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Posted by: yellow1 Aug 27 2008, 09:49 AM

I bought my car last year, i have no mechanical skills i need to get my valves checked since i have no idea when was the last time it was done . The car was purchased from a used car dealer and he had no info on the car history .I found a vw place that is about an hour away from me That will do it .i have read on this and other forums that the car should sit over night, my ? is can i drive the car to the shop and let it sit for 3 hours and have the valves done ,would this be a okay or will i have problems .I was told it would be $125.00 to have them done is this about right for adjusting the valves.Thx

Posted by: r_towle Aug 27 2008, 10:03 AM

$125 sound about right. Make sure they put in new valve cover gaskets.
3 hours....not enough.
Drop it off the night before...

Rich

Posted by: mikez Aug 27 2008, 10:07 AM

Have them change the brake fluid as well, prolly was last done prior to the Clinton administration....

Posted by: Cap'n Krusty Aug 27 2008, 11:16 AM

My shop rate, here in CA, is $110/hr. Adjusting the valves takes me 10-15 minutes, including putting the car on the lift and putting it back in the lot. Really bad ones take a half hour. For around $125-$130 you should be getting a small service, which includes an inspection, a valve adjustment, and an oil change and sump screen cleaning, and all the necessary parts.

The Cap'n

Posted by: r_towle Aug 27 2008, 11:33 AM

Question,

On a lift, wheels hanging in the air.
How do you lock one wheel so you can turn the motor?
Or, how are you turning the motor??

Just curious.
On jack stands I put two lug bolts in and hang a three foot pry bar between the bolts and touching the floor.

I would like an even simpler way...

Rich

Posted by: Joe Ricard Aug 27 2008, 11:39 AM

Why would you take the wheels off to set valves?
and it's like 30 minutes if I spend some time wiping off road grime or rubber dust.

I imagine the Capt has one of them fancy remote switches he hooks to the starter.

Posted by: r_towle Aug 27 2008, 11:40 AM

Easier access from the side without the damn tire in the way...
I have dont it with the tire on...just easier IMHO with no tire.
I always do something else when a car is up on jakc stands.
Rich

Posted by: rmital Aug 27 2008, 12:27 PM

yellow1, where in NY are you?
adding your location might help if some other cluber is local to you.

Posted by: Cap'n Krusty Aug 27 2008, 04:07 PM

I follow the method clearly outlined in the classic threads, and I use a remote starter button, and I leave the spark plugs in and the tranny out of gear.

The Cap'n

Posted by: yellow1 Aug 27 2008, 04:08 PM

queens ,ny

Posted by: yellow1 Aug 27 2008, 04:19 PM

that,s what i thought , i guess i will have to find somebody to follow me there so i can drop it off , also get a ride back the next day to pick it up.Thx

Posted by: yellow1 Aug 27 2008, 05:44 PM

I wish u were here on the east coast cap'n, i would take my car to u in heart beat. I have read your method of doing the valves sounds easy ,but since i have never done them before i will pass for now, i was going to try it i went and purchased a feeler gauge and stands,then i chicken out i hope to 1 day learn to do it your way.Thx cap'n i enjoy reading your posts.

Posted by: yellow1 Aug 27 2008, 05:54 PM

your right ,i will have to do that ,and u reminded me i will have them replace the fuel filter ,i got stuck for the first time this summer about 3 weeks ago because i ran out gas,the gas gauge got stuck about 1/4 tank,it seems like it is working now.