Valve lash adjustment

FZ998

MEMBER
2006 HONDA ACCORD
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
155,000 MILES

The Shop Manual says valve adjustment should be done at 100,000 miles or when you can hear the excessive rocker clearance sound. I can hear the out of adjustment sound when I lift the hood only. I'm 63 years old and I plan on keeping this (Southern car) for the rest of my life. This V-Tech engine doesn't use shims like Toyota's inline 6 for the adjustment. Question: If I don't do the valve adjustment on the 2006 Honda 3.0L V-6 V-Tech engine #J30A5-1055798 will It effect the longevity of the engine and cause premature wear on the cams and rockers? The Honda Dealer wants around $900.00 to adjust the valves. I can do the job myself $200.00 for the gaskets, but I don't have a garage. This engine runs like new. I feel I could get between 250,000 - 300,000 out of it. I need your expert advice. I don't know any Honda Techs at this time to get an honest answer about the longevity/history of this particular engine. Thank you so much for your time sir.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

As far as longevity, you have a solid vehicle and should get that number of miles from the engine. However, make sure to keep up on servicing the transmission. With the V6, that is a weak point.

As far as adjustment, anytime there is excessive play, the chance of wear increases simply because there is more impact. So it should be done. It sounds as though you are more than capable of doing it. I realize you have no garage, but as long as you have a safe place to park, you should be fine.

I don't know if you want them, but I will provide the directions for adjustment. This info is from Alldata. The attached pics correlate with the directions. I figured I would add them in case you decide to do it yourself.

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2006 Honda Accord V6-3.0L
Adjustments
Vehicle Powertrain Management Tune-up and Engine Performance Checks Valve Clearance Adjustments
ADJUSTMENTS
Valve Clearance Adjustment

NOTE: Adjust the valves only when the cylinder head temperature is less than 100°F (38°C).

1. Remove the cylinder head covers.

Pic 1

2. Set the No. 1 piston at top dead center (TDC). Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 1 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.

Pic 2

3. Select the correct thickness feeler gauge for the valves you're going to check.

Pic 3

4. Insert the feeler gauge (A) between, the adjusting screw and the end of the valve stem on No. 1 cylinder, and slide it back and forth, you should feel a slight amount of drag.

Pic 4

5. If you feel too much or too little drag, loosen the locknut (A), and turn the adjusting screw (B) until the drag on the feeler gauge is correct.
6. Tighten the locknut and recheck the clearance. Repeat the adjustment, if necessary.

Pic 5

7. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 4 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.
8. Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on No. 4 cylinder.

Pic 6

9. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 2 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.
10. Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on No. 2 cylinder.

Pic 7

11. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 5 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.
12. Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on No. 5 cylinder.

Pic 8

13. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 3 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.
14. Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on No. 3 cylinder.

Pic 9

15. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 6 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.
16. Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on No. 6 cylinder.
17. Install the cylinder head covers.

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One other thing is the timing belt. Make sure it is serviced. You have one good thing with the belt. This is not an interference engine. Here is what the maintenance schedule recommends for extreme conditions. I'm not sure where you are located, so I thought I would add this as well.

Replace timing belt and inspect water pump.
- If the vehicle is regularly driven in very high temperature [over 110 °F (43 °C)] or in very low temperature [under -20 °F (-29 °C)], replace timing belt every 60,000 miles (USA)/100,000 km (Canada) and inspect water pump.

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I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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