Hi. Let's start by saying I know virtually nothing about the valves. What exactly they do, what parts are involved, etc...? I just want to do a tune up and make sure the engine is running in tip top condition. I am fully confident in doing just about anything to the engine and am decently mechanically skilled. I was wondering how involved it is to do a general tune up on the valves. I know they need to be adjusted every once in a while. I was wondering what exactly I should do to tune them up and adjust them. Should the seals be replaced? Can it be worked on with the head on? And how expensive does valve jobs get if I do it all on my own? Any help on any information or write ups is greatly appreciated. Thanks. -Luke

 

No valve adjustment on the XJ.....the valve train is hydraulic and self adjusting. U r thinking about a mechanical valve train that uses nut/screw or shims to adjust the valves. Google valve train internal combustion engine. The cylinder head must be removed in order to do valve re-placement or re-surfacing.

 

so are there any things that I should replace or check to see if things are as good as they could be?

 

What year? What engine?

 

sorry i forgot that. 88 4.0

 

I will presume/guess u haven't had your XJ very long so unless the glove box is full of receipts for recent routine maintenance items, I would presume the PO did nothing. Start just behind the front bumper, finish just ahead of the rear bumper and every thing in between. Ask lots of questions.

 

Take a look under the valve cover and if it looks like bbq...