Well, I have the top portion of my engine apart on my 92 v6 to have the injectors serviced, adjust the valves and install headers. I am just about done adjusting the valves, but I have two exhaust valves that are 0.001" under tolerance (0.008" and the tolerance is 0.009"). The one valve is at the front of the engine and one in the back, both the worst spots to work on the shims. I have the ebay tools, but I cannot get those two shims out for the life of me. Any tips I should know about to get them out? Or should I just not worry about it at 0.001 under? Maybe I will get my patience back tomorrow.

 

are you trying to adjust warn, or cold?

 

It is cold, been working on it for a couple days in the evenings

 

Well, I got all my valves adjusted, the solution was pretty obvious when I went back with a clear head. I removed soft plastic grips from the valve compressor pliers and that gave me more spring pressing travel. With more travel it was easier to get the holder tool in place.

Not too bad for 175k and its first valve adjustment, only 4 valves were out of spec.

Time to install the headers....fun.

 

What tools did you get? I am doing this soon and want to get all the parts together before I stat.

Thanks,
Jason

 

Yes I would like to know as well, and any other tips and/or pics you have. I have over 130k on mine and the tick on the driver side has been getting louder.

 

Search on e*ay for "toyota valve tool," it was the one for 16.99 with the red grips with the additional small metal holder.

http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_dmp...tool&_osacat=0

 

This site sells the tool that is similar to mine: http://www.handsontools.com/Schley-8...te=google_base

I googled "toyota valve adjustment tool" and got a ton of sites to look through. These tools make the job much easier. Take care,
Bugs

 

As far as other tips:
Clean the hell out of the engine compartment before you start
Mark your vacuum lines
Pull stuff like hoses out of the way with zips ties
Get some small jewler flatbladed screwdrivers and a magnet on a stick for shim removal
Get a nice dial calipers or a micrometer
Get a nice set of feeler gages
Have lots of patience and go slow, don't force anything!

Good luck!