I've got a 2004.5 with 159k miles on her and reckon a valve adjustment is due? Any good resources for a do it yourselfer out there? Also, what do dealers typically charge for such a thing? My fuel econo has suffered a bit and hope this might help some.

Thanks!

 

I would...

STANDARD PROCEDURE - VALVE LASH
ADJUSTMENT AND VERIFICATION
NOTE: To obtain accurate readings, valve lash measurements
AND adjustments should only be performed
when the engine coolant temperature is less
than 60° C (140° F).
The 24–valve overhead system is a “low-maintenance”
design. Routine adjustments are no longer
necessary, however, measurement should still take
place when trouble-shooting performance problems,
or upon completion of a repair that includes removal
and installation of the valve train components or
injectors.
(1) Disconnect battery negative cables.
(2) Remove cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(3) Using the crankshaft barring tool #7471–B,
rotate crankshaft to align damper TDC mark to
12:00 o’clock position.
(a) If both number one cylinder rocker levers are
loose, continue to next step.
(b) If both number one clylinder rocker levers
are not loose, rotate crankshaft 360 degrees.
(4) With the engine in this position, valve lash can
be measured at the following rocker arms: INTAKE
1–2–4 / EXHAUST 1–3–5. Measure the valve lash by
inserting a feeler gauge between the rocker arm
socket and crosshead (Fig. 32). Refer to VALVE
LASH LIMIT CHART for the correct specifications. If
the measurement falls within the limits, adjustment/
resetting is not necessary. If measurement
finds the lash outside of the limits, adjustment/resetting
is required.
VALVE LASH LIMIT CHART

INTAKE 0.152 mm ( 0.006 in.) MIN
0.381 mm (0.015 in.) MAX

EXHAUST
0.381 mm (0.015 in.) MIN
0.762 mm (0.030 in.) MAX

(5) If adjustment/resetting is required, loosen the
lock nut on rocker arms and turn the adjusting screw
until the desired lash is obtained:
² INTAKE 0.254 mm (0.010 in.)
² EXHAUST 0.508 mm (0.020 in.) Tighten the
lock nut to 24 Nm (18 ft. lbs.) and re-check the valve
lash.
(6) Using the crankshaft barring tool, rotate the
crankshaft one revolution (360°) to align the
damper TDC mark to the 12 o’clock position.
(7) With the engine in this position, valve lash can
be measured at the remaining rocker arms: INTAKE
3–5–6 / EXHAUST 2–4–6 . Use the same method as
above for determining whether adjustment is necessary,
and adjust those that are found to be outside of
the limits.
(8) Install the cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(9) Connect the battery negative cables.

 

Thanks

 

No worries.

 

Your book says it should be done at 100.000

 

The owners manual?

 

check out post #6 if you like pictures too

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...s-t212189.html

 

150,000 is recommended, some say 100,000........i do it any time i have time

 

Sweet, that lead me to what I wanted to see....

http://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-cu...tment-diy.html

 

huh i never done it on mine.. and i have over 554k maybe i should take it in for valve adjustments.. haha

 

Done. Not as bad as thought it would be. Adjusted all of them to 0.010 in & 0.020 in. #6 was whacked out most with loose exhaust and tight intake. Sounds less clicky at start-up now and maybe a bit smoother too.