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Car Valve and Valve Train Problems - This category contains featured questions
as examples. They relate to most vehicles.
Question: 1999 Honda Accord, mileage: 115,000. After
over 100,000 miles, I believe my engine needs a valve job. Question is - should
the bottom end also be done? Hate to get the compression back only to have it create
problems down below.
Answer: With 115,000 miles on your car, it should be ok. Today car engines
can easily go 180,000 to 240,000 miles.
Question: 1999 Ford Explorer, mileage: 126,000. My Explorer will not pass
inspection because emissions are too high. A friend told me that one of the cylinders
is not firing. He checked the compression and it was low, were do I go from here?
Answer: First inject air into the weak cylinder at TDC (top
dead center). Then listen for air escaping exhaust or intake or crankcase. For exhaust
valve intake valve and piston.
Question: 2002 Mercedes E 300 D mileage: 86,600. Our Mercedes has
been a black hole we keep throwing money into. 2100 miles ago, we spent aprox. $1,600
on Air conditioning (3rd time) repairs and steering shock and idler arm replacement.
We Just spent another $400.00 on power antenna (3rd one), V-belts, replace engine
mounts, replace leaking head gaskets, oil pan and level switch leaking and power
steering box re-seal. In the course of this current work, the dealer observed
carbon build up (due to failed exhaust valve seal) and recommended a valve job to
the tune of another $2,500! At this point, I'd had it, and declined
the valve job. My inclination is to get rid of the car, but it runs great
now and my wife loves it. What can I expect for valve problems in the future
and is it possible to burn off some of the carbon with some additive?
Answer: When replacing head gaskets on a car, we suggest to check the valve
job. Try replacing the valve stem seals to remedy the carbon on the back of the
valves.
Question: 1955 Chevrolet Nomad, mileage: 100,000 +. I have a 235
engine with a 2-speed hydromatic transmission. How do I adjust the valves
on the engine? My repair manual has two different adjustments. One with
a clearance and another adjusting the value adjustment screw 1 1/2 turns just after
it tightens against the push rod. It runs very rough right now and runs better
when it's cold. The carburetor was rebuilt and I can't get the car to idle. Any
help would be appreciated
Answer: It sounds like the valve adjustment is too tight.
With the engine running, try slowly loosening the adjustment until a valve �click�
is heard. Now slowly tighten one turn. If it still has a rough idle.
Question: 1999 Chevrolet 3500 mileage: 160,00. One of the valves
in my recently rebuilt engine has a constant tapping noise. I have adjusted
the valve and have not been able to quite the lifter. All of the other lifters
have adjusted fine and do not make any noise. What are some methods I can
use to test for a bad lifter without removing the manifold and doing a visual check
of the lifter?
Answer: Check the rocker arm and end of the valve. If any of
the parts are worn, they can cause a �lifter� noise.MORE:
Engine valve questions
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