Valve tap when cold...valve adjustment needed?

[CleanNeon98]

2001
Honda
Civic
LX trim with the d17a1 motor
5-speed transmission
115500 miles

When my motor is still cold, and I start driving, the valves will make a tapping sound like keys jingling in your pocket. When the car gets a bit warmer it goes away. Also, say Im driving to school and the tap is already gone, I stop at wawa to get coffee, and when I come back out and start my car, the tapping comes back for a minute or 2. Ive been told its a valve adjustment needed, plus this started about 6k miles ago and the car was due for a valve adjustment at 110k miles. I just want to make sure its not something else before I pay a shop to do this and find out that its not whats causing the problem.

Also, how difficult is a valve adjustment to do yourself??

[Danronian]

It is your valves, and it is normal. I remember you said your mechanic thought it was a gas issue....no way....I wouldnt trust him very much if he heard the sound and then suggested that.

Not to be rude whatsoever, but from what I understand as your mechanical ability with Hondas, don't try it yourself.

Most people get it done and at the same time change the timing belt, water pump, and tensioner...but you don't need to change these in order to adjust the valves. And if you haven't changed your timing belt/pump/tensioner yet, do it, since it should be done before 100k.

[EvlEgl]

I thought valve tap came stock on hondas?

[woody616]

i would just check your valves just in case. It takes about an hour to adjust them.

[CHR!S]

if your not very experienced when it comes to working on cars (and engines), i would leave it to professionals to do the work. it shouldnt take more than 2 hours, so maybe $100-150 depending on how much the mechanic charges

[jordanrw]

get a repair manual and a feeler gauge or whatever and adjust them yourself.

[ghettoturbo]

Its not too hard...especially if you have the snap-on tool for it. Makes it a snap.