Valve Clearance: Adjustments

Fig. 11 Intake Valve Shim Size Chart:

Fig. 12 Exhaust Valve Shim Size Chart:

Shims of various thickness are used to achieve the correct valve clearance, Figs. 11 and 12. Clearance should be .007-.011 for intake valves and .011-.015 inch for exhuast valves.

1. On models with audio coded anti-theft system, disable system as outlined under Technician Safety Information.
2. Disconnect accelerator cable from throttle body, then remove air intake connector and connector stay.
3. Drain engine coolant.
4. Disconnect vacuum and water hoses from throttle body, then remove the throttle body.
5. Remove EGR/VSV vacuum modulator.
6. Remove cylinder head cover. Use care when removing spark plug connectors, pull only on connector not on wire.
7. With engine cold, place No. 1 cylinder at TDC of compression stroke by turning crankshaft pulley and aligning its groove with timing mark at '0' of timing pointer.
8. Ensure valves on No. 1 cylinder are loose and valve on No. 4 cylinder are tight. If not turn crankshaft 360° (one complete revolution) and align timing marks.
9. With engine in this position check clearance of the following valves and record readings:
a. No. 1 intake and exhaust valves.
b. No. 2 intake valves.
c. No. 3 exhaust valves.

Fig. 9 Valve Lifter Compression.:

Fig. 10 Valve Adjustment Shim Removal.:

10. If any measurement is not within specifications, remove valve adjustment shim using valve lifter cam wrench set tool No. 09248-55040, or equivalent, to depress lifter and a magnet to remove shim Figs. 9 and 10.

Fig. 7 Intake Valve Shim Size Chart:

Fig. 8 Exhaust Valve Shim Size Chart:

11. Using a micrometer measure thickness of removed shim, record this dimension.
12. Determine difference between desired and actual valve clearance measurement, add difference to dimension of measured shim. Refer to shim charts Fig. 7 through 8 to select a replacement.
13. Install new shim in lifter, then remove lifter tools. Repeat steps 9 through 12 for any other valves found out of adjustment.
14. Rotate crankshaft pulley two full turns, recheck valves as outlined in steps 7 through 9.
15. Turn crankshaft pulley 360° (one complete revolution) and align timing marks as outlined previously and check the following valves:
a. No. 2 exhaust valves.
b. No. 3 intake valves.
c. No. 4 intake and exhaust valves. Repeat steps 10 through 14, if necessary.
16. Reinstall removed parts, bleed cooling system. If audio system was disabled, activate as outlined under Technician Safety Information.