Brand New 2000 LX470 refresh - complete valve refresh (1 Viewer)

[Shiggy]

Howdy, just recently bought a 2000 LX470 with a healthy 300k on the dash and getting ready for an overall refresh.
Already have a basic plan in my head but want to start with, and specifically am curious about, a complete valve job. The engine has a tick (passenger side of the engine bay near the top of the engine), and while I am bringing it to a Toyota/lexus mechanic for a once over, but I’m almost certain I’ll need/want to do a total refresh of the engine above the head.
Fairly new to working on vehicles past some basic stuff and not really sure what all I’ll need for a valve job on this. Basically looking for correction on parts I’ll need (and maybe a general guide on this specific engine, not seeing much on that job specifically here) if im just gonna do it all while I’m in there. So far I’ve gathered I’ll need 16 intake and 16 exhaust valves, valve springs, 8x headbolts (not sure on the torque spec), and valve gaskets w/ a valve gapper (not sure on the tolerance) and lapping stuff. Am I missing anything here?

Thanks!

 

[Shiggy]

And to be clear, I’m 100% down to spend as much money (within reason ofc) and time as it takes to get this thing back in pristine shape and trucking along another 3-400k miles. Really the main reason I’m wanting to go fairly all in on the valves while I’m in there.

 

[fussychicken]

You sure it is the valves? Read up on the exhaust manifold tick first. From what I can tell that is far more common than the actual engine ticking.

Also check your spark plugs too to make sure they are in at the correct torque. It is very common for them to back out and cause major problems if you catch it too late.

Only if you are sure it is neither of those things would I then consider taking apart the engine. Most of us here love the fact that we don't have to take apart our engine.

 

[Shiggy]

You sure it is the valves? Read up on the exhaust manifold tick first. From what I can tell that is far more common than the actual engine ticking.

Also check your spark plugs too to make sure they are in at the correct torque. It is very common for them to back out and cause major problems if you catch it too late.

Only if you are sure it is neither of those things would I then consider taking apart the engine. Most of us here love the fact that we don't have to take apart our engine.

Fairly sure it’s not the exhaust but never say never right?. Probably gonna go through and do a valve service regardless…not thinking the last owner put in a ton of money to maintaining this thing.
Spark plugs are a good point tho! Have a laundry list of s*** this needs done (thank god I got a solid price on it) so that’s an easy one to knock out

 

[nissanh]

I would not touch or open the engine up to make a refresh.. often times, you will make it worst. Just get OEM from a dealer or rockauto (avoid ebay/amazon) coil packs, spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter etc., If you want a good deal, then go with partsouq.com located in dubai. search part diagrams after entering the VIN. get it shiped via Fedex..

 

[awesomeissquid]

I agree with @nissanh and @fussychicken.

Check the exhaust manifold since that is a comment crack point which can lead to ticking noises. Typically that can seal up once you drive for a bit and the noise will be less pronounced.

Also check the spark plugs. Many find them backing out of the threads. When this happens the compression gasses can get past and make noise. If it gets bad enough then the spark plug can shoot out of the head. Then you really might need to pull the head.

Having been in there, I would not want to pull the heads unless I really had to. I can think of a few more checks I would do first like a borescope inspection, compression test, and a leak down test.

 

[NE Snowman]

Echoing the above, do not plan to touch the valves. Most likely either exhaust manifold crack/gasket or possible spark plug backing out. Both of these topics are heavily covered on mud.

Do you know much about the 2UZ?

 

[Foehammer]

On a related note does anyone know when valve adjustment has to be done; if ever?

 

[awesomeissquid]

On a related note does anyone know when valve adjustment has to be done; if ever?

I believe last year when looking I only came across one thread of someone checking their valve bucket shims who was not doing a full tear down. I don’t think it really ever needs to be done unless you are tearing things down or have a noise or other issue.

 

[NE Snowman]

No clue, I thought I remembering seeing the million mile tundra had many parts still in factory specs.

 

[jsloden]

Definitely don't want to try and tackle a valve job if "you're fairly new to working on cars" try a timing belt job first or maybe a brake job. More than likely you have an exhaust tick which a very common thing on these vehicles. Buy a new manifold and since it's on the passenger side you got lucky. That's the easy one. You should never really open up an engine unless it's absolutely necessary.

 

[Foehammer]

Or just deal with and save up for Doug Thorley headers; permanent fix and more mpg and power.

 

[AARONTLC]

I just repaired my drivers side tick. Check the torque on your spark plugs without undue delay (18 ft lbs). FSM calls for 13 but that is too light. Good luck!