valve clearance too loose?

[96pearlrunner]

I installed new heads on my 96 3.4l and 2 of my exhaust valve clearance is a little out of spec. one measures 0.015" and the other measures 0.016". Spec calls for 0.011" to 0.014" for the exhaust side. My question is should i re-shim it or leave it alone.

 

[alanflies]

you can re shim them, not that bad to do, you just have to carefully measure the shims (with a good mic) that are in there and then replace with the shim that's the difference over. the problem is last I checked, you have to buy the whole re-shim kit, and it may be a little pricey. If you can measure them all, you may find that one or two are over spec and can be re-arranged to get them all in spec. Also, If I remember correctly, you should be taking measurements with a feeler gauge at operating temperature. If you didn't and your only out by a couple thousandths, you may actually be in spec anyway.
I have seen these 3.4 engines tap a little because of this but it probably wont hurt the engine IE (it will probably still run forever) if you decide not to re-shim them.

 

[LittleCaesar]

You can buy the individual shims from the dealer, but more than likely they have to be ordered.

Tackle it if you want to but I'd just leave it alone IMHO.

 

[KidVermicious]

The 2.7 has a reputation for going too tight on the exhaust side and burning valves. I haven't heard that about the 3.4, so I'd just leave them.

If you decide to do them, you can get single shims from the dealer.

 

[alanflies]

That's good to know about being able to buy single shims...When I checked at our local Toyota dealer, they tried to sell me the whole kit for like a gazillion dollars, so I passed on it.

 

[ajonesnv]

That's good to know about being able to buy single shims...When I checked at our local Toyota dealer, they tried to sell me the whole kit for like a gazillion dollars, so I passed on it.

They are pricey for that little piece of metal, but the real killer is the truck will be out for a couple days. Though it is a fairly simple job, especially since it is the exhaust side you can just pull the cam and get to the shims super easy without the tool to compress the bucket.

 

[mkslrs]

I'll second pulling the cam instead of fighting with the tools you need to pull the shims out from underneath it. Did this a year ago and the shims cost $13, but they did have to order them. I did mine because of the excessive ticking sound, found that the number 1 exhaust valve was loose. Can't remember the numbers but it was farther off than yours. I'll see if i can find my notes

 

[mkslrs]

The loose valve measured .61, after shimming .33........I took it to a couple different shops before doing it and nobody acted like the ticking sound was that big of a deal. Heard stuff like "a tappy valve is a happy valve".

 

[02SE]

A little loose is better than a little tight. Still, if it were me, I would adjust it so it is within spec.