Sorry - this is for my 1998 Honda Civic EX SOHC Vtec (d16)...

I did a valve adjustment today, using the instructions at:
6th Gen (6G) Honda Civic D-Series Valve Lash Clearance Adjustment

The specs say
Intake 0.007-0.009, Exhaust 0.009-0.011.
I used Intake 0.008, Exhaust 0.010.

Now, before I did the valve adjustment, they were a little noisy (hence, why I did the adjustment). Now, the valves are even noiser... similar to a diesel engine. I cleaned the spark plugs real well prior to re-installing them (they are only 1 year old). The car has 138,000 miles on it.

What could it be? Do I need to reset the timing after doing a valve adjustment? Perhaps I need new spark plug wires? Is it safe to drive like that for a while?

 

I wouldn't drive it until you know what's wrong. Check with someone on the forum you got the specs from, or try the Technical forum at www.vtec.net (they're down at the moment). Just a guess, but are you sure you were at TDC on a cold engine before adjusting anything?

 

I'm certain I was at TDC prior to adjusting valve 1, then 270 for valve 3, 180 for valve 4, 90 for valve 2.

I'll try VTEC.net if they come back up today...

I suppose my only other question is: How much is a "slight drag" when adjusting the clearance? What I believe to be a slight drag might be tighter than what another person says a slight drag is...

 

I was told by the guy at Honda (parts counter...), that Honda service allows the engine about 1.5 hours to cool prior to adjusting the valves. That only 1.5 hours is enough. I allowed it about 3 hours to cool. I keep reading on the Internet, though, to allow the car to sit overnight. Perhaps I'll check the clearances again this morning if I can't find anything else. :confused:

I told my wife that I feel like Homer Simpson sometimes - always messing things up! :(

 

Honda Civic - All Generation Honda Civic Forums

You should find what you want there...

Philippe

 

Thank you for pointing out that website!!!

Here's where I went wrong:
1. I wasn't quite sure how much a "slight drag" was.
2. I only allowed it a few hours to cool down.


The solution:
1. It was allowed to cool overnight.
2. It was described on the website you mentioned that a "slight drag" can be found by the size you desire fitting with a nice slight drag, then verifying that the next size up will not fit.
3. I triple-checked by starting from scratch (TDC - cylinder #1), and measuring each of the cylinders one more time.

For example: I wanted the Intake valves to be 0.008" and Exhaust valves to be 0.010". So I adjusted until they were a "slight drag" using my best judgment, then I verified that the next size up (0.009" - Intake, 0.011" - Exhaust) would not fit.

I fired it up, and it runs smooth! It actually sounds better than it ever has (I purchased it a few years ago with about 110,000 miles).

Thanks phil_qc & toasty!!! :D

 

You are very welcome...

Philippe

 

Good to hear you got it going, Homer. Be proud that not only did you take on a task more difficult than a CAI install, but you worked your way through the problem to a successful conclusion.