V6-Valve adjustment, is it necessary?

[norcal2]

My 07 Sport Edition just went over 160k..i bought it used at 85k and so far there have been no engine problems problem free.
I had heard there was supposed to be a valve adjustment and head re-torque done at 100k? I have had this done with my previous Toyotas..has anyone had this done?, and or is it cost effective as it is a bit pricey..any thoughts? Or drive it until it drops?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

All vehicles that do not use hydraulic valve lash adjusters need valve adjustments. The 1GR-FE uses shims (IIRC, the 2UZ-FE uses a bucket style) which will wear out and require replacement to bring the adjustment back into spec.

Toyota recommends Valve Adjustments every 5yr/60k; but typically with the shim/bucket style set up you can go about 100~120k while still being within specifications. That being said I still would recommend one you hit the 100~120k range to get a valve adjustment done on your V6 or V8 as a maintenance item to make sure everything is running at its best. It's a bit pricey but at that mileage you're replacing the valve cover gasket, your 4th set of plugs (on the 1GR-FE its every 30k, the V8 uses Iridiums that are replaced at 100k) and so on.

 

[norcal2]

Thanks for the info, ill schedule an appointment, ive replaced the plugs when I bought the truck its probably due for another also, I just didnt want to spend the money if its not necessary...do they retourqe the heads at the same time also?

 

[Pitbull410]

All vehicles that do not use hydraulic valve lash adjusters need valve adjustments. The 1GR-FE uses shims (IIRC, the 2UZ-FE uses a bucket style) which will wear out and require replacement to bring the adjustment back into spec.

Toyota recommends Valve Adjustments every 5yr/60k; but typically with the shim/bucket style set up you can go about 100~120k while still being within specifications. That being said I still would recommend one you hit the 100~120k range to get a valve adjustment done on your V6 or V8 as a maintenance item to make sure everything is running at its best. It's a bit pricey but at that mileage you're replacing the valve cover gasket, your 4th set of plugs (on the 1GR-FE its every 30k, the V8 uses Iridiums that are replaced at 100k) and so on.

I understand you work for a dealer? Out of curiosity how much does this service generally run on the V6?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I understand you work for a dealer? Out of curiosity how much does this service generally run on the V6?

I think its north of $400 + the cost of the shims (its ridiculous how expensive those things are.)

 

[norcal2]

I think its north of $400 + the cost of the shims (its ridiculous how expensive those things are.)

I just got quoted $400 by the dealer plus gaskets and parts..so you are right on the $$, im taking it in next week...

 

[atran27]

I think its north of $400 + the cost of the shims (its ridiculous how expensive those things are.)

by any chance you know the part number for the shims?

 

[Seymore Butts]

in a 4th gen v6, what are the signs that a valve adjustment is necessary?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

by any chance you know the part number for the shims?

There's a chart on all the part numbers for the shims. You need to measure the valve clearance then pull the shims and measure those (or reference the chart) and determine which ones you need. They come in a variety of thicknesses.

Adjustments are rarely needed before about 100~200k, but checks are recommended every 60k.

 

[Elan750]

Yikes, so I'm just about to do my head gaskets on my 05' with 148k. would I just buy a whole bunch of valve shims and just hope I have the sizes I need? Or can I somehow erase my memory so I never saw this thread?

 

[AuSeeker]

Yikes, so I'm just about to do my head gaskets on my 05' with 148k. would I just buy a whole bunch of valve shims and just hope I have the sizes I need? Or can I somehow erase my memory so I never saw this thread?

The key here on the shims is too check the valve clearance/s, determine what size/s shims you need then order only the correct ones to get the valves back to original specs.

 

[Elan750]

The key here on the shims is too check the valve clearance/s, determine what size/s shims you need then order only the correct ones to get the valves back to original specs.

Thats the main concern, as I was trying to make this a weekend job. Doesn't the 1gr-fe have complete buckets that need to be changed as opposed to shims?

I'm not too concerned about the valve lash. I'll measure it, but I am going to proceed with the expectation that they will be within spec, and many seem to be.

 

[kingofthehill]

All vehicles that do not use hydraulic valve lash adjusters need valve adjustments. The 1GR-FE uses shims (IIRC, the 2UZ-FE uses a bucket style) which will wear out and require replacement to bring the adjustment back into spec.

