Service manual states Inspect and adjust valve clearance *2 every 30K for 4J1 engines.
* 2 states Check the valve clearance in case abnormal noise from valves is heard.
Would this imply that only adjustment is need if the valve sound off, i.e. not having to access the engine?? I hear this is a $400 job and every 30K seems frequent unless it's just an audible check and adjustment if audibly off.


Thoughts? I'll ask my dealer next time as well..

 

I have had 5 Mitsu's...never even had a dealer or mechanic mention it or suggest it as a service. Although I have read it in every Owners Manual since the MIVEC was introduced in 2008..I have never had it done.


My 09 Lancer SE had 235k on it when I traded it in on a 13 SE...ran great with no oil usage or engine problems whatsoever.


Perhaps some other members could weigh in on this and advise how critical this service might be.

 

If the owners manual suggests it, it should be looked at.

I picked up a cheap-run-to-work-only car (1973 Mercury Capri) because the previous owner did not have the valve lash checked. Replaced the cam shaft, timing belt and cam followers.

This was after the dealer got done servicing it.

 

I agree, but if it's not broke don't fix it. Seems like the decision to check it is up to the trained ear of the technician. Sure as heck not paying $400 or whatever it maybe to have someone just listen for a 10 seconds then say it's in spec :/

 

Here's a older post I found on the subject.




Outlaander
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Alberta
Posts: 242



I had our 2010's transmission fluid completely flushed and filled last summer. When the job was done I asked the tech about adjusting the valves. He said that over the years he had checked the clearance on a few vehicles, including very high mileage vehicles, and that not one had needed any adjustment whatsoever. He said that he knew the maintenance manual stated that it should be done, but that because of what he had seen, he would not recommend it.

 

Stands to reason that if a mechanic would know more about an engine than the engineers who designed it.

 

2008 Outlander here - never done.