Introduction
Ever heard a ticking sound from under your car’s hood and wondered if something is out of sync? You might be on to something there!
What is Valve Clearance Adjustment?
Valve clearance adjustment, or valve lash adjustment, is a critical aspect of your vehicle’s maintenance. It involves setting the optimal gap between the rocker arms and the valve stem in your engine. This space, known as valve clearance, allows for the expansion of the engine’s metal parts during operation. Maintaining the correct valve clearance ensures optimal engine performance and longevity.
How Much Will it Cost to Adjust Valve Clearance in Canada?
If your vehicle starts humming a not-so-sweet melody, it may be time for a valve clearance adjustment. In Canada, the average cost for this procedure is usually in the ballpark of $200 to $600. These expenses cover both parts and labour. The parts, including new valve shims or adjusters if needed, usually cost around $50 to $100. The labour cost can range between $150 and $500, depending on the vehicle’s make and model. The entire process typically takes about 3 to 6 hours.
What are the Symptoms of Incorrect Valve Clearance?
• You may hear unusual noises, like a ticking or clattering sound, coming from the engine.
• Engine performance can decrease, including issues like reduced fuel efficiency or sluggish acceleration.
• The engine may misfire or idle roughly, due to inadequate or excessive valve clearance.
• There might be difficulties in starting the vehicle or a loss of power, as incorrect valve clearance can affect the engine’s combustion process.
• The check engine light may illuminate, indicating potential engine issues, which could be due to incorrect valve clearance.
How Often Does Valve Clearance Need to be Adjusted?
The frequency of valve clearance adjustments depends on your vehicle’s make and model, with most manufacturers recommending checks between every 30,000 to 60,000 kilometers. However, always refer to your vehicle’s owner manual for specific guidance.
How Does Valve Clearance Become Incorrect?
• Natural wear and tear: Over time, the valve and rocker arm can wear down, leading to changes in the valve clearance.
• Heat expansion: The metal components of the engine, including the valves, expand and contract with temperature changes. This can potentially alter valve clearance.
• Inadequate maintenance: Skipping regular vehicle maintenance can lead to a build-up of dirt and grime, affecting valve clearance.
• Use of incorrect parts: Using parts that aren’t designed for your specific vehicle can lead to incorrect valve clearance.
• Mechanical damage: Any damage to the valve train components can cause changes in valve clearance.
How Can Incorrect Valve Clearance Affect Other Systems in the Car?
• Incorrect valve clearance can cause engine performance issues, resulting in decreased power and acceleration.
• It can lead to increased fuel consumption due to inefficient engine operation.
• An improperly adjusted valve can result in higher engine emissions, affecting the vehicle’s exhaust system.
• Over time, incorrect valve clearance can lead to extensive engine damage, such as burnt valves or even piston collision.
• It can trigger the check engine light, indicating a potential problem in the vehicle’s emission system.
• Poor valve clearance may result in rough engine idling or misfires, causing unnecessary strain on the vehicle’s drivetrain.
Is it Safe to Drive with Incorrect Valve Clearance?
Driving with incorrect valve clearance may not necessarily leave you stranded on the side of the road, but it’s like playing a high-stakes game of Russian Roulette with your engine’s health. While it may not spell immediate disaster, it’s certainly not a condition to be ignored or treated lightly. Suboptimal engine performance, inefficient fuel use, increased emissions, and the niggling worry of potential damage to your vehicle’s heart – the engine, are all prices to be paid for ignoring this ticking time bomb.
The potential damage can go even further if left unchecked. Imagine a scenario where the valve clearance is so incorrect that the valves and pistons collide, leading to extensive, and undoubtedly costly, engine damage. Or consider the scenario where your vehicle fails to start due to a lack of valve clearance adjustment, leaving you stranded when you least expect it. When you factor in these possible outcomes, it becomes evident that driving with incorrect valve clearance is not just unsafe for your vehicle, but it can also create unnecessary headaches and safety concerns for you.
How Can I Make My Valve Clearance Last Longer?
Keeping your valve clearance in the green requires some due diligence:
• Regular maintenance: Regularly servicing your vehicle ensures optimal functioning and timely detection of issues.
• Use quality engine oil: High-quality engine oil reduces wear and tear on engine components, including the valves.
• Warm-up your engine: Warming up your car before driving, especially in colder climates, allows the metal parts to expand gradually, reducing the risk of valve clearance issues.
• Drive responsibly: Aggressive driving habits can hasten engine wear and lead to valve clearance issues.
Conclusion: Valve Clearance Adjustment
Tuning up your engine’s valve clearance can make a significant difference in its harmony, performance, and lifespan. So, don’t let your vehicle skip a beat. At the first sign of trouble, head to your trusted mechanic for a valve clearance adjustment.
