How To Adjust Valves On Your Car

Scotty Kilmer, mechanic for the last 45 years, shows how you can adjust ticking valves on your vehicle's engine. It just requires simple hand tools and a little bit of knowledge.
Things I used in this video:
1. Feeler Gauge: amzn.to/2jVuzqG
2. Ratchet and socket set: amzn.to/2inoxOY
3. Mechanic’s Tool Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg
4. Wrench Set: amzn.to/2kmBaOU
5. Screwdriver set: amzn.to/2jaHIfP
6. Breaker Bar: amzn.to/2BEo9Ep
7. Shop Towels: amzn.to/2jGDfkA
8. Disposable Gloves: amzn.to/2zSRuxO
9. Common Sense
10. Full HD Camera: amzn.to/2AvoEk7
11. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz
12. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf
13. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C
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[@scottykilmer]

Things I used in this video: 1. Feeler Gauge: amzn.to/2jVuzqG 2. Ratchet and socket set: amzn.to/2inoxOY 3. Mechanic’s Tool Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg 4. Wrench Set: amzn.to/2kmBaOU 5. Screwdriver set: amzn.to/2jaHIfP 6. Breaker Bar: amzn.to/2BEo9Ep 7. Shop Towels: amzn.to/2jGDfkA 8. Disposable Gloves: amzn.to/2zSRuxO 9. Common Sense 10. Full HD Camera: amzn.to/2AvoEk7 11. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz 12. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf 13. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C 🛠Check out my Garage to see what I use every day and highly recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/scottykilmer ❗️Check out the Scotty store: goo.gl/RwhRGU 👉Follow me on Instagram for the latest news, funnies, and exclusive info / pics: goo.gl/ohy2cA

[@TheMindspoken]

Hi Scotty, I love your videos, presentations and the tools you use. I have long been wanting to adjust the valves on my car but I am confused with so many people telling me so many things about 'em valve adjustments. Some say that there is a pattern to follow (like adjusting 'cylinders' in the sequence of 1,3,4 and 2) as mine is a 4 cylinder. Also, some say that the engine has to be ice cold for valve adjustments. I do like your method, however I am confused.........what if and when I do open the cover, I find valve 3 that is up and ready for adjustment? I have this eagerness to service and maintain my own car, but feel backward to go forward, if you get my drift '-) I am a novice (totally), please help.

[@brandonwebb1819]

Scotty Kilmer is the Gono go feeler gauge easier to use

[@THEMOWERMEDIC1]

I LOVE THE WAY SCOTTY GOES "UGH'' WHEN LOOSENING A BOLT

[@macaullysmrcina8684]

THEMOWERMEDIC1 THE SMALL ENGINE SPECIALIST HAHA HAHA YESSSSSSS

[@THEMOWERMEDIC1]

@Shaun Rose me 2 but in a non sexual way

[@Dagrizzb]

That's because Scotty's arm are high torque tools. He just makes it sound easy. A Scotty "ugh" can contain as much as 190 foot pounds of torque behind it.

[@bijan4697]

When Scotty goes “ugh” I go 🥵

[@sarahi3275]

This guy is my favorite ever. I am a 20 year old girl with almost no car experience and I understood everything he said! Thank you!!!

[@keijimorita1849]

You shouldn't be intimidated by them. My mother did her own oil changes when she was younger, my gf rebuilt an engine and I knew a female welder.

[@dynamo3059]

​@Ducky1521 women are more special than men, didn't you know?

[@liveandletlive2894]

Wow that's great!

[@johnwalker7788]

Good for you for getting your hands dirty. Btw don't listen to the trolls!

[@97og1]

So what have you learned so far?

[@GLC2013]

Excellent video! Unlike other people's how-to vids, he doesn't waste the first minute on opening credits & graphics, or waste the first 3-6 minutes babbling about some soap opera that happened to him. He knows we're not here for that, he cuts to the chase and makes it very clear and easy to understand. Thank you for this very helpful tutorial!!!

[@theeeman23]

"If you're unlucky and have an automatic transmission..." Love it.

[@dieselgeezer18]

I have manual

[@hisheeelijah1482]

69th like.

[@RohanSanjith]

@@hisheeelijah1482 are you hot?

[@iPleadTheFith]

You’re the best. So quick, to the point and great camera angle of what you’re doing. I watched 4 other videos that were 10+ min of blabber and horrible angles, walked away with nothing but less time to live. Thanks.

[@TheMotorluv]

My 94 Tercel's manual says to do this every 30K miles. I don't think it was ever done to it, so I decided to do it. Well at the very first valve that I tried, the nut was very very tight, and the thing popped out completely. It was an OMG moment (that lasted a whole lot more than a "moment"). I then stepped on it with my foot to get it to unscrew, it was that tight. It took me about 1 hr to put it back in and I was freaking - I thought I would have to have it towed and let someone smarter than me fix it. In the end I found a weird sequence of steps that allowed me to put the valve and the spring back in. I then just adjusted the 1 valve, then replaced the gasket, and didn't even bother checking/doing the rest of the adjustments :) Maybe I'll pick this up again at some point when I get my nerve back!

