Regular valve adjustment will greatly increase the life of your engine. All you need are some simple tools, a jack and about 1 hour of time. The VW manual says to adjust them every 3000 miles, but do a valve adjustment at least once a year ... usually in the Spring when I get the car ready for the warmer weather.
How often should a valve adjustment be done?
On pre-2006 models, they recommend a valve adjustment at 110,000 miles . And for newer ones, they recommend just listening for noise and adjusting when necessary. But they don’t make noise! Tom: In fact, as the valves get farther out of adjustment, they often get quieter!
How long does a valve adjustment last?
Some need a replacement at 30,000 miles, while others can go as long as 60,000 miles .
Do valves really need to be adjusted?
Eliminating valve clatter is one benefit of having properly adjusted valves , but the engine will also likely become smoother and more responsive. In addition, proper adjustment can extend the life of the valve train.
How do you adjust valves on a VW engine?
- Step 1: Get the car in position. It is critical that your valves are 100% cold when you begin the Valve Adjustment Procedure. ...
- Step 2: Locate cylinder #1. ...
- Step 3: Remove Valve Cover. ...
- Step 4: Begin first valve adjustment. ...
- Step 5: Replace Valve Covers.
What happens when valves are out of adjustment?
Too much or too little valve clearance can result in poor performance or a rough idle because the engine can’t “breathe” normally and operate at peak efficiency. ... If there’s too little valve clearance, the valves won’t fully close, causing excessive heat , and the engine will lose power.
What are the symptoms of bad valves?
- Cold Engine. A cold engine test will give you a good idea if your valve seal is faulty. ...
- Off-Throttle Braking. Engine braking involves employing different means to slow down your car asides from the external braking. ...
- Idling. ...
- Excessive Oil Consumption. ...
- Excessive Smoke. ...
- Loss of Engine Power.
How do you tell if your valves need adjusting?
When do I need to have a valve adjustment? You should have your valve lash inspected at manufacturers recommended intervals. A sure sign that it’s time for a valve lash adjustment is if your engine is making a loud clicking or tapping noise when starting up or if you experience a loss in engine power.
How much does a valve adjustment cost?
Between $246 and $336 is the average cost of a valve adjustment. The labor costs are between $220 and $278 while the parts cost between $26 and $58.
Can tight valves cause hard starting?
Tighter valves will not make any new noise. When the intake valves get too tight they will cause hard starting and poor idling. When the exhaust valves get too tight they will also cause hard starting and eventually get hot enough to start melting – not pretty.
How do you adjust valves?
Reduced Power. Intake and exhaust valves that are not adjusted to open and close at the proper times degrade an engine’s ability to make maximum power. ... If the valves aren’t adjusted correctly, the engine will not burn fuel at maximum efficiency . Power and mileage then dramatically decrease.
How do you adjust the valves on a VW Bug?
- Step 1: Get the car in position. It is critical that your valves are 100% cold when you begin the Valve Adjustment Procedure. ...
- Step 2: Locate cylinder #1. ...
- Step 3: Remove Valve Cover. ...
- Step 4: Begin first valve adjustment. ...
- Step 5: Replace Valve Covers.
How do you adjust the valves on a VW bus?
- Step 1: Get the car in position. It is critical that your valves are 100% cold when you begin the Valve Adjustment Procedure. ...
- Step 2: Locate cylinder #1. ...
- Step 3: Remove Valve Cover. ...
- Step 4: Begin first valve adjustment. ...
- Step 5: Replace Valve Covers.
Do valves get tighter or looser?
Valves almost always get tighter .
How do you know if you burned a valve?
- Ignition Misfire. A misfire can sometimes be an indication of a burned exhaust valve. ...
- Power Loss. Power loss can be another indication of a burned exhaust valve. ...
- Puffing or Puttering Sound. A burned exhaust valve will often make noises that sound like a puff or putter. ...
- Failed Emissions Test.
Can I drive with bad valves?
Unfortunately, yes you can do more damage by continuing to drive with damaged valves . ... Damaging the catalyst can cause it to break apart internally, leading to plugging up the exhaust and causing an even more severe loss of power, which will make the car very difficult to drive.
