Can the local auto repair do "valve adjustment with gaskets and spark plugs"? Dealership service dept listed these as one job (one line) in their list of work needed at my last maintenance visit. I've had my spark plugs replaced at a local repair shop before, but don't remember their doing anything else at the same time. Do spark plug jobs usually also include other items checked/replaced? Thanks.

 

No. Valve adjustment is more involved than just replacing sparkplugs. probably an addition 2-4 hours work.

 

right, the valve adjustment involves taking off the valve covers to reveal the valves.



then taking a feeler gauge to slip underneath to check the clearance...the exhaust side usually gets tighter (because of heat) and needs to be adjusted back to factory settings. the intake side generally stays at spec.

the dealer most likely used one line to signify this work because it's easier to do all of this in one shot... take off valve covers, adjust valves, replace spark plug seals, re-install valve cover and then install spark plugs

 

Any reason to have the dealership do these instead of my local auto repair?

 

There's almost no reason to have the dealership do any non-warrantied work over a trusted mechanic.

 

Thank you for these complete explanations.