My results:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...threadid=138457

 

I had a valve adjustment @ 28K miles. I noticed she was sluggish and had very poor acceleration. In addition to that, there was a slightly high pitched tapping noise coming from the valve covers. The dealearship went ahead and adjusted it for free and changed the spark plugs since there was a recall . After 2K miles the idle is still a bit rough with a/c on., but power was restored and still a bit noisy.

 

Question and advice please.

I told the dealer to check my noisy valves. They said the valves needed to be adjusted, but they couln't do it because they had no valve cover gaskets. When they do it ($60.00), I'd like to advise the mechanic of the confusion some have with the differences from Honda's B series motors. Meaning the measurements are taken from a different gap than usual.
How should I go about doing this?

Thanks for the help guys,
Barrett/Incubus.

 

If you have the Helm's manual, point out the diagram showing where the feeler guage should be inserted. He needs to know that the clearances are to be measured between the valve spring retainer and adjuster screw, and NOT between the roller rocker and cam lobe as many older Honda engines. I made this mistake the 1st time I adjusted my valves. I wound up with WAY too much clearance, which killed my low end power and made it run very rich.

I'm really curious how they determined that your valves needed adjustment if they didn't even remove the valve cover. Also, it is probably a good idea to have a new valve cover gasket handy, in case you damage it, but they are reusable. I've been adjusting my Honda's valves for years, and I've never had a need to replace one.

 

Thanks Gernby,
The reason I know about the problem is that you posted about it a while ago. I just don't want to come off to the mechanic (a nice guy by the way) as a jackass, you know. I don't want him to feel like I'm insulting his skills as a mechanic.

Guess I'll just explain it the best I can.

 

You could always just casually tell him my story and see how he reacts.

 

Outstanding! That's it. Just like make small-talk. The only thing is that I never speak to him unless I request to. I have to wait until they call me to bring it in (waiting for parts). I'll let you guys know.
ps I'm really pumped about getting them adjusted

 

My car has a "knocking" sound at 18k miles. Could be valves or water pump. Mostly happens when the engine is cold.

How do you tell the difference?

 

how do you adjust your valves your self?

 

Take a look at this: How to adjust your valves

Have fun,
Bob