[@theglobb2378]

so did u ever do it

[@tramlink8544]

so is it done yet?

[@TheMotorluv]

@@tramlink8544 Well, I only did that 1 that had popped out. it was really tight and I used a pipe to get it out, but instead of coming unscrewed it had popped out. After I got it back in, I left the rest of the valves alone - didn't even check them, and put the cover back up. I still have the car and drives well, I guess I don't think it really needs it. I can't get a new car because this one just won't die!!! :)

[@jbc5877]

I must say Scotty Kilmer, you have helped me a lot with your videos. Being a navy nuke keeps me busy since I've been training for almost two years now and your video over brake rotors and pads saved me hundreds and I'm very grateful for your videos. I'm now needing new valve cover gaskets on both portions of my V6. It's a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe with 239,400 miles and my father was the original owner. Biggest project done on this car, maintenance keeps my car going. Thanks again Scotty

[@__Diaz__]

OMG!!! My car had this exact problem!!!! Thank you soooooooo much Scotty. My car no longer sounds like a tractor!

[@h4k4r0]

Hey Scotty, I'm from Portugal (Europe) and I learn alot from your videos, I also save a bunch of money, you're the best! I wish all mechanics were competent honest and helpful like you... Keep up the good work! All the best for you and your family!

[@jaredjewett1581]

finally! someone answered my question! which side the intake and exhaust valves are on. i was dumb not to look at your videos first.

[@Canadian789119]

This is easy to follow, you make it easy to be a beginner.

[@MrBoldmike]

Best tutorials in the whole web thx Scotty

[@LeanProTech]

Thanks! That's my truck (hence my picture), and it's reaching 200,000 miles and running great. Scotty is as cool as they come in person, and just as funny. He's got a customer for life.

[@disnukka79]

Scotty you are the man... You explain things that I would be afraid to do by myself in such a way that it seems easy and simple.

[@Touya82TT]

Just wanna say, Mr. Kilmer, I'm really enjoying your videos. You're helping me to get more familiar with how my car works and either fix things myself or understand what my mechanic is fixing. Please keep up the informative videos! :D

[@Jedda73]

Its always nice to learn something new, I've always done my valve adjustments sequentially, never thought to just go for the next easiest valve, thanks Scotty.

[@scottykilmer]

If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every Saturday morning at 10 AM CST on KZbin. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just check it out at How To Ask A Live Mechanic Car Questions Free On KZbin . And remember, every TUESDAY I upload a new video, so don’t miss them

[@scottykilmer]

corel, great stuff, easy to use and fast IF you have a good computer

[@MonteOlsen]

Thanks Scotty. Your site moved me to start working on our cars again. It's fun and satisfying. Regards.

[@JSWMobileMedia]

Scotty - another great video! I had completely forgotten about my interest in learning how to adjust valves. Thanks for another easy to understand how-to video!

[@danieltrobaugh4977]

Don't really need the info on most of your videos, but still love watching them and do pick up some handy tips, love the channel. Subscribed.

[@scottykilmer]

+Daniel Trobaugh thanks for the support!

[@sandydogy]

great video Scotty, i remember my dad doing this when I was 18 on an ohv Ford Fiesta it was a pushrod engine and I could never remember how to do it, you have took me back and I do remember the Haynes saying adjust so and so valve when so and so is rocking

[@scottykilmer]

yes, same basic process if they are adjustable. But many VVT set ups use hydraulic adjusters that you can't adjust.

[@Jultykal12]

hi mr kilmer, just wanted to let u know that i love watching all ur vids. u are such a good person. keep doing what u love doing and god bless sir.

[@85fisher]

great video as always scotty.just the one i was looking for to do my valves.keep em comin. luckly i only have one or two that are ticking like an old clock.

[@samuelandrew5845]

Wow great video I was just about to do my valves but this saved me a lot of time looking for how to videos.Keep em coming

[@MattLeitholt]

Scotty, you sent me here from your live talk today, thank you! Very easy to understand. I'll be doing my brakes at the same time as well.

[@yumpbalump]

Thanks so much! Love the concise editing! Super helpful.

[@unicornpoop7323]

A King amongst men! Thank you Scotty 👍

[@alexandermiller6583]

what an adorable and extremely informative man

[@craftsman673]

You make it seem simple Scotty!...More time consuming than difficult. Thanks!.

