to you then. I'm at 140,000 and my valve train sounds fine.