Valve Clearance: Adjustments
Valve Lash Adjustment^ Tools Required
- J 26900-1 Outside Micrometer
Important:
^ Valve clearance measurement should only be done on a cold engine.
^ To change the valve clearance on a given valve, the lifter must be replaced by one that is thicker or thinner in size.
^ Lifters are available in 35 different sizes, in increments of 0.020 mm (0.0008 inch).
^ Lifters range in size from 5.060 mm (0.1992 inch) to 5.740 mm (0.2260 inch).
Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Service Precautions.
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the cylinder head cover.
3. Turn the crankshaft clockwise until the alignment notch on the crankshaft pulley is aligned with the "0" mark on the engine front cover tab.
4. Check that the point marks on the camshaft gears are aligned. If the point marks on the camshaft gears are not aligned, turn the crankshaft clockwise one revolution in order to align the camshaft gears.
5. Using a feeler gage, measure the clearance between the intake valve lifters and the intake camshaft for cylinders #1, and #2.
Intake Valve Clearance (Cold): 0.15 - 0.25 mm (0.006 - 0.010 inch)
Important: Record any out of specification valve clearance measurements. The measurements will be used later to determine the required replacement lifter.
6. Using a feeler gage, measure the clearance between the exhaust valve lifters and the exhaust camshaft for cylinders #1, and #3.
Exhaust Valve Clearance (Cold): 0.25 - 0.35 mm (0.010 - 0.014 inch)
Important: Record any out of specification valve clearance measurements. The measurements will be used later to determine the required replacement lifter.
7. Turn the crankshaft clockwise 1 revolution until the alignment notch on the crankshaft pulley is aligned with the "0" mark on the engine front cover tab.
8. Using a feeler gage, measure the clearance between the intake valve lifters and the intake camshaft for cylinders #3, and #4.
Intake Valve Clearance (Cold): 0.15 - 0.25 mm (0.006 - 0.010 inch)
Important: Record any out of specification valve clearance measurements. The measurements will be used later to determine the required replacement lifter.
9. Using a feeler gage, measure the clearance between the exhaust valve lifters and the exhaust camshaft for cylinders #2, and #4.
Exhaust Valve Clearance (Cold): 0.25 - 0.35 mm (0.010 - 0.014 inch)
Important: Record any out of specification valve clearance measurements. The measurements will be used later to determine the required replacement lifter.
10. If there were any valve clearances that were out of specifications, the camshaft(s) must be removed in order to replace the lifter(s).
Lifter Selection
Important: In order to maintain the specified valve clearance the proper lifter must be selected. Perform the following procedure in order to select the proper lifter.
1. Determine the valve(s) clearances that were out of specifications.
2. Remove the lifter(s) from the lifter bores of the out of specification valves.
3. Use a J 26900-1 to measure the thickness of the removed lifter.
4. After measuring the lifter, refer to the record of the out of specification valve clearances.
5. After determining the two measurements, select the proper lifter thickness for the required valve clearance.
6. After selecting the proper lifter, the camshaft must be reinstalled and the valve clearance re-measured.
7. After confirming the valve clearance is correct for all valves, re-assemble the timing chain and timing chain housing.
8. Install the cylinder head cover.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
9. Connect the negative battery cable.
^ Tighten the bolt to 15 Nm (11 ft. lbs.).