SuaveGato

Hello,
Getting ready to check and or adjust my valves (1996 3.4 Ltr. V6, 150,000mi.) and after reading the procedure in the Haynes manual was wondering if anyone has ever done a valve adjustment on their 3.4L without getting the specialty tool(s)? (valve bucket compression tool & holder) Just curious? I have done several "shim over bucket" valve adjustments (shim replacements) on other engines than this one and have always been able to "finagle" something to work instead of the usually Stealer only supplied recommended tool, but only after reading, talking to or hearing that someone else has done it "this way"... Just wondering if anyone has colored outside the lines and done this & how or if the manual is right, "It is impossible to perform this task without the tools"?
thanks,
John

P.S. Or, if anyone has the tools and wouldn't mind doing a "loaner by mail" I'll pay postage both ways an a little extra for the rental? P.M. if interested.
thanks

rimpainter.com

http://www.shoptoolsshoptools.com/shopexd.asp?id=2320

$35. Not too bad!

SuaveGato

Not too bad at all... the last few posts that I read had quoted more like $75!
THANKS!

SuaveGato

Hey, Look what I found... $27.70 for a set... http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/sch88250.html

SuaveGato

Keeps getting cheaper... eBay for $19.99!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

progress4m

I am just curios are you doing valve adjustment as PM or you hear some valve train noise.

SuaveGato

Just for PM. This is going to be a back country hunting rig and I can’t afford to get broke down in BFE. 115 degree Nevada desert or 0 degree Utah mountains during a blizzard… I want to do everything that I can to ensure it runs as well as it can. I just got the truck and don't know it's history, If it’s EVER been done or not? And, it has 150,000 on it, so if it has never been done, it is way past due for at least a check? I am doing the T-belt too, so figured I’d also do the valves while I was in there. And since I am there… I will replace the blown P/S pump and do the water pump too, just for PM. And from what I hear, I might as well do the T-belt idler tensioner pulley and the A/C pulley bearing too. Anything else anyone can think of that I should do while I’m in there?

Thanks,

rimpainter.com

While I commend you for tackling a valve adjustment on the 5VZ on your own, I seriously doubt that failure to adjust the valves will cause a breakdown while in the backcountry. In other words, do it to help it run better, but not to prevent catastrophic failure. If anything, cracking open the valve cover and adjusting the valves will lead to some type of failure; much more so than leaving them as is. Don’t let me discourage you though; as I wish I could get mine done as well. Gadget found his to be way out of whack – at least that’s what he said in a couple threads.

More power to ya!

SuaveGato

Yeah, I didn’t mean to alleged that the Valves would potentially lead to a catastrophic failure… the T-belt, however, yes. The valve adj. is just for piece of mind, to make it run optimum, economy, etc… that’s just how I am… just a prudent move, at least a check of clearances… I am an ounce of prevention kind of guy.

I just want to bring all of the maint. up to current for the mileage. To be honest, I haven’t even specifically listened to it run for valve clatter or ticking etc. yet… But want to at least check just the same. Although I have never done a 3.4 L toy motor, I have done several “shim over bucket” valve adjustments before. I have read the repair manual and several write ups on the web, it really looks pretty simple and straight forward… Plus, I like to tear into things, learn how they work and put them back together. I usually find that once I take the leap of faith and tear things apart that I was reticent to tackle in the first place, that I’m glad that I did when I am done and get the warm fuzzy of doing it myself. Not to mention, as picky, anal and meticulous as I am, I know I will do it better than any strange grease monkey at a shop would with no pride of ownership… I used to work in a shop and was disgusted at some of the things that I saw leave the shop cuz the mech.’s just don’t care or take pride in their work…

When I do it, I will try to document the process and take pix etc. and do a write up of what I find, unforeseen obstacles etc… after that, maybe you will want to do yours if it ends up being easy? Or maybe it will be a disaster and I can steer you clear of it! :pat:
Thanks,

rimpainter.com

A write up would be awesome! My drivers side valvetrain is noisy and I don't like it. I think it's more from the headers (thinner tubing), but it still bothers me.

SuaveGato

Here is one on another forum that I found some good stuff on... someone on here referred me to it, thanks!
http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum...lve+adjustment