Toyota recommends Valve Adjustments every 5yr/60k; but typically with the shim/bucket style set up you can go about 100~120k while still being within specifications. That being said I still would recommend one you hit the 100~120k range to get a valve adjustment done on your V6 or V8 as a maintenance item to make sure everything is running at its best. It's a bit pricey but at that mileage you're replacing the valve cover gasket, your 4th set of plugs (on the 1GR-FE its every 30k, the V8 uses Iridiums that are replaced at 100k) and so on.

Out of curiosity what will a Toyota dealer typically charge for the valve adjustment on the v8?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Out of curiosity what will a Toyota dealer typically charge for the valve adjustment on the v8?

Not sure, we don't do to many of them, they use a "bucket" style which is a bit of a pain as you have to remove the actual bucket to get access to the tiny shim under the bucket (obviously the camshaft comes out to do this). Unlike the 1GR-FE where you can use a nifty little tool to pop the shims out.

 

[kingofthehill]

Not sure, we don't do to many of them, they use a "bucket" style which is a bit of a pain as you have to remove the actual bucket to get access to the tiny shim under the bucket (obviously the camshaft comes out to do this). Unlike the 1GR-FE where you can use a nifty little tool to pop the shims out.

Thanks. I was just curious. My timing belt was changed at 60k by original owner's dealer. I plan On changing it at my dealer around 140-150k and figured I might as well have them do some other work while they are in there.

 

[scw1991]

What symptoms develop if the bucket is worn? I'd be hard pressed to go through this amount of effort to simply do an inspection unless there was something obviously wrong.

 

[Bumbo]

All vehicles that do not use hydraulic valve lash adjusters need valve adjustments. The 1GR-FE uses shims (IIRC, the 2UZ-FE uses a bucket style) which will wear out and require replacement to bring the adjustment back into spec.

Toyota recommends Valve Adjustments every 5yr/60k; but typically with the shim/bucket style set up you can go about 100~120k while still being within specifications. That being said I still would recommend one you hit the 100~120k range to get a valve adjustment done on your V6 or V8 as a maintenance item to make sure everything is running at its best. It's a bit pricey but at that mileage you're replacing the valve cover gasket, your 4th set of plugs (on the 1GR-FE its every 30k, the V8 uses Iridiums that are replaced at 100k) and so on.

I've been getting into the maintenance stuff when I am in the mood... suspension, brakes, fluids, plugs... do you think its worth even trying to do myself?

$400 doesn't sound bad from a price standpoint, but I probably already have the tools.

 

[Elan750]

Im also curious as to how many people have actually needed to get this done on a 1GR-FE. With so many people going to 250-300k and many presumably never doing this. I've never done this with any car and usually make it over 200k and dump it for other reasons. Obviously its something to keep aware of, but I would need a little data to convince me to open it up just to check.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

If the valve clearance is out of spec the valves could be "tight" or "loose" meaning they're not opening enough or closing enough. This can also affect valve timing to a degree since they wouldn't be open the specific amount at the specific time that they were designed to be. Usually you'll see more performance issues with it. But it's more subtle these days than it was in the older days.

IF you're going to be installing new valve cover gaskets on your vehicle I'd say grab a feeler gauge and check the clearances real quick before you throw on the covers, it's that easy. IF they are out of spec, record the difference and check the chart for what shim needs to be installed. The valve covers are relatively easy to take off on both the V8 & V6 for our 4Runners, also by about 100~150k they probably need new gaskets anyways if they haven't started seeping already. So the actual Inspection is easy and straight-forward, its the changing of the shims that can be more of a pain IF they are out.

But honestly? If it's before about 150k or so I probably wouldn't bother even inspecting the valve lash unless you really feel like it. I had a buddy's junky old '98 Corolla that used shims still be within spec at 300k (they were at the edge of the upper limit, but technically in spec).

That's not to say don't check them, but that the systems are designed fairly well, so if you only ever check valve clearance say every 100k when you do a major service and throw a set of valve cover gaskets on as a preventative measure; you're probably fine.

 

[084RUNNAH]

Also to add, a good quality oil change and changing the oil at the right service interval will help keep wear metal at a low level and not having to do valve adjustment earlier