Valve clearances

[mkslrs]

1997 4runner needs valves adjusted. Had a mechanic that would do it for $500. He tore it down, went to order shim kit from toyota and they wouldn't sell him a kit just the individual shims that were needed. At this point he says no thanks, puts new gaskets on it and gives it back at no charge. I call toyota they say $920. The original mechanic is very trustworthy and verified the valves need to be shimmed.....any thoughts on the prices? Also wondering if it makes sense to do anything else like timing belt while its torn down? Anybody know a good toyota mechanic in Kansas City........Thanks

 

[jeu510]

1997 4runner needs valves adjusted. Had a mechanic that would do it for $500. He tore it down, went to order shim kit from toyota and they wouldn't sell him a kit just the individual shims that were needed. At this point he says no thanks, puts new gaskets on it and gives it back at no charge. I call toyota they say $920. The original mechanic is very trustworthy and verified the valves need to be shimmed.....any thoughts on the prices? I'm in Kansas city, anybody Know a good toyota mechanic........Thanks

toyota dont sell a kit....you have to measure the valve clearance and then the shim that is already in it and calculate what size shims it will need if any on that valve. then after all the calculations, you order the correct shim per valve....its a pretty annoying and time consuming process....

btw, you shouldnt need valve adjust unless someone took it off and didnt put it back in the correct spot where it came out of....

 

[PitbullRescuer]

btw, you shouldnt need valve adjust unless someone took it off and didnt put it back in the correct spot where it came out of....

Say what? Sure you would. The cam lobes & shims do wear down over time. (Just like piston rings and bearings).

OP, Toyota is a pain in the ass about the shims. That $500 price is cheap to do that job. I have seen people sell kits on eBay though. Might be worth a look.

 

[Shibby!]

I *may* be getting my info wrong, but I swear I remember somebody using some other vehicle or motorcycle shim that worked and could be bought easily. Kits for those are much, much cheaper.

For some stupid reason I think it was a Kawasaki...

 

[shootmymime]

yeah im in kc. i would give dave a call. he has been in the foreign car repair business for over 30 years. yes his prices are higher for normal side shops but he is always super busy. it takes a few days to a week before he can see you sometimes. his number is 816-741-1498

Daves Foreign Car Repair Parkville MO Call: 816-741-2134

 

[xcmtb83]

You could also easily scavenge 24 shims from a u-pull it type salvage yard. That is what I used for shims in my Taco then again in my 4Runner. This way you will always have 24 various sizes and that will more than likely be enough.