How to Adjust Car Valve Lash: A Simple Guide for a Powerful and Durable Engine

“Tappet, oh tappet, why do you knock so loud?”. Many drivers have likely heard this humorous saying when their car makes strange noises from the engine compartment. That clattering sound could very well indicate that your car’s “tappets” – also known as valves – are having issues and need adjustment. Adjusting car valve lash might seem complicated, but it’s actually quite simple if you understand the technique. This article from XE TẢI HÀ NỘI will help you understand how to adjust car valve lash, so you can confidently take care of your beloved vehicle.

How to Adjust Car Valve Lash: A Detailed Guide from A to Z

1. What is Car Valve Lash? Why Adjust It?

Car valve lash, also known as valve clearance, is the space between the rocker arm tip and the valve stem. Adjusting valve lash means adjusting this gap to meet the manufacturer’s specifications.

Proper valve lash adjustment offers several benefits:

• Ensures smooth engine operation and reduces noise: Accurate valve lash adjustment allows the engine to run smoothly, minimizing annoying clattering sounds.
• Increases engine longevity: When the valve lash is correctly set, valves open and close precisely, preventing damage from impacts and contributing to a longer-lasting engine.
• Improves fuel efficiency: Precise valve lash adjustment helps the engine operate efficiently, burning fuel thoroughly and leading to significant fuel savings.

Conversely, if the valve lash is incorrect, too loose or too tight, it can cause serious consequences such as: noisy engine operation, reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and even potential damage to valves, connecting rods, etc.

2. When Should You Adjust Car Valve Lash?

Car valve lash adjustment should be performed periodically as recommended by the manufacturer or when the vehicle exhibits the following signs:

• Clattering noise from the engine head: This is the most common sign that your car’s valve lash needs adjustment.
• Engine vibration and power loss: When the valve lash is incorrect, the engine will run unevenly, causing vibration and power loss.
• Higher than usual fuel consumption: Incorrect valve lash reduces engine efficiency, leading to increased fuel consumption.

3. Guide to Adjusting Car Valve Lash

Note: Adjusting car valve lash at home requires specific knowledge and skills. If you are not confident, you should take your car to a reputable garage for assistance from a professional technician.

Tools needed:

• Feeler gauge
• Wrenches, screwdrivers suitable for your car model
• Valve adjustment tool (if available)

Steps:

1. Determine the standard valve clearance: Consult your car’s owner’s manual or search for information online.
2. Remove the valve cover: Ensure the engine has cooled down completely before removing the valve cover.
3. Locate the adjustment point: Rotate the crankshaft until the piston is at Top Dead Center (TDC) on the compression stroke.
4. Measure the valve clearance: Use a feeler gauge to measure the gap between the rocker arm tip and the valve stem.
5. Adjust the valve clearance: Loosen the lock nut, use a screwdriver to turn the adjusting screw until the standard clearance is achieved.
6. Tighten the lock nut: After adjustment, tighten the lock nut to secure it.
7. Recheck: Start the engine and check if the noise has disappeared. If the noise persists, readjust until satisfactory.

Feeler Gauge for Measuring Valve Clearance

4. Important Notes When Adjusting Car Valve Lash

• Change the engine oil and oil filter after adjusting the valve lash.
• Choose the right engine oil for your engine and operating conditions.
• Do not attempt to adjust the valve lash yourself if you lack sufficient knowledge and experience.
• Take your car to a reputable garage for assistance from a professional technician.

The Story of Tuan “Tappet” and the Lesson on Truck Valve Lash Adjustment

Tuan, the owner of a Hyundai HD72 truck operating on the Hanoi – Hai Phong route, was famous among drivers with the nickname “Tuan Tappet”. This nickname stemmed from the constant clattering sound, resembling a tappet’s noise, emanating from his truck whenever he accelerated. Tuan had taken his truck for repairs at various garages along Nguyen Van Linh Street in Long Bien District, but the noise persisted.

One day, while waiting to load goods at Long Bien Wholesale Market, an old driver advised Tuan to take his truck to Mr. Ba’s garage – a reputable truck repair shop on Nguyen Khoai Street in Hai Ba Trung District. After a thorough inspection, Mr. Ba concluded that Tuan’s truck had loose valve lash and needed adjustment. Mr. Ba further explained that adjusting truck valve lash is crucial, directly affecting the engine’s performance and lifespan. After Mr. Ba carefully adjusted the valve lash, Tuan’s truck ran smoothly, no longer making the clattering noise.

Tuan’s story serves as a lesson for drivers about the importance of truck valve lash adjustment. Do not ignore unusual noises from the engine; take your vehicle to a reputable garage for regular inspection and maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Car Valve Lash Adjustment

Q: How often should car valve lash be adjusted?

A: Experts recommend adjusting car valve lash every 15,000 – 20,000 km or according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.

Q: How much does car valve lash adjustment cost?

A: The cost of car valve lash adjustment is usually not too high, ranging from a few hundred thousand VND depending on the garage and car model.

Q: Can I adjust car valve lash at home?

A: Adjusting car valve lash at home requires certain knowledge and skills. If you are not confident, you should take your car to a reputable garage for assistance from a professional technician.

How to Purchase at XE TẢI HÀ NỘI

To purchase a truck or receive consultation on truck repair and maintenance services, please contact XE TẢI HÀ NỘI at the following address:

Showroom: [Street Number] [Street Name], [Ward Name], [District Name], Hanoi. Hotline: [Phone Number] Website: https://xetaihanoi.edu.vn/

Reputable Truck Repair Garage

Similar Products

In addition, XE TẢI HÀ NỘI also offers a variety of other truck models such as:

• SRM X30i V5 5-seater Van Truck
• Hyundai HD72 Truck
• Isuzu QKR77HE4 Truck

Conclusion

Adjusting car valve lash is an essential maintenance task that helps the engine operate efficiently and last longer. Hopefully, this article has provided you with useful information on how to adjust car valve lash. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below or contact XE TẢI HÀ NỘI directly for detailed advice.