So I just bought this 04 TL 6MT @ 175K miles am at 176K already. The TB was done at ~116K miles. I would like to get the valve adjustment service done. Just to keep everything in spec. ..... can a skilled mechanic do this job or do I have to take it to the dealership? What is this service called? how much does the dealership charge you for this service? Any other engine/tranny related service I should get done....I already dumped the tranny fluid and have the Ac delco syncromesh fluid in the tranny....
Please peeps some guidance will be much appreciated....

Sandan

Below is the work I have done so far....
Engine oil sea foam flush and engine oil change with filter
Front Brake new rotors / pads
Front Compliance bushings
Replaced the hood struts
Rear brake new rotors/pads (will be done this weekend)
Replace all shocks all 4 corners (will be done this weekend)
Replace the Engine filter and cabin air filter (will be done this weekend)
Will be replacing the rear view mirrors (In transit)
Install the dash ABS shell (In transit)

 

Yes an independent mechanic can do it no problem.

 

Sounds like you've tuned it up pretty well.

Yes, any good independent mechanic can do a valve adjustment. The J-Series motor isn't anything special when it comes to valves. There's plenty of folks here on Azine that are capable of doing their own. It's simply called a valve adjustment. Call up a few mechanics that are well rated on Google or Angie's list and ask them for prices. I haven't had mine done by a mechanic but I'd expect $200-$300. The dealer would likely be 25% more or so. However, if you don't have significant valvetrain noise I probably wouldn't bother with the valve adjustment. There are plenty of TL's above 200K that have never done an adjustment and are just fine.

Good call on the seafoam in the oil before the change. After having pulled my Pilot's valve cover before and after the seafoam treatment, I can attest to the difference in cleanliness after a seaform oil treatment.

I'd say you've done about everything needed for now on the engine and tranny. Looks like you have a manual transmission so a simple drain and refill with GM synchromesh is about all you need to do. Better than the auto's. We typically do a 3x3 "flush" when purchasing a used TL.

 

Thank You
Javed

 

I'd add a caution that "no valve train noise" does not mean all is well with your valve clearances. Valves will only be noisy if too loose. On the J32, the intake valves loosen over time, while the exhaust valves tighten over time. You won't know if an exhaust valve clearance is too tight until it burns the valve out or you physically check it.

When I did my valves at ~105K, they were out of spec by only 0.001" (intakes were loose, exhaust were tight). That's not terrible, but it is out of spec. I was having zero issues before the valve adjustment and I could tell absolutely no difference in performance or gas mileage after bringing the valve clearances back into spec.

It's now been 150K since I did that initial valve adjustment and I need to check them again soon.

I'd recommend you get it done sooner rather than later. If you do get it done, please have the mechanic note how far off the valve clearances were for a data point.

 

I did my valve adjustment 5k miles ago and they were much further out of tolerance than I expected. Reduced the valve chatter noise to almost 0. Since I am the second owner of my TL I don't know how long it had been or who had adjusted them last.

 

By the way my buddy that works here in Delaware at the Acura dealership told me that service is $300.00

 

$300.......... ...... .....
That is ridiculously high..... will have to ping my local who is pretty talented and works on a ton of Honda's and Acuras.........do you have to change the valve cover gasket when doing this......? or is it advisable to do it since you will be popping the cover anyways??

Thanks for all the inputs.....

Sandan

 

Where are you located? Yes, get new valve cover gaskets.
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That's about the going rate. Even most indy mechanics I've spoken to quote no less than $200. There's a fair bit of labor behind a valve adjustment.

 

If you think that price is too high then learn to do it yourself to save some money. Other than that take it to a good Honda shop and pay the bill. Very simple.

 

North/South Brunswick area..

Sandan

 

What? After having done a valve adjustment myself, I don't think that's ridiculously high at all. $300 is what a lot of dealers charge. I don't know the book rate, but I'd guess it'd have to be at least 2.5 hours.

And yes, replace the gaskets. IIRC, a set runs ~$30. The spark plug o-rings/gaskets may need to be replaced, but usually not.

 

Yeah that's a pretty fair price considering the amount of labor involved..

 

Call and go see Paul, our star master mechanic up in Clifton, 201-562-8576. He'll do your valve adjustment, and whatever else your car may need at a decent price. Since your in Nawth Jerzy, you should know who he is by now. He's also the only mechanic allowed to touch my car!
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I wish my valve adjustment cost $300 lol. I'm in Flushing/Bayside Queens, NY and went to Paragon Acura. I know they're the lowest ranking dealership too. I've had both good and bad experiences but will not ever return there again after my most recent visit. Currently working with my father's close friend who works on a bunch of cars and is well-skilled. My valve adjustment cost me about $700 after taxes and took the dealership three days lol.

If anything, I'd say it's worth driving to DMZ's recommendation in Clifton if you do wish to go to a dealership. But if you say that your local mechanic is skilled, then by all means go for it!

 

Do it yourself.

Parts needed: 2 gaskets, Seafoam
Tools: torque wrench, feeler gauge

Total Cost $40.00

Remove intake manifold, spray Seafoam inside it, let it sit few hours to loosen the grime that has accumulated in there. Then use a wet dry vac to suck it all out.

Adjust the valves to spec, its usually the exhaust valves that need to be adjusted (they get tight over time), while the intake valves are within spec.

When you reinsert the bolts for the intake manifold and tighten them they have to be tightened to spec and the bolts have to be tightened in a specific order.

Its easy, and the mechanic doesn't clean the intake manifold. Your car will run a lot better.

 

$300 for valve adjustment sound like a greats deal to me.

 

You forgot to add in the $100 for massage therapy

And be careful with those valve cover bolts!!

 

$825 here in Boise for that service ​​​​​​​