Valve adjustment is a critical maintenance procedure for ensuring the proper function of an engine’s valves, which are essential for controlling the flow of air and fuel mixture into and out of an engine’s combustion chambers.
Over time, valves and their components can wear and stretch, leading to an incorrect gap between the valve stem and the mechanism that actuates the valve, known as the rocker arm. This gap, or valve clearance, directly impacts engine performance and health.
During a valve adjustment, we check the valve clearances and correct them as necessary. When engine valves have the correct clearance, they open and close at the right times, allowing the engine to run smoothly, improving efficiency, and preventing potential damage.
Properly adjusted valves ensure that the engine breathes as designed, with optimal fuel-air mixture and exhaust gas expulsion for maximum power and economy.
Neglecting valve adjustments can lead to several engine problems, including reduced performance, increased fuel consumption, and even engine damage. It’s imperative for us to include valve adjustments as part of a vehicle’s routine maintenance schedule. This ensures longevity and reliability of the engine, helping to maintain its performance and preventing costly repairs due to valve train wear or damage.
JUMP TO TOPIC
Valve Train Components and Functions
Valve train components are critical to an engine’s performance, directly influencing the opening and closing of intake and exhaust valves. These interactions dictate airflow within the engine and ultimately its power and efficiency.
Understanding Camshafts and Lobes
| Component | Function |
| Camshaft | Translates rotational motion to linear motion, opening and closing valves in sync with engine’s pistons |
| Lobe | High point on the camshaft that physically pushes against other components to actuate valve movement |
Camshafts consist of several lobes, precision-shaped projections that ensure valves open at the correct times. We rely on overhead cams in many modern engines for a direct and efficient transfer of motion.
The Role of Rocker Arms and Shafts
Each valve typically connects to a rocker arm—a lever system pivoting on a shaft or individually—reliably translating the camshaft’s movements into valve actuation. Overhead valve (OHV) engines use rocker arms activated by pushrods, while overhead cam (OHC) engines directly engage them.
Types of Valves: Intake and Exhaust
Two main types of valves are present in engines: intake and exhaust. Intake valves admit the fuel-air mix, whereas exhaust valves expel combustion by-products. Both require tight seals to prevent leaks, secured by the valve stem.
Significance of Valve Clearance
Proper valve clearance—a gap between the rocker arm and valve stem—is essential for optimal engine performance. It compensates for expansion due to heat and ensures that valves close fully during combustion. Incorrect clearance may result in power loss or engine damage.
Measuring and Adjusting Valve Clearance
Valve clearance is a critical engine parameter that must be maintained to ensure engine efficiency and longevity. Adjusting valve clearance involves precise measurements and meticulous settings to avoid engine damage.
Steps for Valve Clearance Inspection
First, let’s prepare to inspect the valve clearances of our engine. We’ll begin by making sure the engine is cool and remove the valve cover to access the valve train.
With the cover off, we’ll proceed with the following inspection routine:
- Rotate the engine to bring the piston of the first cylinder we are measuring to the top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke.
- Once in position, check for any excessive play or tightness in the valve train components.
For engines with hydraulic tappets, we’ll verify that there is no excessive play. These hydraulic tappets automatically adjust and do not require the periodic adjustments that solid tappets do.
Using Feeler Gauges and Micrometers
To adjust valve clearance on engines with solid tappets, we’ll employ feeler gauges and micrometers. Our process includes:
If the clearance is outside the manufacturer’s recommended settings:
- Loosen the lock nut on the adjuster screw.
- With the feeler gauge in place, tighten (to reduce clearance) or loosen (to increase clearance) the adjuster until there is a slight drag on the feeler gauge.
- Hold the adjuster screw in place and re-tighten the lock nut.
- Recheck the clearance to ensure it has not changed during tightening.
We’ll repeat this process for each valve, ensuring all clearances meet the exact specifications provided by the vehicle manufacturer. Remember that precision is vital to allow for proper opening and closing of valves during engine operation.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Valve adjustment is a critical maintenance task that ensures the longevity and proper function of our vehicle’s engine. Proper timing and attention to wear can help prevent performance issues.
Regular Valve Maintenance Schedule
To keep our engine running smoothly, we need to follow a regular valve maintenance schedule.
Typically, this involves checking valve clearance every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. However, this may vary depending on the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
Ensuring the firing order is correct and the valve seats are not worn down is part of this process. Neglecting maintenance could lead to reduced engine performance and increased wear.
- Check valve clearance: Every 20,000 to 30,000 miles
- Inspect for wear: At each tune-up
- Verify firing order: During valve check
Identifying and Resolving Valve Noise
Valve noise often manifests as a clicking or tapping sound that’s especially noticeable when the engine is cold.
This is a signal that the valves may require adjustment. If the valve clearance is too great or too small, we can experience rough idling or a decline in engine performance.
To resolve this, we must adjust the clearances to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring the valves open and close at the right times during the engine cycle.
Advanced Topics in Valve Mechanics
In advanced valve mechanics, we’ll discuss key distinctions between different engine setups and how they impact valve adjustments.
The intricacies of valve systems in pushrod engines vs. overhead cam engines and the role of hydraulic lifters in self-adjusting systems are at the forefront of this exploration.
Pushrod vs. Overhead Cam Engines
Pushrod Engines: In a pushrod engine, the camshaft is located within the engine block. The valves are operated by pushrods and rocker arms, which transfer motion from the camshaft up to the valves in the cylinder head. The valve covers on these engines are mounted on top of the cylinder heads, shielding the valve-train components. The valve lash, or clearance, requires manual adjustment to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Overhead Cam Engines: Conversely, an overhead cam engine design positions one or more camshafts directly above the cylinder heads, eliminating the need for pushrods. This arrangement allows for more precise control over valve timing. However, OHC engines also require periodic valve clearance adjustments, unless equipped with hydraulic lifters that allow for self-adjusting valve lash.
Hydraulic Lifters and Self-Adjusting Systems
Hydraulic lifters, a component of many modern engines, are designed to automatically maintain valve clearance, eliminating the need for manual valve lash adjustments.
These lifters use engine oil pressure to maintain a zero valve lash, which aids in reducing engine noise and wear.
Despite their self-adjusting nature, it’s important for us to monitor their performance to ensure they are not failing, which would result in reduced engine efficiency and increased noise.
We love what we do, and it shows in everything we do and more. We share our knowledge, here on Ran When Parked.
- Best Exhaust Tip for Deep Sound: Top Picks for 2025 - May 3, 2025
- Best Clear Coat for Headlights Reviewed: Top Picks for Enhanced Visibility - May 3, 2025
- Best Car Coffee Table Books for Auto Enthusiasts - May 3, 2025