Valve Adjust Services

Valve adjustment is an important part of engine maintenance. If your valves are out of alignment, your engine can lose power, burn more fuel, and wear out faster. That’s why this service is key for engines like the Volvo D13 and ISX Cummins.

Over time, valves get out of spec. If they’re not fixed, it can cause overheating, rough idling, or even long-term engine damage. Regular valve adjustments help your engine run smoother, last longer, and stay fuel-efficient.

It’s best to include valve checks in your routine maintenance. Skipping it puts extra strain on the engine and may lead to costly repairs later.

Our team does this job the right way. We inspect your engine carefully, adjust the valves to spec, and make sure everything runs the way it should. A proper adjustment can improve performance, cut down on fuel use, and prevent bigger problems down the road.

Find Out More.

Valve Adjustment Solutions

Inspection

We check valve clearances and look for signs of wear or damage before adjusting anything.

1. Rocker Arms: Checked for movement and wear.
2. Push Rods: Inspected for bending or damage.
3. Cam Lobes: We look for uneven wear that may affect timing.

Adjustment to Spec

We set the valves to factory specs for engines like Volvo D13 and ISX Cummins.

1. Manual Adjustment: We use feeler gauges for precision.
2. OEM Specs: Each engine has a specific setting.
3. Valve Lash: Set to correct gap while engine is cold.

Noise & Idle Check

We listen for ticking or rough idle that may point to valve problems.

1. Ticking: Can mean a valve is too loose.
2. Low Idle or Stalling: Caused by tight valves.
3. Noise Pattern: Helps tell intake vs exhaust valve issues.

Power Loss Diagnosis

If your truck feels weak, we check if valve misalignment is the cause.

1. Derate Mode: Sometimes caused by tight valves.
2. Misfire Feel: Engine may shake or feel uneven.
3. Fuel Usage Spike: Poor valve timing can waste fuel.

Fuel Efficiency Check

We make sure valve timing isn’t hurting your fuel economy.

1. Overfueling: Can happen if valves are out of sync.
2. Exhaust Temps: We check for excess heat.
3. Smoother Operation: Correct timing improves MPG.

Preventive Maintenance

We recommend regular valve service at key mileage intervals to avoid costly engine repairs later.

1. Interval: Volvo/Cummins suggest service every 250k miles.
2. Early Signs: Loss of power, noise, or engine light.
3. Save Repairs: Fixing early avoids head or valve failure.

What You Should Know

What’s Included in a Valve Adjustment

Valve spec check and adjustment

Each valve is checked and adjusted to the correct clearance.

Inspection of rocker arms, push rods, and cam

We check for wear or damage to critical valvetrain components.

Tightening of loose parts

Corrects anything affecting engine timing and overall performance.

Engine brake lash adjustment (if equipped)

Ensures the engine brake is also operating within spec.

When Should You Get a Valve Adjustment

Every 250,000 miles

Especially for Volvo D13 and Cummins ISX engines, or follow OEM intervals.

When symptoms appear

Such as ticking sounds, power loss, or rough idle.

After major engine work

Like cylinder head, camshaft, or rocker arm replacement.

Why It Matters to Get a Valve Adjustment

Prevents major failures

Like dropped valves, cracked heads, or engine misfire.

Catches early wear

Identifies worn components before they fail.

Boosts power and fuel economy

Properly adjusted valves improve engine efficiency.

Helps avoid derate

Keeps your engine running within spec to prevent performance limits.