Hey Everyone,
Would anyone want to help me with a starter replacement and valve adjustment? These are my final two fix-it items on my new S. I am trying to avoid the dealer for these items but will go if I have to. With the starter, I am considering Rock Auto (Denso). Anyone try one of these? I'd be interested in a hand and am even willing to pay to come to you and help do it. Please let me know if anyone would like to lend a hand or if you have any thoughts or advice.

 

I purchased a new valve cover gasket and spark plug seals before adjusting the valves. Genuine Honda parts purchased on ebay.

It was quite a job to adjust the valves. They are not easy to reach, and you need the correct size feeler gauges (like .011). I have about 4 sets of feeler gauges, but didn't have what I needed.

If you can have the valves adjusted for $100, that would be a reasonable price. My valves were very close to being in spec anyway.

 

Put the car on jack-stands or a low lift to save your back. A set of bent feeler gauges is about $10 and the special valve adjustment wrench/screwdriver is about the same price. Procedure is indeed tedious as there are 16 of them and intake and exhaust have different tolerances. Engine must be cold (below 100°F). Any Honda motorcycle shop will probably be right at home doing this as once the valve cover is off it looks like a big motorcycle engine valve train.

- Chuck

 

Thanks. The dealer wants $240. I am glad to give any one of you $150 if you are interested. I appreciate the feedback so far.

 

$240 doesn't sound all that bad. I've had a valve adjustment done on BMW's S54 engine and that costs triple that amount at a dealer.
How many miles?