Wanted to check does a 02 acura requires a valve adjustment? I brought my car in for a timing belt change, at 103k+ and asked for a valve adjustment but the mech told me it wasn't needed for my model.

 

Yes. They all need valve adjustment if the clearance is out of spec. But, at 103k, I don't think you need valve adjustment yet unless you are having work done at it.

 

yes- you do need a valve `inspection`, and adjustment of the 3 or 4 that will be out.
a few intakes tight and exhaust loose is normal to find
acura doesnt state it directly as DO a valve adjust- `inspect and adjust as needed`--uh huh that how you do the job- ck the clearance and adjust if needed, rotate engine to next set, ck clearance and adjust as needed
Car runs smoother and better when they are all perfect

 

your guy was lazy- doesnt like leaning over the engine, or has easier jobs waiting to be done
they charge about 2 hours for it-

 

I was told the same by a mechanic, whom I trust, is not lazy, and stood to be paid for that job. He explained that the V6 engines don't (or at least the '03 TL's engine doesn't) have the same type of whatchamacallit as four-bangers. (I meant to pay closer attention, but I had a lot going on yesterday.) Something about the camshaft that turns the pistons (or vice versa, don't flame me if I'm wrong on that) isn't the same and doesn't fall out of adjustment...?

 

its called for `inspection and adjust as needed` at 105
but when you inspect a valve -you adjust the ones that are off spec~
the ones in spec you leave alone
its a loose way of saying- it really needs this but we are trying to make it hurt less

most will find a few intake and a few exhaust valves are out of limit
see the valve adjust threads to confirm
By 150 they will be making noise and really need an adjustment

Setting them perfect makes the car run better- smoother = on spec
valve opening lift and duration are affected by the clearance amount
our car is sensative to it because vtec and fuel injected
Techs say its not needed because its a lot of time spent bending over the car!
its more than a couple hours labor, should add complete clean of EGR ports of intake manifold and service IACV on the TB- lube throttle cables etc- while its apart to adjust the valves
its not a simple act of remove covers and adjust,, like an old chevy

techs like fast simple clean jobs they can make money on

 

Your mechanic is wrong. While you may not need one the valves can be out of adjustment. It does NOT hurt to have it inspected at the 105 to make sure. I had to adjust 3 that were out on mine.