Valve clearance necessary?

palgrave

My Honda (2005 Accord 2.4 petrol AT) was due a service and recall at my local main dealer Honda. The booking has been delayed because they're awaiting parts to be in stock for the recall. I had also booked a valve clearance/adjustments for £100 including VAT and gasket part. The car is on 121k and to my knowledge hasn't had the valve clearance for at least 60k miles. According to the handbook it's due a check every 30k.
My engine is smooth and pulls well so wondering whether I should still spend the £100 for the valve clearance and gasket replacement? Is it worth it?

BeenThroughItAll

On most I-VTEC engines, the exhaust valves have a tendency to go tighter (reduced valve clearance) which doesn't make any noise, but will cause the valves to not fully seal and can cause the seats to erode and burn.

Get it done.

palgrave

Thanks. Does £100 sound reasonable including VAT and gasket part? They originally quoted around £125 but managed to haggle down to £100.

AdrianC

Quick google suggests the rocker cover gasket alone is about a tenner, but a full set including a dozen round seals, is about £25-30. Main dealer will be higher.

So call that £75 labour. Take the VAT off, that's £62. That'd be bloody cheap for an hour's labour at a main dealer - it's probably about 40min.

onomatopoeia99

So long since I've had a daily driver that needed its valve clearances adjusting, thought they all have self-adjusting tappets nowadays.

I don't miss using the feeler gauges and changing shims, then re-timing the camshaft with the DTI gauge.

reeac

Depends on how long you intend to keep the car. Probably worth it if you will be doing another 20k or more.

arcon5

I wouldn't bother... not unless it's a bit tappety or power issues.

There's always something on a car that could do with being done... you've gotta manage your spending wisely if you don't want it to become a money pit

fishybusiness

I wouldn't bother... not unless it's a bit tappety or power issues.

There's always something on a car that could do with being done... you've gotta manage your spending wisely if you don't want it to become a money pit

Yes but reduced clearances are 'noiseless' and as said can cause all kinds of issues, which are not cheap to rectify.

Valves do sit back in their seats over time, well worth the money IMO.

AndyMc.....

fishybusiness wrote: »

Yes but reduced clearances are 'noiseless' and as said can cause all kinds of issues, which are not cheap to rectify.

Valves do sit back in their seats over time, well worth the money IMO.

You do realise he got a £700 banger?

EssexExile

Whenever my car goes to the Honda dealer for a service they try to sell several add-ons. My view is that if it needs doing it's in the service schedule & will get done.

Strider590

AndyMc..... wrote: »

You do realise he got a £700 banger?

Exactly the wrong attitude, a cars value should not be a factor in how much you spend on maintenance......