when do you know that its time for a valve adjustment, and how much does it cost when it is time to do this task?

 

I would say when you can hear your valves clicking when the engine is warm. From what I've read it's more difficult to do on the newer engines than it was on the 22R. Well, I should say more complicated.

 

I plan on it when I get to about 60k miles. My owners manual / service schedule probably indicates first valve service at 100k miles...like the spark plugs. No way am I waiting that long.
Did my plugs at 35k.

 

I dont think they can be adjusted on the 3.4, but "shimmed" if need be. A major pain from what I understand.

 

I've never had mine adjusted, I've got 192k. They're just starting to make some noise, so I think it's time.

 

ever since i had my timing belt changed it has seemed to make a wierd noise at idle, i dont know if is something to do with timing, or valves, or if for some reason the engine idle sound is a little bit different after the belt is changed. has anyone else noticed or expirenced this?

 

You don't really need to adjust (shim) the valves on a 3.4L except in extreme cases.
Did you change the belt or did someone else? ....wonder if it might be a tooth off.

 

i took it to the stealership and had them do that with the water pump at the same time