[@drayadaydream3197]

Another great video, thank you Scotty!! Great outro with the tailgate, that cracked me up

[@keninpeoria]

Great tips. The best channel on youtube . Waving hi from central Illinois,ken

[@scottykilmer]

when the cam pushes on the valve, most of those designs use stainless steel shims. You check em the same, BUT to adjust em you have to remove shims and put a different size one in. a royal pain

[@LeoAndkaren03]

Scotty you are the best !!! Thank for the videos you do for us!!

[@MikeAGrabenstein]

thanks scott. valve adjustment sounds like just what my 88 mercury cougar needs. makes that same exact sound.

[@scottykilmer]

total urban legend, they get out of adjustment, they need adjusting it you want it to run right

[@almondtreewatchman4474]

I don't suppose you could do a Ford focus mk.2 automatic by any chance? 😁

[@rudysilva1829]

Thank you and I love your channel man keep on doing your thing man you're awesome

[@PRSCheVelle]

Now, this is the kinda video I wait for all week long from ya Scotty I love learning new tricks from a old dog ( not that your old ) just funny,, Thank again scotty on the 2010 toyato rav 4 oil fiter removal with the oil filter pliers,, worked great !!!! take care, keep the Videos ah Coming :)

[@scottykilmer]

I would switch to castrol normal oil myself, and would see if it went away and would live with it if only once in a while

[@CotswoldParagliding]

Ha! Yes Scot! That was both helpful and fun to watch :-) going to try it out on my 98 reliant robin now! Cheers!

[@mkrmmd1162]

Explained best so far on KZbin

[@franciscotapia3811]

That's awesome. I've could have done that to my old Mitsubishi and save a ton of money. I'll check your channel next time my car needs work done. Thanks for the video.

[@tink0801]

Pretty easy to be honest. Thank you for this helped me a lot

[@julianomason439]

Hey Scott thx for share your knowledge with internet I appreciate it THX A LOT

[@jordanescobar9854]

Thankyou for the video! It was a HUGE help

[@johnmitchell6829]

Thanks Scotty, I had a valve problem and now they're all good

[@simonarizaga1387]

Your the best man you helped me in many situations on my car thanks man

[@tomduncan1970]

Excellent tips. I never thought of putting the car and gear and pushing it. Thx Scotty!

[@themanshere74]

Wow! That's great, I never knew that could be done and so easy too. Thanks Scotty.

[@sniper50cal2]

Upon further inspection the noise seems to be coming from the front of the engine where the timing chain lives. During the rebuild I decided to splurge a little and put in metal backed timing guides. How would I go about fixing a timing chain rattle/loose timing chain? You're not only a life saver but a pocket book saver as well! TREMENDOUS HELP!

[@charlescarter6170]

this guy is awesome .......keep doing your thing bro....u teach a lot n a n was easy 4 me 2 understand!

[@mclaine33]

Sweet Duesenberg! Those sell for a lot of money now. Thanks for the video Scotty.

[@guesswhomartin9249]

Thank you Scotty.. this was very helpful.

[@josej4169]

Sp thats how you adjust the Valves, Thanks Scotty for another great video :)

[@hellohello8556]

Great video Scotty. Thankyou. 👍

[@alexandre_fraga]

exellent tip in my case I used a jack and lifted the wheel pulls to put the car on the spot. very good

[@ScubaCat3]

I had my grandfather's 87 Century back in '2000 which I stupidly traded. I drove a 2002 Century rental car once and I'd swear it was identical other than the exterior body (and maybe power locks or something.) That thing never died, was easy to work on, and I'd certainly buy one again. The only thing I ever did was replace the alternator 3 times until I finally figured out it was being caused by the belt tensioner sticking.

[@scottykilmer]

some have adjustable nuts you loosen then tighten up the cable. If not, you need a new cable they do break over time

[@GiovaniCapitanio]

wonderful Scotty Kilmer

[@YouTubeCertified]

You're great man! Love the vids Scotty

[@chppper67]

great video Scotty.

[@sarafillman6138]

You are the best! I love your videos. They are simple and too the point and I leave smarter than when I came. Thanks!! P.S. Will you be my mechanic, pleeeeaaassseeee!!?? I like tool #9 in the comments the best. haha!!

[@Eklipze]

Thank you so much scottykilmer! You just solved my problem for loud engine. I have 130 000km on my accord and haven't done a valve adjustment. My question to you is, how often does it need to be done?

[@Ace-zr2zt]

You’re awesome Scotty thanks!!

[@scottykilmer]

of course check that, BUT any small front end wear problem can do that, most front end shops give free estimates, you might do that.

[@ahmedbenali3931]

thank you my dad for all this education im from libya i like your way to fix problems

[@scottykilmer]

never worked on tractors, just look around for the missing part area IF it was important something would bind or make noise with it missing

[@Senorlatulla]

love the video, thanks for simplifying this task for us... any advice on a 1.5 mazda protege? (valve adjustment)

[@kimgow7671]

I'm going through this w my mazda3 2010 an they are trying to say I need a new moter??

