What are the symptoms that a 1998 Accord LX four cylinder needs a valve adjustment? What is the prescribed interval? How much shop time is involved and what is the average cost. Thanks.

 

valve adjustment really isnt all that hard to do by yourself. but if you're not too mechanically inclined then just take it to a honda dealership. i wouldn't trust a regular shop with it. I actually did it myself on my 01' and it only took an hour start to finish. If I had to ballpark a cost I would say youre looking around $150 to get it done at a shop.

oh, here's how to tell if you need a valve adjustment.... when your engine is cold, start up your car. open up the hood and put your ear up to the valve cover. if you hear a prevailant ticking sound coming from under the valve cover, that's your valves. no matter what, you can always hear your valve train moving, but if there is a loud ticking then your valve lash needs adjustment. I believe honda's service manual requires valve adjustment every 50k, but im not exactly sure.

 

yep, the camry is in dire need of one...the valve train is probably gone from all the wear sicne we dont take care of it h:

 

I called Honda and I was quoted $129 . My symptoms are a noisier engine at idle and upon acceleration, a roughness in the idle, and a slight vibration that can be felt in the floor when pressing down on the gas. The car has 83,000 miles and timing belt was done at dealer two years ago, a regular tuneup was done in May of this year. Does this fit the picture? Also I do not want to put myself at the mercy of the Honda dealer re: package service deals. I want ala carte if possible. Thanks.

 

rear motor mount might contribute to vibration?
it might be best to do the balve adjustment yourself because 130 is a bit up there.