Has anyone ever done a valve job on a Mazda 3. I hear some knocking and would like to take the cover off and try to adjust the valves. Anyone ever attempted it? Difficult or advice? Anyone have a good website that gives instructions?
Thanks!!

 

if you dont know what your doing, i really wouldnt suggest taking off the valve cover and adjusting your valves...
you could seriously damage your engine if this isnt done right..
ie, bend a valve when re-starting the engine.

and everything inside the engine has a torque specification that must be followed. (how many ft. lbs of pressure the bolt should be tightened too)

i REALLY wouldnt suggest doing this if your asking how to do it...
this is a diffilcult job due to all the presice measurements that need to be followed

 

Thanks for the advice. I have done it before on an old 626, but not on any of the new engines. I will probably just call the dealership or shop around locally for a shop that does it.

 

Adjust the valves....like how? To my knowledge valve lash is hydraulically controlled in these engines. What leads you to believe it's valve adjustment? OHC engines do have a fair bit of valvetrain noise if you aren't used to them....

A "valve job" on these engines would be replacement of the valves, seats and guides, maybe a 3-angle detail on the valve seat for better flow, but a stock engine shouldn't need this to not knock.

 

You could check the adjustment if you pyranha7 if you wanted. The inspection is not different than on a older 626. Cam lobe facing away from the valve and use a feeler gauge to inspect cleanance. Intake clearance is .009"-.011". Exhaust valve clearance is .011"-.013".
The problem will be if you find one that needs adjusted. Mazda no longer uses the adjustable thickness shims that are easily exhanged for different thickness to correct a clearance problem like on the Protege, 626, and MX-5. Now you have to replace the entire bucket that the cam rides against which unfortunately means pulling the timing cover, chain, and camshafts. An inspection will probably only run 1.0 to 1.5 hours labor but if adjustment is needed will probably be closer to 6 or 7.