Valve Clearance: Testing and Inspection

NOTE: Inspect and adjust the valve clearance when the engine is cold.

1. Remove throttle body and intake air connector assembly, refer to Powertrain Management.
2. Disconnect high-tension wires from cylinder head covers.
3. Remove No. 3, No. 1 and No. 2 cylinder head covers as follows:
(a) Remove the 4 bolts, 4 nuts and No. 3 cylinder head cover.
(b) Remove the 4 bolts, No. 1 cylinder head cover and gasket.
(c) Remove the 4 bolts, No. 2 cylinder head cover and gasket.





4. Set No. 1 cylinder to TDC/compression as follows:
(a) Turn the crankshaft pulley and align its groove with the timing mark "0" of the No. 1 timing belt cover.

NOTE: Always turn the crankshaft clockwise.






(b) Check that the timing marks of the camshaft timing pulleys are aligned with the timing marks of the No. 4 timing belt cover. If not, turn the crankshaft 1 revolution (360°).
5. Inspect valve clearance as follows:






(a) Check only those valves indicated in the illustration as follows:
- Using a feeler gauge, measure the clearance between the valve lifter and camshaft.
- Record the valve clearance measurements of those that are out of specification. They will be used later to determine the required replacement adjusting shim.
Standard Values:
Valve clearance (Cold):
Intake: 0.15 - 0.25 mm (0.006 - 0.010 inch)
Exhaust: 0.25 - 0.35 mm (0.010 - 0.014 inch)





(b) Turn the crankshaft pulley 1 revolution (360°), and align the groove with the timing mark "0" of the No. 1 timing belt cover.
(c) Check only the valves indicated in the illustration, measure the valve clearances described in step (a).