Looking over my 97 manual (p. 8-6 of Maintenance Schedule I)

Intake & Exhaust valve clearance - See note 5:

"If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance"

What kind of noise should one be looking for? and how does one inspect the valves? What is the manual talking about here?

 

Don't worry about it. Fairly extensive job.

 

Just curious what the manual here is talking about. i have been hearing a noise lately, but its nothing major, probly that rusted off exhaust shield thats is hanging stuck on top of my pipe...

 

IIRC, that clearance value is also located under the hood. Valve lash.

 

Our VQ's have a bucket and shim setup. Requires almost no maintenance over the life of a well maintained motor. If your valves start to make noise, ie tap slightly, you can adjust them by replacing the shims. It's a pain staking process requiring special tools to get the shims out for inspection/replacement. Bottom line is that if your valve train gets loud, your better off with another motor, because it's likely you've got more worn internal engine components then just the valve train.

 

OK got it - thanks, good info...