Is VALVE adjustment really needed? or is it hype

[CitizenShay]

I just had my E's valves adjusted and the cold engine stall issues have gone away so far, but its only been a few days. Also the E just runs and idles smoother. For reference, my E has 110,000 miles. The mechanic said that several of the valves needed adjusting. Cost was $195.

Thanks to everyone for posting this thread. After spending about $1800 trying to figure out the stalling issue over the past 2 years, I'm glad to see something actually seems to work.

[Kaoss]

Still debating whether or not I should get my valves adjusted. 225,000kms never had any adjustments done on valves, nor are they unbearably noisy (though, they have progressively been getting louder over the years especially during idle).

Is a valve adjustment really a necessary cost? I've been asking around a couple of local Honda and Acura dealerships and I've been quoted anywhere from $200 to $450 :/ I mean, I'd much rather spend that money on getting my bushings replaced or shocks replaced.

[Rick92040]

Originally Posted by Kaoss

Still debating whether or not I should get my valves adjusted. 225,000kms never had any adjustments done on valves, nor are they unbearably noisy (though, they have progressively been getting louder over the years especially during idle).

Is a valve adjustment really a necessary cost? I've been asking around a couple of local Honda and Acura dealerships and I've been quoted anywhere from $200 to $450 :/ I mean, I'd much rather spend that money on getting my bushings replaced or shocks replaced.

Yes it is. The exhaust valves wont get loose and noisy. They get tight and cause driveability problems. And some have reported worn cam lobes.
It should only run around $200. and if someone wants to charge more there trying to take advantage so don't ever give them your business. It isn't hard to do. http://www.elementownersclub.com/for...ead.php?t=8768

[TedN]

I was in to the dealer this week to have several things attended to, including valve adjustment. 2007 SC with 165,000 kms. Was charged $160 for the adjustment. Trying to determine where that amount came from. I was in the shop for 90 minutes in total. The shop rate is $95/hour. That means they charged me for 2 3/4 hours for the valve adjustment. Am I missing something here?

Ted

[misdirection11082]

They charge based on what the service time book tells them to charge. I just took mine in to do the tie rod ends and got charged $97 per side which is 1.75hrs labor per side and it only took them 10 minutes to do each one.

[lizzurd]

Originally Posted by TedN

I was in to the dealer this week to have several things attended to, including valve adjustment. 2007 SC with 165,000 kms. Was charged $160 for the adjustment. Trying to determine where that amount came from. I was in the shop for 90 minutes in total. The shop rate is $95/hour. That means they charged me for 2 3/4 hours for the valve adjustment. Am I missing something here?

Ted

If the door rate is $95 and you paid $160 they charged you 1.7 hours labour.

Flat rate times are based off industry guides for how long a job should take. It doesn't matter if it takes ten minutes or 3 hours. If the book calls for the valve ajustment to be 1.7 hours that it is what the tech will expect to be paid.

[TedN]

My apologies for bad typo. Charge was $260 , not $160.

Ted

[lizzurd]

What else did you have done other than the valve adjustment?

[Wrenchmeister]

Originally Posted by Kaoss

Still debating whether or not I should get my valves adjusted. 225,000kms never had any adjustments done on valves, nor are they unbearably noisy (though, they have progressively been getting louder over the years especially during idle).

Is a valve adjustment really a necessary cost? I've been asking around a couple of local Honda and Acura dealerships and I've been quoted anywhere from $200 to $450 :/ I mean, I'd much rather spend that money on getting my bushings replaced or shocks replaced.

It does make a difference. Valves get tight. Not loose and noisy. Mpg and power go to hell. You wont notice because degradation is progresive over the years.

If you dont want to pay for it, you can do it yourself. It is way less daunting than it looks. I did mine in about an hour. I can't say it was a challenge.

Sound changed and felt little bit noiser at the beginning. After a day, It felt fine.

I am happy with the smoother engine and regained economy

[TedN]

Originally Posted by lizzurd

What else did you have done other than the valve adjustment?

- oil change (labour $18.37)
- replaced air filter, pollen filter, inspect and adjust drive belt (labour $57.07)
- Honda multi-point inspection (no labour)

The maintenance minder was A24. The "4" indicates replace spark plugs and adjust valve clearance. I had the plugs replaced last year so I just authorized the valve adjustment.

Ted