what's a valve adjustment usually run?
 

Sitting on a fence, just did a "first time in a long time" valve adjustment on a good friends car that they just recently got. Was offered more than I know I won't accept. Took me all of three super fun hours, but again, it's a good friend. I look at it as practice since I have the same setup, I was thinking of handing back half of whatever gets handed my way. :cool: Went from a turd to woah!

EDIT: oh yeah, it's a 84 300d with a 617. all ten valves tighter than a mofo.......

Sounds like your good friend was quite appreciative of your effort, and you being the good friend are a little uncomfortable in accepting his generosity. Being the good friend, I'm sure you'll find a way to give it back.

Good for both of you and Best to you!
Mike

I usually do them for free on friend's cars.

Besides the whole friends favor thing, that can be tricky.

I've paid $100 for a valve adjustment.

If all valves were tight, yu need to readjust them in 500 miles...

Beer and a (steak?) dinner, the only thing a friend should pay.

When someone gives a gift as in you gave your friend a valve adjustment, the proper response is "thank you". To do otherwise takes away your friends benefit of giving a present.

If he insists on paying you something buy a tool you can share with him that would further strengthen your bond and you'll have future fun.

thanks for serious replies all. I barely ever charge people for work, which I do lots of, because usually I make them learn how to do it themself should they ever feel like attempting it in the future. It's a little complicated, though, with this one. Told her just to take me out to lunch sometime......;)

'nuff said.

nice.:cool:

$200 is what i was recently quoted by an indy i trust, and that includes probably full retail for the gasket. i think he was going on the high end in case there were troublesome valves, and i can see him charging $150 in the end.

Women don't wrench. That's what guys are for. As for price...one way to look at it is even free stuff has a cost. Perhaps some ground rules are being set?

Just to throw a number in, my indy charged us $100 last time around. I hate doing valve adjustments.

Most reputable shops
 

charge 1 hour plus gasket for an OM617.

As an amateur I would not charge a friend at all. If you are a pro mechanic it may be a different story.