Checking valve lash in vehicle?

Glutton · 11-06-2022, 09:04 PM

I think the previous builder may have dumped the buckets from his new heads. I just can't think of what multiple ticks of varying intensity coming from one side would be other than valve clearance problems. The heads had 100 miles on them, so like an idiot I didn't verify.

I was just planning to pull the engine, but maybe it wouldn't be as bad as it seems in frame? Would you pull it or mess with it in the car?

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benflynn · 11-06-2022, 11:05 PM

Unhook the motor mounts and jack it up some. I’m sure you could check some, changing anything might be one hell of a chore.it’s prob easier to pull it.

WheelsCSM · 11-07-2022, 01:51 AM

You can check them in the car - it's not too bad. I did the passenger side on my Forester. Adjusting them in the car would be practically impossible. If you just want to check I wouldn't pull engine, but if you expect to have to adjust I would.

Mine were within spec 80,000 mi after my rebuild.

Subie_ · 11-07-2022, 03:41 AM

Agree w/ others. I've done it and it's not too bad. Just be careful putting the cover back on, the gasket likes to move around. A few dots of RTV will hold it in place. I pinched it once and almost ran my engine dry from oil leaking out.
Changing buckets with it in is doable, I've done that as well. It's not fun. Your back is going to hurt like he'll from bending over for so long. Cleaning/ prepping to RTV the cam cover is super annoying bc of oil drips & lack of space.
If you jack the engine, unbolt the pitch stop under the intercooler first.
Might as well do plugs while you're in there too.

11-06-2022, 09:04 PM	#1
Glutton Scooby Newbie Member#: 529499 Join Date: Apr 2022	Checking valve lash in vehicle? I think the previous builder may have dumped the buckets from his new heads. I just can't think of what multiple ticks of varying intensity coming from one side would be other than valve clearance problems. The heads had 100 miles on them, so like an idiot I didn't verify. I was just planning to pull the engine, but maybe it wouldn't be as bad as it seems in frame? Would you pull it or mess with it in the car? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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11-06-2022, 11:05 PM	#2
benflynn Scooby Specialist Member#: 515308 Join Date: Jun 2020	Unhook the motor mounts and jack it up some. I’m sure you could check some, changing anything might be one hell of a chore.it’s prob easier to pull it.

11-07-2022, 01:51 AM	#3
WheelsCSM Scooby Newbie Member#: 20765 Join Date: Jul 2002 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Arvada, CO Vehicle: 2008 Forester XT 6mt/18g-xt	You can check them in the car - it's not too bad. I did the passenger side on my Forester. Adjusting them in the car would be practically impossible. If you just want to check I wouldn't pull engine, but if you expect to have to adjust I would. Mine were within spec 80,000 mi after my rebuild.

11-07-2022, 03:41 AM	#4
Subie_ Scooby Specialist Member#: 419354 Join Date: Apr 2015 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Newark, Delaware Vehicle: 2007 STI Crystal gray metallic	Agree w/ others. I've done it and it's not too bad. Just be careful putting the cover back on, the gasket likes to move around. A few dots of RTV will hold it in place. I pinched it once and almost ran my engine dry from oil leaking out. Changing buckets with it in is doable, I've done that as well. It's not fun. Your back is going to hurt like he'll from bending over for so long. Cleaning/ prepping to RTV the cam cover is super annoying bc of oil drips & lack of space. If you jack the engine, unbolt the pitch stop under the intercooler first. Might as well do plugs while you're in there too.