How important is it to adjust valves?

[clydesdale]

I have had the car for 70k and I have never done this. It has 271k on the clock. How hard and is it even worth it?

[priapism]

Well, if you don't, the rocker arm can snap and render the head useless. I'd say it's pretty important! =)

[blefevre]

It is very easy. Takes maybe 30-45 minutes your first time while having a beer.

[SpecM]

^ pretty easy, yes, but very very important

car will run better too

[JrCamacho]

It is very easy. Takes maybe 30-45 minutes your first time while having a beer.

QFT!

its a very simple procedure, just make sure to have the cam lobes pointing DOWN on the valves your adjusting, also make sure the engine is cold (as in.. first thing in the morning, or it hasn't been running for several hours). First time i adjusted mine, i only let the car sit for a couple hours after driving 60+ miles, and my "tick" was still apparent. after i let the car sit all night, i did it again in the morning and its a lot tighter now, its amazing how much smoother it feels & sounds afterwards.

[clydesdale]

Okay, sounds like it is time to do it. Does anybody have a link to a write up? Yes, I can search, but maybe someone has a nice link to a great write up. Thanks.

[jlevie]

The valves should be adjusted no less often than every 15k. I prefer every other oil change, or 10k.

[///M42 sport]

I thought its necessary only if you hear ticking?

[MR 325]

We had a customer once with a high mileage M20. We kept telling him he needed a valve adjustment ASAP. He didn't listen and a couple weeks later had a broken rocker arm.

[bernzpeed]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo_wwLNwPIQ

[jlevie]

I have seen enough broken rockers on a wide assortment of cars to have formed a theory as to the cause. I believe that rocker failure is a direct result of past lack of timely valve adjustments. I think that the repetitive impact loading from excessive valve clearance is what leads to rocker failure.

[llll1l1ll]

Adjusting the valves is extremely important and should be done on a regular basis. I usually do it once ever 20K, which is about (at my new rate of E30 driving) once every two years. Maybe.

I still recommend every year.

Also, by posting this message, I have certified that I am currently beating a dead horse.

[///M42 sport]

I just tried this but couldn't fucking turn the crankshaft bolt, it felt like it was on a spring. I assume the car has to be in neutral?

[jlevie]

Yes the transmission has to be in neutral to turn the crank bolt. It helps a lot when adjusting the valves to remove all of the spark plugs.

[lolcantturn]

I just tried this but couldn't fucking turn the crankshaft bolt, it felt like it was on a spring. I assume the car has to be in neutral?

Yes.
You can also make yourself more comfortable and just take off the timing cover and use a breaker bar with a torx bit and turn the engine with the camshaft bolt.
Or just jump connections 11 and 14 on the diagnostic connector to manually use the starter motor. Which is the easiest way.