1997 Hilux 5L - Zero intake valve clearance

Asked by GuruFTC79 Apr 18, 2020 at 08:20 PM about the Toyota Hilux

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hey all, I was hoping for some advice. I have a 1997 Hilux LN147R with the
5L engine, naturally aspirated. I've been having problems blowing black
smoke under load. After replacing air filter, my next port of call was installing
fresh injectors. When removing the throttle body housing to get to the
injectors, I noticed it was full of black crap. Anyway, whilst I was in there, I
decided to check my valve clearances (bucket and shim type). My exhaust
valves were a little tight and out of spec, but all of my intake valves are so
tight I can't get my 0.03mm feeler under there! My question is this, could the
tight intake valve, cause it to be slightly open during combustion and gasses
blowing up into the valve cover, through the breather and into the throttle
body? Also, should I pull the shims and get them back into spec or is it likely
i'd need a valve job. What would you guys do in this situation?

Many thanks in advance,
J

1 Answer

Thanks Ed92626, I feared that might be the case. So to clarify, you'd pull the head and grind the valves before making any shim adjustments? Would I be a fool to adjust the shims first and wait to polish the valves further down the track? This is my daily driver so I can't have it out of action for too long. I haven't noticed a reduction in power particularly. Also, if you were going to pull the head and grind the valves, would you do a complete valve job and resurface the head whilst you're in there? Sometimes is hard to know when to draw the line..

Your Answer:

Hilux

Looking for a Used Hilux in your area?

CarGurus has thousands of nationwide listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Aung Thukha
    Reputation
    3,930
  • #2
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    1,250
  • #3
    Josh Brown
    Reputation
    300
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Tacoma
55 Great Deals out of 1,071 listings starting at $8,708
Used Toyota Tundra
35 Great Deals out of 1,184 listings starting at $8,500
Used Toyota 4Runner
10 Great Deals out of 304 listings starting at $9,700
Used Toyota Land Cruiser
98 listings starting at $33,990
Used Toyota Sequoia
4 Great Deals out of 69 listings starting at $16,489
Used Toyota Camry
52 Great Deals out of 985 listings starting at $2,212
Used Ford F-150
321 Great Deals out of 14,968 listings starting at $1,712
Used Ford Ranger
18 Great Deals out of 1,529 listings starting at $2,888
Used Toyota Highlander
32 Great Deals out of 738 listings starting at $2,495
Used Toyota Sienna
40 Great Deals out of 750 listings starting at $4,200
Used Toyota FJ Cruiser
31 listings starting at $15,980
Used Toyota RAV4
108 Great Deals out of 2,083 listings starting at $3,888

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.