Does my Honda need a valve adjustment?
Yes, you do have to adjust the valves, Steve. This is a problem that seems to be unique to Honda: Honda’s valves have a tendency to get too tight. On most cars, valves get looser over the years and start to clatter. But Honda valves tighten up, so you don’t get any warning noise.
Does a valve adjustment make a difference?
Eliminating valve clatter is one benefit of having properly adjusted valves, but the engine will also likely become smoother and more responsive.
What is valve clearance adjustment?
Valve clearances are the small gaps between the tops of the valve stems and the part of the mechanism which presses on them to open the valves . Check the clearances at regular intervals as specified in the car service schedule, and adjust if necessary. Reset the clearances whenever the cylinder head has been removed.
How do I know if I have hydraulic or solid lifters?
Another way to quickly determine solid or hydraulic lifters is to push down firmly on the lifter end of the rocker arm. Hydraulic lifters will allow for some movement, whereas solid lifters will not budge.
Can you run hydraulic lifters on a solid lift cam?
It is possible to run hydraulic flat-tappet lifters on a solid flat-tappet cam, and hydraulic roller lifters on a mechanical roller cam. Running hydraulic lifters on a solid grind raises the rpm points at which peak power and torque occur compared to using solid lifters on the same solid cam.
How do I know if I have roller lifters?
You can pull a valve cover and see them. In order to tell if you have a roller cam, you will need to pull the intake manifold where you will be able to see the “Spider” that holds the roller lifter tie-bars in place. No Spider – most likely no roller cam..
Do solid cams make more power?
The total difference in horsepower between the solid roller and hydraulic roller setup is just slightly over 8 horsepower. In fact, both cams actually made about the same ft-lbs of torque at the same RPM. It means you no longer have to make a choice between solid and hydraulic roller lifter camshaft setups.
Can you run a solid roller cam on the street?
For years, the definitive answer was “no,” since the longevity in a street application can be compromised, and when a failure occurs the results aren’t pretty. Failure usually occurs at the lifter, with the tiny needle bearings supporting the rollers giving up, filling the engine with damaging debris.