In this work, the possibility to diagnose valve lashes of an automotive diesel engine via cylinder head vibration/noise analysis is studied. First of all the measurement signals and conditions are selected after considering which signals and conditions are most suitable to diagonse valve lashes. Both accelerometer and microphone are used to measure cylinder head accelerations and acoustic pressure due to valve impact on cylinder head. The signals are measured in both cranking and engine firing conditions. Finally, it was found that acceleration signal obtained in engine operating condition is the most reliable signal to diagnose the valve lash condition. The valve closing angle and the peak acceleration due to valve close are chosen to analyze the valve lash condition. The measured cylinder head acceleration signals are statistically tested to derive information which are useful to judge the valve lash. In conclusion, it was found that the developed technique can be one of feasible methods to diagnose the valve conditions while the engine is in operation.