Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Valve Clearance: Testing and Inspection






Check valve clearance while the engine is warm but not running.
1. Remove the rocker cover and all spark plugs.
2. Set No. 1 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke. Align the pointer with the TDC mark on crankshaft pulley.

NOTE: Check that valve lifters on No. 1 cylinder are loose and valve lifters on the No. 4 are tight. If not, turn the crankshaft one revolution (360�) and align as above.








3. Check only those valves shown in the figure (No. 1 intake and exhaust, No. 2 intake and No. 3 exhaust). Using a feeler gauge, measure the clearance between the valve lifter and camshaft. Record any valve clearance measurements which are out of specification. They will be used later to determine the required replacement (adjusting) shim. The intake valve clearance, engine warm, is 0.31 - 0.39 mm (0.012 - 0.015 inch). and the exhaust is 0.33 - 0.41 mm (0.013 - 0.016 inch).
4. Turn the crankshaft one revolution (360�) and align the mark on the crankshaft pulley with pointer.





5. Check those valves shown in the figure (No. 2 exhaust, No. 3 intake and No. 4 intake and exhaust).
6. If all valve clearances are within specifications, install the rocker cover and all the spark plugs.