Oil Pan Drop

[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by Bluevitz-rs

Unless you're willing to pull the cams and change buckets, there's no point in checking the valve clearances. And unless it's leaking I would leave well enough alone. If you pull the cover make sure you have a new gasket to put it back on, or it will leak after that.

Thanks. I have a gasket arriving later this week.
I'm aware of what needs to be done for a valve adjustment, but would be concerned about messing with the timing. I would check the clearances and then make a decision as to whether or not to proceed. I want to learn about timing sets/maintenance/repair and have already watched a few videos. I have all the tools but am a bit apprehensive about 2 things: getting the timing right and getting a leak-free seal on the timing cover with the engine still in the car.

If I was to leave a slight valve tap - assuming that's what it is - will that be detrimental to my engine in the long run?

[tmontague]

Originally Posted by 06YarisRS

Thanks. I have a gasket arriving later this week.
I'm aware of what needs to be done for a valve adjustment, but would be concerned about messing with the timing. I would check the clearances and then make a decision as to whether or not to proceed. I want to learn about timing sets/maintenance/repair and have already watched a few videos. I have all the tools but am a bit apprehensive about 2 things: getting the timing right and getting a leak-free seal on the timing cover with the engine still in the car.

If I was to leave a slight valve tap - assuming that's what it is - will that be detrimental to my engine in the long run?

Getting the Valve cover seal to seal while the block is in the car is no problem, as is pulling the cams. I replaced the head gasket (have to pull timing cover) on my '02 echo with the engine still in the car and it wasn't too bad.

Checking the valve clearance is a good way to get familiar with it but as blue stated it is futile unless you plan to actually change the buckets. Likely your valves are well within spec unless the car was oil starved.

Timing isn't too bad either if you have access to the pdf repair manual. There are marks on the chain and cam gears to aid in this.

[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by tmontague

Getting the Valve cover seal to seal while the block is in the car is no problem, as is pulling the cams. I replaced the head gasket (have to pull timing cover) on my '02 echo with the engine still in the car and it wasn't too bad.

Checking the valve clearance is a good way to get familiar with it but as blue stated it is futile unless you plan to actually change the buckets. Likely your valves are well within spec unless the car was oil starved.

Timing isn't too bad either if you have access to the pdf repair manual. There are marks on the chain and cam gears to aid in this.

Thanks! I'm really interested in taking the cover off and checking the clearances. After reading your description, I'm feeling a little more confident about doing the adjustment if it is needed. If the clearances do fall within spec, I will feel better that I have at least eliminated one more possibility. I have a Toyota service manual which covers the procedure in detail. Here is a snippet



It appears that the camshafts can be removed without removing the timing cover.

Lifters are available for a decent price at Toyota Parts Direct (Canada)