Valve Clearance: Adjustments

Valve clearance is adjusted through the use of shims. Shims are available in increments of 0.0020 inch. Valve clearance should be as follows:
Intake 0.006-0.010 inches
Exhaust 0.010-0.014 inches

1. On models with air bag system, disarm airbag system as outlined under Technician Safety Information.
2. Remove No. 3 timing belt cover and cylinder head rear cover.
3. Disconnect spark plug wires from cylinder head covers, then remove Nos. 1, 2 and 3 covers.
4. Remove ignition coils, then disconnect engine wire protector from No. 4 timing belt cover.
5. Disconnect engine wire protector from cowl top panel and remove IAC valve pipe.
6. Remove No. 1 and 2 cylinder head covers.
7. Set No. 1 cylinder to TDC by turning the crankshaft and align its groove with timing mark 0 on No. 1 timing belt cover. Always turn crankshaft clockwise.
8. Ensure timing marks of crankshaft timing pulleys are aligned with timing marks of No. timing belt cover. If not, turn crankshaft one revolution (360°).

Fig. 4 1st Valve Adjustment Sequence.:

9. Adjust only those valves shown in Fig. 4. Using a feeler gauge, measure clearance between valve lift and camshaft. Record valve clearance measurement of those out of specification to use later to determine required replacement adjusting shim.
10. Turn crank pulley 1 revolution (360°) and align groove with timing mark '0' of No. 1 timing belt cover.

Fig. 5 2nd Valve Adjustment Sequence.:

11. Adjust only those valves shown in Fig. 5 and using a feeler gauge, measure clearance between valve lift and camshaft. Record valve clearance measurement of those out of specification to use later to determine required replacement adjusting shim.
12. To remove adjusting shim turn camshaft so that cam lobe for valve to be adjusted is facing up.

Fig. 6 Valve Adjusting Shim Notch Removal:

13. Turn valve lifter with screwdriver so notches are perpendicular to camshaft, Fig. 6.

Fig. 7 Valve Shim Removal Tool.:

Fig. 8 Valve Shim Removal:

14. Using shim removal tool No. 09248-05410, or equivalent, hold camshaft as shown in Fig. 7, then press down lifter and place tool between camshaft and valve lifter, Fig. 8.
15. Using a screwdriver and magnet, remove adjusting shim.

Fig. 9 Valve Shim Measurement.:

Fig. 10 Intake Valve Shim Size Chart.:

Fig. 11 Exhaust Valve Shim Size Chart:

16. Measure thickness of removed shim, Fig. 9 and calculate thickness of new shim so valve clearances meet specifications. Refer Figs. 10 and 11.

17. Reset audio coded anti-theft system, if equipped, as outlined under Technician Safety Information, after completing adjustment for all valves.