RYounk007

I'd like to check (and adjust if needed) the valve timing on my 94 Accord LX.

How is this done?

Thanks.

jackasssi

With the engine cold remove the valve cover
Set #1 piston to Top dead center(TDC) "up" mark straight up
The valve clearance is marked on a sticker under hood.
Adjust #1 intake/exhaust -
Loosen lock nut & turn adjustment screw until feeler gauge slides with little drag
Tighten lock nut & check clearance again(do not over tighten)
Repeat process for #3 with piston @ TDC
Repeat process for #4 with piston @ TDC
Repeat process for #2 with piston @ TDC


replace gasket & some grommets
re-install valve cover

RYounk007

Thanks for the reply.

Does anyone know the valve clearance? (94 Accord LX)

Or somewhere I could find it. In the manual, or maybe call Honda?

I've replaced my hood, and no longer have the sticker with that information.

One more thing,

I don't need any special tools for this, right?

Thanks again!

VRGNCD5

Sounds simple enough. I'm sure there's a scientific process to finding TDC right? If it's that easy, I might give it a shot, I'd just have to buy a feeler guage.

jackasssi

There are a few ways to find TDC. Cam gear is marked UP, staight up=#1, distributor rotor will be point to #1 spark plug wire, with the spark plug removed you will hear a puff, thats the top.

no special tools needed
feeler gauge (metric preffered)
wrench
screwdriver - flat blade

remember the lock nuts only need 10lb-ft - they are aluminum

Baget

i've wanted to do this lately cause mine doesn't sound like its quite firing easy.. you can get the specs for them in haynes books i believe.. also dont' you need a new ring if you open that open to do that?

RYounk007

So is the TDC marked? Or am I going to have to find it myself?

Anyone know the valve clearance for my 94 Accord LX?

Thanks again.

fastball

Valve adjustment makes a huge difference.... just did it on my Prelude, along with belts, water pump, and spark plugs. I thought my engine ran smooth before, but now it's even smoother than silk. Mine were quite a bit off. They say you should do this every 10k, but who wants to tear off the valve cover more than once every couple of years?

JimBlake

RYounk007 started out asking about valve TIMING, then everybody tells him how to adjust valve CLEARANCE. So I'm going back to his original question...

Valve timing is just checking to make sure all the pointers on the crankshaft and the camshaft sproket line up correctly. Making sure the timing belt hasn't skipped a tooth. That's in a repair manual in the section on replacing the timing belt.

TDC mark for the crankshaft is a notch on the pulley. It should line up with a pointer molded into the plastic timing cover. There's an arrow or some kind of mark on the cam sprocket, too. But that's a generalization; I don't have a '94 Accord.

RYounk007

I really appreciate everyone's help.

I'm just looking to possibly get my engine running a little smoother. There is a slight knocking or tapping, which I understand could be valve clearance. Also, it seems like it could be missing at vary low idle speeds, which would be timing.

Basically do a tune-up, w/o taking it to the dealer. If there's anything else I should be looking at/checking, or could do to get it running smoother, don't hesitate to suggest.

If I buy a shop manual, is this going to explain how to do these two adjustments (or check them), or am I just using the manual for the specs to check? Because if it's just the specs I'll find them somewhere else. Also, I'm thinking if I'm going to be doing any engine work at all a manual wouldn't hurt, so what is the best brand? Is there a decided best, or does everyone have their own opinion?

Thanks again guys.