Valve Chatter

[aomsen]

I have a '99 civic ex. I recently started doing a lot of work myself on my car. A while back I was hearing this metally chattering noise everytime I accelerated. I thought it was the exhaust system but when I took it into Honda they told me it was the valves chattering and they needed adjusting. They did it and for a while...it was quiet. Now it's back. Is this something that I can do myself. I know I have to take the valve cover off, I will most likely need a new gasket...all good, probably need a feeler gauge....how tough is it to do? I don't mind if it takes me half a day or something....but if I do something and its not quite right...well...can't afford to replace engine right now.

Hope you can give me some advice and thanks,

alex

[dubcac]

You'll need the valve adjustment tool that will loosen the locknut and allow turning of the adjustment screw at the same time...as well as a torque wrench and feeler gauges. It's an easy process though.

[aomsen]

Thanks for the reply on this...I've working on stocking up on the tools ....looks like I have a couple more to get. You wouldn't happen to have one of those DIY's with pics/text?

Cheers,

alex

[dubcac]

http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/valvead...valveadjust.php

This is for a dual cam obviously. The principles are the same, except you only have one cam. The valve lash specs will be different, and the locknut size may be different.

[Calesta]

The locknut will either be a 10mm or a 12mm. I like to use a GearRatchet set with a screwdriver. It's a lot cheaper than buying the $40 Snap-On tool- for the same price you can hit all valve nut sizes, not just one.

[dubcac]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Calesta @ Aug 25 2006, 06:28 AM) [snapback]103919[/snapback]</div>

The locknut will either be a 10mm or a 12mm. I like to use a GearRatchet set with a screwdriver. It's a lot cheaper than buying the $40 Snap-On tool- for the same price you can hit all valve nut sizes, not just one.
[/b]

Is it angled enough to get down on the locknut?