Valve adjustment, when?

[natas]

Besides mileage, how do you know if its time to adjust the valves?
Can you hear it?
My engine is always a little rattle-y, all diesels are, how noisy does it get?
Is there another method?

Thanks.

 

[Paul D]

I normally do a quick tappet check when I change oils, if any are loose I nip them up, I rarely do 'just' a valve check .. It takes so little time and it's an easy job to do.

 

[discomania]

I do mine probably once a year, I don't do over the 6000 mile recommended interval but I do them anyway.

I found that a quick valve clearance and timing tune made my engine much cleaner, more powerful and quieter. Best hour of spannering in a while that was.

 

[Galvernisednuts]

Often missed especially by garages during simple servicing but worth doing
Some people don't like doing it but it's simple enough
How long since they were last done?
I agree with Paul D do it at service time or every other depending on mileages covered
I do mine every time but then I'm always greasing the props too

 

[discomania]

I do mine every time but then I'm always greasing the props too

That reminds me...

 

[natas]

Almost 30K and have not done it!!!!!!!!!

All I need id a new rocker cover gasket?

 

[blue beasty]

Almost 30K and have not done it!!!!!!!!!

All I need id a new rocker cover gasket?

Tdi's have a reusable rubber gasket

 

[jamesmartin]

Almost 30K and have not done it!!!!!!!!!

All I need id a new rocker cover gasket?

most times youd get away with reusing old one with a little sealant unless its very old

 

[natas]

Got a new one.
Just called my mechanic and am gonna get it done ASAP.

Could I have done any damage by leaving it so long?
She is running great, very little smoke and really not that noisy.

 

[jamesmartin]

Got a new one.
Just called my mechanic and am gonna get it done ASAP.

Could I have done any damage by leaving it so long?
She is running great, very little smoke and really not that noisy.

no damage , check caps for wear when you set tappets they can wear very thin

 

[natas]

Thanks so much!

Will try to get this done this weekend

 

[trax]

not a huge deal, don't panic. you'd know if the valves were crazily out.. it would be rough and down on power

 

[natas]

Great! she ruins fine and lots of power.

 

[neilly]

Great! she ruins fine and lots of power.

I hope that was a slip of the tongue,

 

[lynall]

I always change the rubber gasket and the little d shaped bits on the end as mine always weeps a bit if you dont, mines a 200 by the way.
Always worth keeping some valve lash caps on the shelf, mines eaten at least 2 in the last 4 years.

 

[natas]

Got it done.
2 were slightly loose, the rest were fine.
She quieted down a bit, sounds lovely.
Runs really nice, the idle seems to have gone up just a pinch.
Timing belt is next on the list.

Thanks.