The engine valve clearance adjustment 'problem' on modern diesels

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QUESTION

Hi John,

Our own a 2018 Pajero Sport Exceed and have joined a Pajero Sport Facebook group in New South Wales. Some of the members question the need to have the valves adjusted every 60,000 kilometres or 48 months whichever comes first.

Some of the Facebook ‘experts’ think like old school mechanics that an audible check is acceptable. Some have checked with their mechanics and been told it's a waste of time and money, and that an audible check is all that is needed.

The service schedule shows check valve clearances 1) if noisy check valve clearance every year and 2) every 60 000 kilometers.

Mine were checked at 48 months and 35,000 kilometres, and the dealer states on my invoice that exhaust tappets 1 and 3 were tight and inlet tappets 1, 2, 3 and 4 were also tight.

Please let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Steve

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