I want to check the valve clearance on my '97 Outback. The Haynes manual shows a special "valve adjuster tool" on page 1-29. Says the job cannot be performed without it. They have it at Kent-Moore for over $200.

 

Does anybody know of a cheaper way? Is there another more common tool out there that works?

Is the engine in or out of the car? I checked mine when the engine was out for a head gasket repair with an ordinary feeler gauge.

 

As far as a special "valve adjuster tool" goes, the valves are adjusted by replacing the spacing pucks. I simply used a screwdriver and compressed air.

 

You may be able to check your valve clearances with the engine in the car but replacing any of the pucks would be a nightmare.

Thanks for your reply!

I am simply checking the valve clearance. Part of the 100K. I have done this job on many other cars with only a feeler guage. But the '97 Outback uses removable shims. The tool the attaches to the camshaft and depresses the bucket so you can reach in a pull out the shim. Have you done this? Is the tool totally specilalized to the '97 Outback?

Thanks for your reply!

I am simply checking the valve clearance. Part of the 100K. I have done this job on many other cars with only a feeler guage. But the '97 Outback uses removable shims. The tool the attaches to the camshaft and depresses the bucket so you can reach in a pull out the shim. Have you done this? Is the tool totally specilalized to the '97 Outback?

I see there are some other threads on this subject. Excuse my bumbling. I'm new here.

 

I am getting ready to do timing belt, water pump and check valve clearance on my 97 outback. If you have done this job, ANY advice is appreciated!

You don't need a special tool to simply check the valve clearances. All you need is the feeler guage. The special tool is for shim removal and replacement, but others have done it with a small screwdriver.

 

With the engine in the car you could replace the shims by removing the cams.

 

Tom