When to do Valve clearance adjustments

[Ruturaj]

My 2009 Mitsubishi Galant has 110,000 miles on it. It sounds little rough but can not hear weird noises that I heard on before valve clearance adjustment videos on youtube. What's the recommended time? When did you do it?

 

[Trav]

What engine is in this car?

 

[OneEyeJack]

If you don't have hydraulic lifters consult your owner's manual for the clearances and frequency of adjustments required. Make sure that your engine is cold, cold before doing any adjustments.

I do them on my older Honda in the morning before the car has been started. There are probably YouTube videos that can help you get started.

 

[Trav]

I have done a couple of Mitsubishi cars, I don't remember the years or models but some could be adjusted with hand tools only but others had shim in bucket meaning the cams have to come out on those engines.
Unlike some engines where a tool is available to remove the shim by hooking under the cam and depressing the bucket this one cannot and should be left to a pro. It all depends on the engine.

 

[andyd]

It is the quiet exhaust valves that need attention. On a side note, many engines use buckets and shims. Why? As an assembly process, there is too much "fit and try" to be efficient. The old chevy blue flame 6 lifters were adjusted at an idle.

 

[Yah-Tah-Hey]

Those older vehicles with adjustable valve lash were a pita to adjust because they slung hot oil everywhere.

 

[mk378]

Valves that are too tight are the real problem. They won't make noise but they will burn up. So follow the manufacturer's instructions about the interval. At 110,000 if it's never been done before it's definitely due on any engine that is adjustable.

Also some engines (like Honda) call for adjusting when cold, others hot.

 

[Ruturaj]

Thank you for the reply guys, adding more information. My manual says check every 30,000 miles. My car's engine is 2.4 liter (4g69). Here's the copy of instructions for doing so.

 

[Trav]

That's an easy one to do. You should check them and adjust any that are out of spec, after that it probably wont need another adjustment for many miles.
Generally unless there is excess wear for some reason after the parts are broken in valve adjustment seems to remain stable, the first couple of adjustment intervals are probably the most important in the engines life.

I had a Honda bike that had a 1K and every 10K after valve adjustment check. At 1K some of the exhaust were a little tight and some intakes loose, same at 10K but not as big a difference, 20K was almost nothing. At 50K I didn't bother checking anymore and at 240K they were still okay (kilometers not miles).