QuestionMy 1996 Cirrus 2.4L with 150k miles is starting to tick loudly. i figure the problem is a need for valve adjustment. But I don't know the clearance needed, or the order to adjust them in.Any help will be greatly appreciated.
AnswerHi Jesse,
The valve clearance is handled automatically by hydraulic lash adjusters. So it may be that one or more are worn or that the cam followers are worn. The other possibilities are:
oil level too high or too low
low oil pressure
oil restrictor in vertical passageway to head blocked with debris
air in oil due to cracked or broken oil pick-up
worn valve guides
follower contacting valve spring retainers
You can test the adjusters by pressing on the followers in contact with the adjuster. It should feel stiff.
You could remove and clean a spongy adjuster. Do not reuse the retainer cap, however. Do not exchange parts. Use solvent to clean. Reassemble with engine oil.
If still spongy replace.
The first thing to try might be to change engine oil, but first put some engine cleaner in the oil and drive it for the recommedend time/distance on the product. Then change oil and filter and use one grade heavier oil so as to increase oil pressure. See if that quiets down the valve train.
Roland
