Is a valve job a DIY thing on a 1987 740?

Just listening to my engine, it sounds like it runs well, but it a bit
loud under the valve cover. I want to pull the cover and check the
valve clearance per the Haynes manual instructions.

If the clearances are off and I need to replace the shims, is this a
fairly straightforward job as the manual describes?

Are shims expensive?

Is there anything tricky that I should avoid doing this and pay a
mechanic? The Haynes manual makes the job look pretty easy, but I
wanted to hear it from someone who's done it.

Thanks.

 

I've been reading through the posts - i'd have to say I don't hear a
rattle, as much as the car sounds like a Diesel.

It seems the argument I read most is whether or not I need to buy the
valve adjustment tool, or will a screwdriver be sufficient to compress
the spring to remove the shim.

 

Hi Jamie,

Yes it can be done with ordinary bits of metal. I did one once. A bit
tricky but not that hard. I had one that rattled. I measured the clearance,
took the old shim out, checked what it was (think the size was etched on it
too) and got one the required thickness from my Volvo supplier (they had to
order it in). Fitting the new one was easier than removing one The
shim by the way is about 25mm dia (from memory) and maybe a couple of mm
thick, just in case you haven't seen one. A small magnet could be useful
when removing one.

A Volvo workshop, one would think, would have a "bucket" of shims to pick
from and this would make for a much faster job.

If your noise is more like a diesel, you might have other problems. Like
leaky exhaust or burned valve(s).

Regards
Barry

 

Thanks Barry,
Because I don't have another Volvo to compare mine to, I can't say I
know for sure what it's supposed to sound like.

I've had other cars where I know the sound of piston slap, or the
ticking of a loose valve. Then there's the rattling when you punch the
gas and the valves start rattling.

This is none of those. I just listen to other engines in new cars and
they just have a soft hum, with the light clicking of fuel injectors.

My engine just sounds like the fuel injectors are very loud, and when
you give it gas it doesn't rattle or tap - but instead of a soft,
lulling "vrooom", the engine sounds more like a tractor -- not to over
exaggerate, it doesn't sound bad -- but if it were parked next to a
tractor they would sound similar.

Could be exhaust, but I think I'll buy a replacement valve cover gasket
and pull the cover, take measurements and inspect.

 

My wife's 740 had a pronounced tick.

It went away when I replaced one shim that was out of spec.

Here ya go, a helpful link...

http://www.ipdusa.com/ProductsCat.aspx?CategoryID=299&NodeID=5278&RootID=629

 

Thank you. That is my guess - perhaps one or two shims that cause just
enough of a Kubota tractor sound to be noticed.

 

A bit of a clickety sound is normal, but it should be even. If it sounds
like just one or two valves are ticking then they could probably use
adjustment. I think you'd want to use the correct tool so you don't
scratch anything up but you can check the clearance with just a feeler
guage.

 

Thanks, that's the plan - with a replacement valve cover gasket.