When to check valves on 2.4.

I have a 2.4 tacoma with an automatic. The truck has 152,000 miles. It runs great! I don't know the service history other than oil changes. I have read the valve clearance is important. Is this something I should check at this mileage?

 

It probably wouldn't be a bad idea. The 2RZ (2.4L) uses a shim over bucket design lifter so eventually they need to be checked and reshimmed. A Toyota dealer would be the place to take it to get it done. They're likely the only place that will have the new shims in stock for a quick turnaround. Any other place would have to remove the lifters, measure, and then order the correct shims. All the while your truck would be out of service until the new shims arrive.

 

Thanks for the tip!

 

I called the local toyoya dealership. They guy who answered the phone in service said " there is no adjustment, it's all hydraulic." I said I was told it was shim over bucket and he said let me check the computer. He came back and said " no adjustment nessisary."

I then called a very respected Toyota private shop. The guy said they don't stock the shims because of so many possible variants, that they always tell people to call the Toyota dealership.

 

Sounds like you need another dealer. Or at least someone who knows more about the older RZ series motors. See if the Toyota dealer stocks all the shims, if so you can let the private shop do it, as long as they can buy the shims off the shelf.

 

You can measure the clearances yourself with the same tools as with non-shim/bucket valves (wrenches and a feeler gauge). Then, if they are in spec, you don't have to take it in for an adjustment.

This is what I did, but my exhaust valves were all too tight, so I took it in to a local Toyotas-only garage to have them adjusted, at a cost of around $400.