Valve Clearance

NOTE: Check and adjust valve clearance with engine cold.

Remove valve cover and gasket. Rotate crankshaft in direction of engine rotation so timing mark on crankshaft pulley aligns with "0" mark on front cover and cylinder No. 1 (front cylinder at timing chain end) is at TDC on compression stroke.
Ensure 1-dot and 2-dot timing marks on camshaft sprockets are aligned and valves lifters on cylinder No. 1 are loose. See Fig 1. If timing marks are not aligned, rotate crankshaft pulley in direction of engine rotation one full revolution (360 degrees).
With cylinder No. 1 at TDC, check valve clearance on specified valves. See 4-CYLINDER VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT SEQUENCE table. See Fig 2.
Using feeler gauge, measure and record valve clearance between valve lifter and camshaft. Ensure valve clearance is within specification. See 4-CYLINDER VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS table.
To check remaining valves, rotate crankshaft 360 degrees (one full revolution) in direction of engine rotation until cylinder No. 4 is at TDC on compression stroke. Measure valve clearance on specified valves. See 4-CYLINDER VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT SEQUENCE table.
If valve clearance requires adjustment, rotate crankshaft so camshaft lobe on valve to be adjusted is facing upward, away from valve lifter. Rotate valve lifter so notch on valve lifter is toward spark plug.
Valve Clearance Adjuster (SST 09248-55040) is used for adjusting valve clearance. Press valve lifter downward using SST "A" of valve clearance adjuster. See Fig 3. Install SST "B" between camshaft and valve lifter. Remove SST "A".
Using small screwdriver and magnet, remove adjusting shim. Using micrometer, measure thickness of adjusting shim removed. Using measured clearance and adjusting shim thickness, determine correct thickness of adjusting shim to be used. See Fig 4-9.
Install adjusting shim. Recheck valve clearance. Install valve cover using NEW gasket.