Valve adjustment on Civic any advice?

[JC1]

Going to attempt a valve adjustment on the Civic. For those that have done this, do you have any advice for first timer?

I see there are special wrenches, but a 10mm box wrench and screwdriver work just as well.

Will be changing spark plugs and the valve cover gasket while I'm at it.

 

[pbm]

The only advice I have is that it's better to be a little 'loose' than a little 'tight' when it comes to valve clearances.....

 

[Trav]

If you are using normal feeler gauges use a little brake cleaner on the surfaces you are checking so they are dry, adjust it so it feels like you are dragging it over a weak magnet, not tight and not loose using an oil can squirt some oil in there when finished and move on to the next one.
Check them and adjust only the ones out of spec, exhaust are more likely to be tight and the intakes loose.

You will find that after you get it perfect and tighten it up it goes loose, this is normal. I find if you just use a feeler one size down (eg if it calls for .007 then try an 0.006) then tighten it many times it is perfect, trial and error till you find the right thing that is working best for you. Change the tube seals while you are doing the gasket.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Take your time and enjoy yourself.
I would purchase a "go no-go" feeler guage.
This is a stepped feeler guage; makes checking easier, im my opinion.
Takes the guess work outta the clearance checking.
Good luck.

Feeler Guage

 

[oggb]

You'll get the hang of it pretty quickly. The "go no-go" feeler gauges are a good choice too. Definitely agree with pbm on the "better loose than tight". 100% true.

Put the car on ramps if you have some. Your back will thank you.

 

[92saturnsl2]

Like the others have said, definitely don't go too tight. Easy way to burn up an exhaust valve if there isn't enough clearance.

 

[JC1]

You'll get the hang of it pretty quickly. The "go no-go" feeler gauges are a good choice too. Definitely agree with pbm on the "better loose than tight". 100% true.

Put the car on ramps if you have some. Your back will thank you.

No I don't but I'll use jack stands intead.

 

[DirectRejection]

Going to attempt a valve adjustment on the Civic. For those that have done this, do you have any advice for first timer?

I see there are special wrenches, but a 10mm box wrench and screwdriver work just as well.

Will be changing spark plugs and the valve cover gasket while I'm at it.

"R&R valve cover gasket."

Pics plz.
What oil/OCI/vehicle miles?

 

[JC1]

I'll take pics when I do the job. Just ordered the valve cover gasket today. Car has 215xxx kms or 133xxx miles on it. Car only does 6000 miles a year. Sometimes do a 3000 mile (5000 km oil change) lot of short trips and trips in town. My wife's car. For oil filter using Fram Ultra had that filter on for 2 years (and 3 or 4 OCI). Current fill is Valvoline 5w30 conventional. Prior fill for winter was Pennzoil Ultra Platium 5w30. Its used a lot of Pennzoil Platinum, prior to that mainly Mobil 1 5w30 for more than 10 years. Last time valve cover was off engine was spotless.

 

[circuitsmith]

Have at it!
I owned 4 Hondas ('75 Civic, '81 '85 '88 Accords).
Adjusting valve was one of the most satisfying DIY rituals for me.
Also did it for friends, family and neighbors to get my fix.

 

[JC1]

Got the valve adjustment done tonight. Wasn't too bad. Did a spark plug change as well and I thought those plugs had seized in the head. Attached are some pics under the valve cover.

 

[JC1]

Car has 215k kms or 133k miles. Oil for most of its life was regular Mobil 1 5w30, past 4-5 years been Pennzoil Platinum for winter 5w30 and Valvoline 5w30 conventional for summer. Running Fram Ultras for oil filter, proir to that Napa gold's.

 

[JeffKeryk]

How many were out of adjustment? My guess is, not that many.

 

[JC1]

I know your guys said that leave ones alone that were In spec. I'd say half were off a bit. My teenage son was helping so we went and did them all to get some experience. This is the first valve adjustment on this car in 23 years.

My feeler gauge set is a cheap one, had some missing sizes between .022 and .027, I need to invest in a better set for the next time.

 

[circuitsmith]

had some missing sizes between .022 and .027

I would think you don't need feelers that thick.
IIRC the exhaust on my 1988 Accord was .010 - .012, intake .005 - .007

 

[c502cid]

Looks like every Civic I've ever owned under the valve cover. Really easy engine to work on.