I was wondering if there were any ways to notice if need a valve adjustment. Also if you dont do one will it hurt the engine.
There is no absolute way of telling if you need a valve adjustmet externally, however the noise of the valvetrain can be a clue. If there is a lot of rattling comming from the top end they may be loose while if there is no rattling at all, then they may be too tight.
The valves need adjusted periodically, so if you know when they were last adjusted, then checking the recommended period in the manual will give you a time to do them. Otherwise, If you've never done them.....then you probably should.
Not adjusting them can lead to expensive problems. If they're too tight, it can not only damage the cam, rockers, and chain but burn the valve seats/valves which can only be repaired by rebuilding them.
Too loose and you can mushroom the end of the valve stems (bad).
Also, only the proper setting will give you the best performance. Too loose or too tight will cause a power loss.
Matt.
