The owner's manual for my 2001 RAV4 says to "inspect" engine valve clearance at 4 years / 60,000 miles. My trusted independent mechanic says that the book calls for 8 hours of labor, and suggested that the Toyota dealer might be able to do it cheaper. Failing in that, he said that he recommends checking clearance when the valves get noisy.
Question 1 - I have never heard of "inspecting" valve clearance. When I worked on my old solid-lifter machines, we just called it "adjusting the valves". Is this just Japanese lingo, like using "packing" for what we call "gasket"?
Question 2 - Also from my old car experiences, we didn't worry about the valves being a little loose, but if they were tight, a valve could get burned. If I remember correctly, loose valves are noisy, but tight valves don't make any telltale sound. Am I at risk for burning the valves if I don't get this service done?
Question 3 - The maintenance schedule does not call for a timing belt replacement. Is this because of engine design, such as use of a chain in lieu of a belt?
Thank you for your advice.
Jim W.
Norfolk, VA