Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Valve adjustment

[Wirenut]

I think it's time for my valves to be adjusted. I've put almost 30,000 miles on my truck without having it done and I don't know if it was ever done before I owned it. Is it easy to do, or should I take it to have it done? I would like to be able to do it myself if some would be able to explain how to. My boss has a 98 automatic and said it was stalling out when he went around turns and it was because the valves needed adjusted... is this right? Thanks,

Burkey

 

[Cummnzpowr]

Whoever told you the truck stalls going around the corner also believes he is low on headlight fluid... c'mon now ... in all seriousness though Wirenut, my truck NEVER had the valves adjusted before i got it... and i got it with 185,000 miles... i adjusted them at 205,000 did'nt make a difference at all. They were so close though to spec. You just need a feeler gauge to get the right clearances between the rocker and spring is all... not bad at all once you do it

 

[illflem]

My trucks needed very little adjustment at 24k and since then it was a waste of time, they were right on. It should be done at least once then I'd venture to say once every 100k would suffice. It's easy to do but more than I want to write here. I know one of the past tdr mags has detailed instructions.

 

['956Wheel]

Read about it and do it yourself! It seems to me there have been a few threads on members getting their valves adjusted only to find that a POS mechanic left the locknut(s) loose and scared the crap out of them... . noise. One had damage. . if I remember correctly.



They are very easy to do. And, I agree with Bill (illflem) they only need it about every 100K. Save yourself some headache and get the cover gaskets first.



Mike

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Do it yourself Wirenut. Get a stepped feeler gauge. This makes it easier for a first timer. Mine was made by Bluepoint. Make sure you have an unobstructed shot to the valve stem and rocker with the feeler gauge. In other words, make sure the feeler is level and not hitting fuel lines ect. You will see what I mean.



IMO It's easy to have a tight feel when using feeler guages for the first few times. Very Slight drag is what I feel for.



I set mine this morning. I tired . 010 on the intake and . 017 on the exhaust. Supposed to be a slight performace increase by keeping the exhaust valve open slightly longer. I will try to see if it makes a difference.



http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/valve_adj/12_valve.html

 

[JWagner]

Wirenut,



Tell your boss with auto trans to check his idle... . It probably only dies when he has the A/C on, foot on the brake and turning the wheel. . Lots of vacume being used and the pump is working hard, idle too low = engine dies...



Jay

 

[Wirenut]

Thats what I figured was going on with the automatic. He probably took it in for the valves to be adjusted and the went ahead and set the idle up for him and he thought it made the difference of night and day Well I'm in no hurry to get this done now. I just wanted to make sure i wasn't missing anything here. I think I will direct my focus back on the pump timing! If I could only figure out how to do that myself. Thanks