Valve Clearance Adjustment

Remove the timing chains. For additional information, refer to TIMING DRIVE COMPONENTS in this article.

NOTE: Measure each valve clearance at base circle before removing the camshafts. The shims are not repairable with the camshafts in place. Failure to measure all clearances prior to removing the camshafts will cause unnecessary repetition of the procedure.

Fig 1: Measuring Valve Clearance

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Use a feeler gauge to measure each valve clearance and record its location.
Remove the camshafts. For additional information, refer to VALVE TRAIN COMPONENTS - EXPLODED VIEW and CAMSHAFTS in this article.
Remove the shims.

Fig 2: Identifying Adjustment Shim
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The shims are marked for thickness; example: 2.22 mm = 222 on shim.

NOTE: The corrected shims allow the following valve clearances.

NOTE: A midrange clearance is the most desirable:

Intake: 0.20 mm (0.00787 in)
Exhaust: 0.35 mm (0.014 in)

NOTE: Select shims using this formula: required shim thickness = measured clearance plus the base shim thickness minus most desirable clearance.

- Intake valve clearance: 0.18-0.22 mm (0.00709-0.00866 in)
- Exhaust valve clearance: 0.33-0.38 mm (0.0128-0.0148 in)
Select shims and mark the installation location.
Install new shims.

Fig 3: Identifying Adjustment Shim
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the camshafts. For additional information, refer to VALVE TRAIN COMPONENTS - EXPLODED VIEW and CAMSHAFTS in this article.
Measure the new valve clearances.

Fig 4: Measuring Valve Clearance
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the timing chains. For additional information, refer to TIMING DRIVE COMPONENTS in this article.