1.5 valve lash - $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

1997 protege dx. ,65000 miles. i called a dealer today for price to adjust valve lash as recommened scheduled maint. in owners book. he wanted to do all types of things including power flush the a/t tranny. but valve lash was not on his agenda. another dealer wants 3 hours labor plus parts(shims,etc.). i was told on this forum it is much easier to check valve lash than do the actual adjustment. how does a mechanic check them and what have you guys been paying for that service?? thanks for any replys. jim.

The last time I had it done at the Mazda Dealer was 11/01 and it required 2 hours labor $136.00 (from receipt) and they did not charge me for the shims (parts). The 10% off coupon brought it down to $122.40.

It is easier to check the clearances than to adjust them. If no shims were used the valves were within acceptable limits and should have taken less than one hour for a good mechanic to perform. I assume they are using a flat rate for charges. If you can use basic tools and a $5.00 feeler gage you can buy a Haynes manual and check the clearances yourself, if they do need adjustment take car to a mechanic. Most OHC engines with shim type adjustments will not need adjusting in 60-75k miles.

Clifton

One thing I forgot to mention. When the dealer last did the valve clearance adjustment they were also doing the timing belt at the same time. This obviously saved a little time because they had to have the valve cover and timing belt cover off for both procedures. This might explain it only taking 2 hours instead of 3. The receipt says "Removed valve cover adjusted valves," as opposed to say "removed valve cover valves within specs." Funny, at the time I questioned not seeing a charge for the shims. The service writer asked the mechanic who did the work and he said they have small parts like this around and he did not charge for this part. I guess it is possible that the valve clearance was ok and they just lied in person and on the receipt. Next year when I get the timing belt replaced I will check the clearances myself just to keep them honest. It really is not that difficult to check; I do it on my Kawasaki ATV every few years.

Sounds like you may have a good dealer repair shop. From past motorcycle experience I know that shims are rather expensive. They don't seem to wear so it's a good idea to keep the old ones.

Clifton