Valve Adjustment As Maintenance?

[gld98682]

My 1997 ES300 is going strong with 165,000 miles. No leaks, no unusual noises, and very little oil consumption. My mechanic (an independent Toyota specialist) would like to do a VALVE ADJUSTMENT as a preventive maintenance. What do you think? Is this service a good idea? BTW, his quote for the job is $559.

Thanks for your input!

[Toysrme]

It's *suppose* to be done every 60,000 miles.

Generally you let them go until they tick when cold, or they have sealing problems. Sometimes that's 60,000m, sometimes it's 300,000 miles.

[camlex]

I have 273500 no problem yet

[JamesFerra]

It's *suppose* to be done every 60,000 miles.

Generally you let them go until they tick when cold, or they have sealing problems. Sometimes that's 60,000m, sometimes it's 300,000 miles.

Hi Toysrme,

I've seen your feedback before and it is awesome. If I could just piggyback onto this thread. My 97 ES 300 blows smoke through the exhaust ocassionally at startup. It goes away within a few seconds. I have never had a valve job. Could this be related? BTW, she burns about .5 quart of all every two weeks.

My first post, so forgive me if I'm not doing this right.

Thanks...

[Toysrme]

most likely the valve stem seals are leaking.

make very sure you keep oil in it. the leak will only get worse, and it is rather expencive labor wise to fix.

if anything, keep it overfilled a quart.

[OceanView]

I have 237,000 miles on mine now with no adjustments.

[byf43]

106,500 miles, now, and no valve adjustments, yet.

As for overfilling with oil. . . I don't recommend that.

That practice can be 'hard' on the front and rear main seals (possibly 'blowing them out'), as well as possibly slinging (excessive) oil up and into the cylinder(s).

I suggest keeping an eye on the oil level by checking it every week, when you fill up with gas.

If you must, keep a quart (or two) in the trunk.

Like my dear old Dad used to say. . . "IF the valves are 'ticking', you know that they aren't 'burning'."

Thanks for reading.