Valve Clearance Adjustment

Special Tools Required 

• Tappet adjust wrench set 07MAA-PR70100

1. Remove the cylinder head cover (see CYLINDER HEAD COVER REMOVAL  ).
2. Set the No. 1 piston at TDC. The punch mark (A) marked with an arrow on the variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator and the punch mark (B) on the exhaust camshaft sprocket should be at the top. Align the TDC marks (C) on the VTC actuator and exhaust camshaft sprocket.
   Fig 1: Removing Cylinder Head Cover

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
3. Select the correct thickness feeler gauge for the valves you're going to check.

   Valve Clearance 

   K20A3 Engine: 

   Intake: 0.21-0.25 mm (0.008-0.010 in.) 

   Exhaust: 0.28-0.32 mm (0.011-0.013 in.) 

   K20A2, K20Z1 Engines: 

   Intake: 0.21-0.25 mm (0.008-0.010 in.) 

   Exhaust: 0.25-0.29 mm (0.010-0.011 in.) 

   Fig 2: Identifying Valve Clearance

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
4. Insert the feeler gauge (A) between the adjusting screw (B) and the end of the valve stem, and slide it back and forth; you should feel a slight amount of drag.
   Fig 3: Measuring Gap Between Adjusting Screw And End Of Valve Stem

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
5. If you feel too much or too little drag, loosen the locknut with the special tools, and turn the adjusting screw until the drag on the feeler gauge is correct.
   Fig 4: Adjusting Screw And End Of Valve Stem

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
6. Tighten the locknut to the specified torque.

   Specified Torque 

   K20A3 Engine: 

   Intake: 20 N.m (2.0 kgf.m, 14 lbf.ft) 

   Apply engine oil to the nut threads. 

   Exhaust: 14 Nm (1.4 kgf.m, l0 lbf.ft) 

   K20A2, K20Z1 Engines: 20 N.m (2.0 kgf.m, 14 lbf.ft) 

   Apply engine oil to the nut threads. 

7. Recheck the valve clearance. Repeat the adjustment if necessary.
8. Rotate the crankshaft 180° clockwise (camshaft pulley turns 90°).
   Fig 5: Rotating Crankshaft 180°

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
9. Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on No. 3 cylinder.
10. Rotate the crankshaft 180° clockwise (camshaft pulley turns 90°).
    Fig 6: Adjusting Valve Clearance On No. 3 Cylinder

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
11. Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on No. 4 cylinder.
12. Rotate the crankshaft 180° clockwise (camshaft pulley turns 90°).
    Fig 7: Adjusting Valve Clearance On No. 4 Cylinder

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
13. Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on No. 2 cylinder.
14. Install the cylinder head cover (see CYLINDER HEAD COVER INSTALLATION  ).