Community Forums

pine tree · 11-28-2010, 05:35 AM

Bought a 2001 Journey 36GD a year ago. Cat 330hp. Rig had 41K on it when we bought it. Now has 49K. Perfect unit for us. DW and I are both very very happy with this new/old winnie. Had a few small "Fix-it" issues, but nothing we can't handle. Maybe $1000.00+-.

My problem is the valve adjustment issue. I have no way of knowing if the adjustment has been done. The dealer did not pass on the maintenance records and the former owner says he gave all the records to the dealer. This is a little scary, but the truth was not in the dealer in some other ways. So who knows? Maybe some kind of legal issue with the dealer.

The engine runs and sounds just great. No clatter or unusual noise that I can hear at any engine speed or temp. Mileage is 8.5+- MPG average over 7000 miles pulling GMC toad [big SUV]. Lots of power, blasts up the mountains like a champ.

I read so much stuff about how RV owners lavish money on their rigs. Sometimes over serviceing for fear of various problems and out right rumors.

OK, after all this BS, do I need to have the valves adjusted? Should the valves be adjusted. Can anybody [sevice person] detect in some way if the valves need adjusting. That is without me spending the $425.00 to check and adjust? What are the down side consequences of not having the valves adjusted?

Thanks in advance for your help and comments,

Pine Tree
aka Happy campers

radams · 11-28-2010, 06:33 AM

Yes, you should. Like you, my engine seemed to be running fine and I really questioned whether it was necessary. Once done though, I couldn't believe the difference. When they "run the overhead" they also check and adjust the fuel injection system and exhaust brake if you have one. Can't say whether you would experience the same but you would have peace of mind knowing it was taken care of.

In my case it could have cost me a set of valves since they were "tight", not clearing the seats and not dissipating the heat as needed.

movin-on · 11-28-2010, 07:08 AM

If it was done at a Cat dealer, it might be on their system via serial #...Worth a try...

bellsharbor · 11-28-2010, 09:52 AM

'movin-on' is right--check with Cat and also check with Freightliner. My 2002 Journey was done at a Freightliner shop, before I purchased it. Hopefully it will be in one of their computer systems. It's a great engine! Good Luck--

Pusherman · 11-28-2010, 05:54 PM

Good advice above.

CAT recommends valves be adjusted between 30-40K miles. Check with CAT and FL to see if it's been done. Othewise, it would be good to get them adjusted. You should see better mileage and performance from having them adjusted.