I've just done the 72,000 service on my daughter's Fiat 500 and done everything listed in the service handbook. Only thing I haven't done is tappets. The handbook shows that tappet clearances should be checked / adjusted every 36,000 miles but I'm wondering if that's really necessary unless I'm having engine trouble? Engine is purring at the moment - is it necessary to check tappets if everything is running smoothly? I'm thinking, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Bagofwasps said:

I've just done the 72,000 service on my daughter's Fiat 500 and done everything listed in the service handbook. Only thing I haven't done is tappets. The handbook shows that tappet clearances should be checked / adjusted every 36,000 miles but I'm wondering if that's really necessary unless I'm having engine trouble? Engine is purring at the moment - is it necessary to check tappets if everything is running smoothly? I'm thinking, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

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Checking only costs you a cam cover gasket, but adjustment is another matter. The valves are shimmed, so if the clearances are out, it means measuring, calculating and sourcing replacement shims.

Adjusting the tappets was a 6 monthly job on older pushrod engines like the Ford Kent, but shimmed OHC motors rarely go far out of adjustment. The real risk is if clearances tighten, as you could burn a valve. If they loosen significantly, you'll likely hear it.

I've seen FIRE engines with 150k on them where the valve clearances are still within limits.

The Haynes manual for the 500 quotes a mileage at which the valve clearances should be checked but it also says they should only really be checked if the engine is making a noise or is down on performance..

shackleton said:

The Haynes manual for the 500 quotes a mileage at which the valve clearances should be checked but it also says they should only really be checked if the engine is making a noise or is down on performance..

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Yes I think I'll leave it for now. It's running beautifully right now and it's probably best left alone! Thanks guys for the input