Valve Clearance Adjustment

NOTE: Adjust the valves only when the cylinder head temperature is less than 100°F (38°C).

Remove the right upper fender trim (see UPPER GRILLE REPLACEMENT ).
Remove the cylinder head covers (see CYLINDER HEAD COVER REMOVAL ).
Set the No. 1 piston at top dead center (TDC). Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 1 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.

Fig 1: Identifying No. 1 Piston TDC Mark On Front Camshaft Pulley
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Select the correct thickness feeler gauge for the valves you are going to check.
Valve Clearance

Intake: 0.20-0.24 mm (0.008-0.009 in.)

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

REAR

Fig 2: Identifying Cylinder Head Bolts (Rear)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

FRONT

Fig 3: Identifying Cylinder Head Bolts (Front)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Insert the feeler gauge (A) between the adjusting screw and the end of the valve stem on the No. 1 cylinder, and slide it back and forth; you should feel a slight amount of drag.
INTAKE

Fig 4: Inserting Feeler Gauge Between Adjusting Screw & End Of Valve Stem (Intake)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

EXHAUST

Fig 5: Inserting Feeler Gauge Between Adjusting Screw & End Of Valve Stem (Exhaust)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If you feel too much or too little drag, loosen the locknut, and turn the adjusting screw until the drag on the feeler gauge is correct.
INTAKE

Fig 6: Identifying Locknut (Intake)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

EXHAUST

Fig 7: Identifying Locknut (Exhaust)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
While holding the adjusting screw with the screw driver, tighten the locknut, then recheck the clearance. Repeat the adjustment, if necessary.
Specified Torque

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

Apply new engine oil to the nut threads.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 4 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.

Fig 8: Aligning Pointer On Front Upper Cover With No. 4 Piston TDC Mark
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 4 cylinder.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 2 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.

Fig 9: Aligning Pointer On Front Upper Cover With No. 2 Piston TDC Mark
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 2 cylinder.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 5 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.

Fig 10: Aligning Pointer On Front Upper Cover With No. 5 Piston TDC Mark
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 5 cylinder.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 3 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.

Fig 11: Aligning Pointer On Front Upper Cover With No. 3 Piston TDC Mark
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 3 cylinder.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 6 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.

Fig 12: Aligning Pointer On Front Upper Cover With No. 6 Piston TDC Mark
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 6 cylinder.
Install the cylinder head covers (see CYLINDER HEAD COVER INSTALLATION ).