edred

The symptom is a loud ticking ...intake spec is .006-.010 clearance and it measured .014

Amskeptic

In the eleven years since I battled that clacky engine discussed above, I came to realize that the #7 intake valves do indeed suffer a potential lubrication problem *brought upon by deferred oil changes*. The minute that the oil gets loaded up with sludge/moisture, you lose splash between the bucket and the valve stem. Then it is just a matter of time for the stem to drill into the underside of the bucket, and your valve adjustment may or may not quiet the tapping, but as importantly, you need to get in there to clean the gunk (see photographs). After that procedure in Austin, I got another 50,000 miles of trouble-free quiet driving until I gave the car to my brother, who has subsequently destroyed it in every possible way. Fortunately, I have a new LS400 one year-older, and it is fine.

I recommend that you not torment yourself, nor torment the delicate aluminum engineering, and dive in, replace idlers, water pump, belt as necessary, but get the camshafts off cleanly so you can inspect and address. Do a current valve clearance check, be precise! and you can do the bucket shim replacements then.
Colin

edred

Thank you..I will definitely take the bucket out and check underneath as you advise due to the fact that the clearance is way out of spec and all the other intake valves were within...cheers