[@MrEddyisback]

really helpful videos thanks man,i am now a mechanic thanks to you lol

[@lilarreola27]

Beautiful classic at the end! So im asuming you're good with classic engines as well? Because there there are many Classic lovers out here who also need mechanic help and tips. I own a 1988 Cadillac brouham.

[@scottykilmer]

should be near the thermostat housing where the big radiator hose clamps to the engine

[@19914runner]

I wish it was this easy on my 3vze! Great video! Might do this on my Honda though:)

[@user-TurboD12]

Scotty, your videos and knowledge is amazing always. Quick question. I have a 2018 Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo with manual transmission. when doing my valves, can I simply put the gear in neutral to turn the valves or do I have to move the shifter to each gear? Also, once I go through all the valves, do I have to go back to cylinder one and reposition back to top dead center before starting the car? Thank you. I want to learn and it will save me tons of money as well.

[@Jimmynitr]

Good stuff Marty.

[@billdougan4022]

My mom said, "what's all that noise?" I answered, "I don't know", now I know. It needs a valve adjustment.

[@scottykilmer]

then you follow each pipe up to the head, exhaust pipe goes to exhaust valve, intake manifold pipe goes to intake valves. Not all cars have engines with all exhaust on one side and all intake on the other

[@scottykilmer]

yes, it often will

[@scottykilmer]

if it reeks of gas, check the fuel injection system first, and realize those things often get bad air flow sensors that do that

[@scottykilmer]

makes the engine run smoother and last longer if you stop the noise

[@Liamautomechanic]

good vid. its best to set the tappets[valves] when the engine is cold.

[@scottykilmer]

those use hydraulic valve adjusting lifters that adjust themselves, they can only be replaced if bad. If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every saturday morning at 10 AM CST on google events. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just go to my scotty kilmer channel on youtube saturday morning at 10, and click on the google plus icon on the top right corner. That takes you to the event. You do have to be a member of google plus to ask questions, so join up,

[@yim76]

You the best Scotty thanks

[@martynjames5963]

Love the vids. hey - here's a tip how to replace valve seals without taking the head off. My Korean mechanic did it on my car when I lived in Korea. Put at TDC, back it off, poke rope so it coils on the piston, push it back up. Can now remove collets by pressing spring with a 'thing' he made. Valve can't fall in the engine. Replace seal. Replace spring. Cured my smokin' car.

[@dumptonpark]

like yo style of workin.

[@adv512]

thank you for uploading this video. my truck. (same motor) makes this noise! now mine is an automatic and my question is would this cause rough idle in gear and low power?

[@erinnsmith180]

Great, now all I need is a feeler gauge, a big ol' wrench thingy with a huge sockety- do. GIRL POWER! Gotta replace the valve gasket in my old 98 Corolla... might as well adjust the lifter ticks while I have it apart. Thanks Scottie!

[@scottykilmer]

If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every saturday morning at 10 AM CST on google events. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just go to my scotty kilmer channel on youtube saturday morning at 10, and click on the google plus icon on the top right corner. That takes you to the event. You do have to be a member of google plus to ask questions, so join up, it’s all Free.

[@scottykilmer]

yes, flooded engines often need a total rebuild

[@scottykilmer]

yep, if adjusted correctly and still making noise, the lifters themselves are worn and need replacing, OR the engine has valve damage

[@toddevans895]

Absolute legend 👍

[@scottykilmer]

depends on the set up, some have 4 valves per cylinder, some have only two, some even have 3

[@ericbland2571]

Love the videos! I can not find the specs for the valves for my 2002 f150 5.4 engine. Do you know where I could look next?

[@scottykilmer]

many use that system

[@TheMindspoken]

Hi Scotty, love your vdos. This one though is what I am really interested in. Is there a particular pattern to adjust the valves or can they be adjusted randomly. Some wannabes say the rule of 9 etc etc. I am all baffled, please help and reply soonest. Sorry if I seem dumb, but just dying to do my valves asap.

[@coryhynes730]

awesome video

[@scottykilmer]

valves make clicking noises, but knocking noises are generally pistons from worn bearings that give them too much slack so they knock when moving up and down. any pro mechanic can tell you seeing the car in person quickly

[@davesolo3781]

Ok thanks that makes sense.i love your videos

[@scottykilmer]

depends on the engine design, this one was made to be done warm

[@scottykilmer]

If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every saturday morning at 10 AM CST on google events. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just go to my scotty kilmer channel on youtube saturday morning at 10, and click on the google plus icon on the top right corner. That takes you to the event. You do have to be a member of google plus to ask questions, so join up, it’s all Free.

[@THEMOWERMEDIC1]

MY 02 BLAZER USES ABOUT 1/2 QT BETWEEN OIL CHANGES HOW MUCH DOES THE ONE YOUR BUYING USE?