Honda valves have a tendency to get tighter over time, which is unique to Honda engines. Most cars experience looser valves that start to clatter as they age, but Honda valves tighten up without giving any warning noise. This tightening of the valves is due to a phenomenon called “valve seat recession.” The constant pounding of the valves into the valve seats causes the valves to move further into the cylinder head, resulting in tighter valves.
When Honda valves become too tight, it can lead to several symptoms and issues. Here are some signs that may indicate tight valves:
1. Lower vacuum: Valves adjusted too tight can lower vacuum levels, which can affect the performance of the engine. Lower vacuum can result in reduced horsepower, decreased fuel economy, and potential issues with idle quality.
2. Hard starting: Tight intake valves can cause hard starting, making it difficult for the engine to start smoothly.
3. Poor idling: Tight exhaust valves can also lead to poor idling, causing the engine to run unevenly or have a rough idle.
4. Heat buildup: Exhaust valves that are too tight can cause excessive heat buildup. Over time, this heat can lead to valve damage, including melting, which can be detrimental to the engine.
It is important to have the valves adjusted if they become too tight to prevent further damage to the engine. Regular valve adjustments are recommended as part of the maintenance schedule for Honda vehicles. The specific mileage interval for valve adjustments may vary depending on the model and year of the vehicle, so it is best to consult the owner’s manual or contact a Honda dealer for the recommended interval.
In summary, Honda valves have a tendency to tighten up over time due to valve seat recession. Tight valves can result in symptoms such as lower vacuum, hard starting, poor idling, and potential heat buildup. Regular valve adjustments are necessary to maintain the proper functioning of the engine and prevent further damage.
Contents
- What causes valves to need adjustment?
- Do valves tighten when hot?
- How often do Hondas need valve adjustment?
- How do I know if my Honda valves need adjusting?
- Should you adjust valves hot or cold?
- How often should you adjust Honda valves?
- Do valves get tighter when hot?
- What are the symptoms of badly adjusted valves?
- Why do valves get tighter over time?
- What happens if your valves are to tight?
What causes valves to need adjustment?
What causes valve clearance to change? Most often wear. Wear on the valve stems and seat, wear on the tappets or camshaft lobe. Hydraulic tappets can take up this wear, but overhead cam vehicles don’t use those.
Do valves tighten when hot?
Does valve clearance get tighter when hot? It can go either way. On a pushrod engine, the cylinder can expand more than the pushrod resulting in looser clearance when hot. Aluminum expands more than stainless steel so the head dimensions can grow more than the valve stem on a hot engine.
How often do Hondas need valve adjustment?
Don’t need to remove the wheel. Honda recommends the valves be checked at 105K. Pushing it to 150K is fine, but they should definitely be checked at 150K. The biggest issue isn’t the intake valves that become looser and louder over time, it’s the exhaust valves which become tighter and you won’t notice or hear them.
How do I know if my Honda valves need adjusting?
And i’ve had cold start misfires. On all cylinders. So i’ve had four cylinder engines where it has a random misfire just every now and then doesn’t quite run right till it gets warmed. Up.
Should you adjust valves hot or cold?
Major camshaft manufacturers recommend setting valves cold, to avoid erroneous adjustments on lifters that may be “pumped up” If you are setting valves on a fresh engine that has not been run, everything should be well lubricated before you begin.
How often should you adjust Honda valves?
Don’t need to remove the wheel. Honda recommends the valves be checked at 105K. Pushing it to 150K is fine, but they should definitely be checked at 150K. The biggest issue isn’t the intake valves that become looser and louder over time, it’s the exhaust valves which become tighter and you won’t notice or hear them.
Do valves get tighter when hot?
Rule of thumb is to set cold lash 4 thousandths smaller than hot lash. Valve clearance increases when hot, 100%.
What are the symptoms of badly adjusted valves?
Too little or tight valve tappet clearance results in:
- Poor engine performance.
- Engine stall at idle.
- Un stable idle rpm.
- Starve on acceleration.
- More fuel consumption.
- Cold start problem.
- High fuel consumption.
- Valves’ heads and seats burning and chipping.
Why do valves get tighter over time?
With exhaust valves, the clearance can become tighter over time as the valves or valve seats wear down, diminishing the clearance, known as the lash, between the valves and the valve train components.
What happens if your valves are to tight?
Early during the combustion stage or even stay slightly. Open all the time. If this happens the quality of the valve seat.
