Engine Valve Clearance Inspection - 2003 4.7l V8 - Worthwhile???

[AndroT100]

Just returned from having the oil changed and regular inspection of my 2003 V8 4x4 4Runner Sport.....55500 miles on it.

Service Advisor says I need a $500 Engine Valve Clearance Inspection.

Is this smoke or is it really valuable? My Runner runs great. Doesn't have many miles. They're not saying I need a new belt...just the pricey inspection.

In addition, they are reporting it is time for fuel injector service, throttle body service.

Thanks in advance for any and all information and opinions!

 

[cabowally]

Wouldn't do it. No reason to if the vehicle is running well. Our 2003 has 158k miles on it and the valves have never been touched nor inspected.

Also, have never had any work done to injectors or throttle body.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Funny thing about valve adjustment, it happens so slowly, barring severe timing issues, you'd prolly never notice the lack in power over such a large time base.

As for your vehicle, the general consensus for valve adjustment on the v8 is about 100k, most of the techs here have seen them run longer, but they say about that time is a good time to think about a valve adjustment. As for fuel injector and throttle body, just seafoam it yourself, it'll work better than what we use imo.

 

[AndroT100]

Thanks to both of you!

Please tell me a bit more about the Seafoam....do I use the "pour in the gas-tank" product or the spray in the throttle-body product?

I watched their video on their website...but am not clear on which or both to use!

Thanks again.

 

[Bedstraps]

Funny thing about valve adjustment, it happens so slowly, barring severe timing issues, you'd prolly never notice the lack in power over such a large time base.

As for your vehicle, the general consensus for valve adjustment on the v8 is about 100k, most of the techs here have seen them run longer, but they say about that time is a good time to think about a valve adjustment. As for fuel injector and throttle body, just seafoam it yourself, it'll work better than what we use imo.

So is there an audible difference in the valves? Like a ticking sound? What does the $500 inspection entail?

 

[V8Limited4wd]

Funny thing about valve adjustment, it happens so slowly, barring severe timing issues, you'd prolly never notice the lack in power over such a large time base.

As for your vehicle, the general consensus for valve adjustment on the v8 is about 100k, most of the techs here have seen them run longer, but they say about that time is a good time to think about a valve adjustment. As for fuel injector and throttle body, just seafoam it yourself, it'll work better than what we use imo.

I've noticed a ticking/tapping noise that has gotten louder over the past year and I hear it most when driving by a wall or barrier where the noise echos off. The sound does match the rpm of the engine. Is the noise normal for the v8 or is it something I should get checked out? The engine runs smoothly other than the noise and i still get 16-20mpg.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I bet that $500 is just to remove the valve covers and check the clearance. If they need adjusted then the timing belt, cams, and whichever valve needs adjusted valvespring needs to be removed to get to the shims that set the clearance. That would be expensive. I am pretty sure the V6 and V8 have the same setup.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I bet that $500 is just to remove the valve covers and check the clearance. If they need adjusted then the timing belt, cams, and whichever valve needs adjusted valvespring needs to be removed to get to the shims that set the clearance. That would be expensive. I am pretty sure the V6 and V8 have the same setup.

Right on the money! :sniper:

That's exactly what it entails, we have to remove the intake manifold (the upper portion on the V6, not so much on the V8) remove the valve covers and inspect the clearances to see if they are within tolerance. If they aren't and you decide to do the adjustment we then order the proper sized shim/bucket to bring the valve back to spec along with other things that go with that. Part of that cost should also cover the new valve cover gaskets as well as installing them as part of the inspection.

EDIT- Not sure if I made it clear in my previous post, but at 55k if you are not having any performance issues, I would not waste the money on an inspection, save it for around 90-100k by that time the valve shims will have worn enough that they may actually need to be adjusted.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I've noticed a ticking/tapping noise that has gotten louder over the past year and I hear it most when driving by a wall or barrier where the noise echos off. The sound does match the rpm of the engine. Is the noise normal for the v8 or is it something I should get checked out? The engine runs smoothly other than the noise and i still get 16-20mpg.

That sounds suspect, but it'd be hard to tell without actually being there. Do you have any other issues with the vehicle?

I've noticed Toyota Engines tend to have a noticeable tick to their valves when the engine is running/accelerating, nothing bad but noticeable if you are listening.

 

[AndroT100]

EDIT- Not sure if I made it clear in my previous post, but at 55k if you are not having any performance issues, I would not waste the money on an inspection, save it for around 90-100k by that time the valve shims will have worn enough that they may actually need to be adjusted.

Yes. Thanks again. I'm not going to do it until then and, from what I've read, I'd be hearing something if the clearance was off or, I'd have a rough idle. I've also read that for $95, they can connect the computer and test to know if one should test for clearance. Any truth in these things? Also, which Seafoam and which application or both? At intake and/or in the tank?

Thanks again!

 

[tacticalcustoms]

i bought my 2003 v8 about 3 weeks ago at 131,000 and I seafoamed it . It smoked my whole circle as if a huge smoke bomb had gone off. but after that it runs great. slight tick I think due to the injectors really. from how good it runs I can't imagine one of the valves clearance being off. Going to do the timing belt this weekend.

 

[V8Limited4wd]

That sounds suspect, but it'd be hard to tell without actually being there. Do you have any other issues with the vehicle?

I've noticed Toyota Engines tend to have a noticeable tick to their valves when the engine is running/accelerating, nothing bad but noticeable if you are listening.

Yeah it's a ticking noise I hear only when driving past walls or buildings. I know the 2uz can be a noisy engine so I wasn't sure if it would be something worse like a cracked manifold. I don't have any issues with the vehicle and still get 19-21mpg on the highway. So it's most likely the valves ticking which is normal for the engine?

 

[johno123]

That click has been driving me crazy for about 40k miles (currently have about 87k on my '05 V8 SRS) Brought it in to the local dealer a few times - they shrugged and said that was what Toyota V8's sounds like. They offered the Toyota fuel treatment, which didn't do squat. I also switched to Mobil1 Truck, didn't really help as well.

I've been toying with the idea of asking for the valve adjustment on my 90k coming up... My MPG has been steailly dropping down to the 17's on highway, noticable lack of throttle response some days. Did Seafoam in the gas, haven't done the vaccum line yet or the oil.

BlackWorks, do you know approx how much a typical dealer would charge for the actual shim replacement? By the way, didn't I read somewhere that the valve clearance was supposed to be part of the 60k service?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Asked around the shop today, the tick is caused by the injectors firing. Most of the reason we hear them is that our engines aren't that loud as compared to say a Chevy. Also it depends on the type of vehicle you have for the service. Some Toyotas get new belts at 60k some at 90k, so those services may be different depending on the car, but should usually include a valve adjustment if you're replacing the Timing belt. Wouldn't be able to quote you an exact price, but I'd guess it will run around the $700 mark.

 

[johno123]

That doesn't sound too bad for the amount of labor that it sounds like it includes.

So for my 90K it's not out of this world to have the following done?
- Finally replace the irradium plugs
- Replace timing belt
- Replace water pump
- Front/Rear Diff drain/fill, transfer case drail fill
- Skip the tranny fluid (actually replaced at 60k, sounds like that was dumb)
- Valve Adjustment (not just check)

Myself:
- Seafoam
- MAF cleaning
- Oil
- Air filter

That sound about right if I wanna keep this V8 around for quite some time?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

That's a good list, 90k should be around $900 but you get a good amount done, should also include valve adjustment.

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

what did you clean the MAF with?

 

[johno123]

Haven't done it yet, but was planning on getting some of the MAF cleaner they have at Shucks/Napa and carefully spraying it after removing the air filter....