Valve Adjustment Opinions!

Alright guys, couldn't find a good thread to post this.
97 Taco 2RZ 211K
My problem is a rough idle and I've tried a few things already, fuel filter, cleaned IAC valve, cleaned throttle body, ran some fuel additive cleaner and nothing helped.
Don't wanna keep throwing money at it.

No CEL btw. The last time it was on it was just my pre cat o2 sensor and the egr diaphragm.
I recently checked my valve lash and some are out of spec, now I am wanting a second opinion if its worth it to go ahead and order the shims and tool to change em out.
Could it be a an old clogged cat causing it?
My other thought could be a burnt valve maybe? I've only owned it about 2 years so but it seems like it was well maintained.

 

It certainly wouldnt hurt to do the valves. It should be done anyways since you already know there are a few out of spec!

Ive read on here multiple times that the tool is a POS to work with. I cant remember if the guys modified it pr used a different valve tool from another rig. But if you do end up doing them try to find that info on here or maybe someone with first hand experience will chime in and get ya situated with the correct info!!!

 

If the exhaust valves are out of spec (too tight) then I would definitely get them adjusted. That could cause burnt valves.
I made an attempt to adjust mine, but failed , even with the special tool, so I had a local Toyota-only shop do it ($$$).

 

What did it end up costing you, if ya dont mind me asking?

 

About $500 (dealer wanted $800)

 

You don't mention plugs or wires.

Just FYI, fuel filter will always create a power loss at speed (restricted fuel flow) before anything at idle or low RPM. Same with a clogged cat. Once a cat fully fails, it just won't run. Like a potato in the tailpipe.

I'd be looking for vacumn leaks. Lines on a vehicle that old are probably dry and have split ends.

 

Plugs and wire done a few months ago, ngk plats and duralast gold wires so i'm pretty certain on that. I can't hear any obvious vacuum leaks so kind of eliminated that also. My vapor canister lines are a bit crusty but I dont think that would cause that.

 

I do know from watching a video on youtube there is a better tool that the guy used for Honda motorcycle valve adjustments he used. He was a tech and mentioned that he found it was easier to use than those pliers. Which I have both found on ebay btw