I'm gonna do valve cover gaskets on the 97 DOHC OBW 120000k miles. Should I bother getting the special tool and special shims and do the valves or let it ride. It runs fine and gets 25mpg.

 

rd

I would at least check clearance. If it's real tight it might be getting ready to start scorching valves.

That's a good call Porcupine73. I'll do that.

 

a) generic feeler guage ok for this check?

 

if I find a bad one are the shims generic or dealer only?

 

c) Anyone post a pic of the tool I'll need to hold the spring back.

 

rd

Generic feeler gauge should be fine. Just make sure you know if you're checking inches or mm (I got a little confused on mine and had to redo). I found the 'angled' feeler gauges easiest to use.

 

My '00obw had solid lifters so I'm not familiar with how to do the shims.

i've only heard of them being sourced at the dealer, but i'm not saying they aren't available elsewhere, never looked. dealers can be very uninformative about what they do or don't have, might want to check before hand just in case.