Please forgive what is likely an ignorant question to most of you but I have been reading this forum and am unclear on this subject.  Is adjusting the valves on a 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 2.5L engine part of normal maintenance?  

 

I read here where people are talking about adjusting the valves but then the conversation goes into removing the engine to do so which suggests this is not a normal service item.  

 

I just bought the car and it has 250K miles on it and I am not hearing any abnormal valve clatter and it otherwise runs good.  Someone on an oil related thread suggested I should if they haven't already been adjusted because the #4 cylinder could burn out otherwise. 

 

Thanks for any input. 

Personally, I would check them when I replace valve cover gaskets or during an engine rebuild.

Since you have no issues....?

Valve clearances are an art, you need experience, really.  You can do a lot of damage fast if you mess it up; be careful.

(There are people much better and much more experienced than me, that is only my opinion )

Edited September 26, 201312 yr by igammie

Never a bad idea to check the clearances.  But with that particular engine it will be a pain to actually adjust them, not to mention it will involve some math to figure out the replacement shim size due to the way this engine is set up.

depends on ones definition of "need to".  you could test the clearances and see how they are, then decide.  testing is easier than adjusting.

 

it should be done but the difficulty/cost on that particular motor means it's often ignored. it's a convoluted job on that particular motor.

 

they get tight over time and burn exhaust valves....sometimes.  it doesn't happen often and takes at least 150k for the valves to start getting tight.

 

the 96 models have HLA's which never need adjusting...are you positive it's the original EJ25 engine in the vehicle?  you could swap in a 1996 EJ25 quicker than it takes to adjust the valves probably. LOL

If it says twin cam on valve covers NO if dosent say twin cam on covers yes. Is not a simple or easy job and you need a asortment of shims I addjust the valves when the heads are off for reheadgasketing by grinding the end of valve till clearance is exactly right each valve x 16 takes time. In car is perty mutch hopless can be done i ahve done it but very tight space and shims are tough to get at. Sign of to tight valve will be uneven pulses out the tail pipe poo poo poo should be even pulses and no poping if so leave it alone. till time to do headgaskets