Valve Clearance Adjustment

NOTE: Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the data link connector (DLC), and monitor the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor 1 Adjust the valve clearance only when the ECT sensor 1 temperature is less than 100°F (38°C)

Remove the cylinder head covers (see TIMING BELT DRIVE PULLEY REPLACEMENT )
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: Aligning Pointer On Front Upper Cover
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Select the correct feeler gauge for the valve clearance 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 Intake And Exhaust Valve Clearance - Rear
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

FRONT

Fig 3: Identifying Intake And Exhaust Valve Clearance - 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: Checking Intake Valve Clearance
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

EXHAUST

Fig 5: Checking Exhaust Valve Clearance
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: Adjusting Intake Valve Screw
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

EXHAUST

Fig 7: Adjusting Exhaust Valve Screw
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

Intake 20 N m (2 0 kgf m, 14 lbf ft)

Apply new engine oil to the nut threads

Exhaust 14 N m (1 4 kgf m, 10 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: Identifying Pointer On Front Upper Cover With No 4 Piston TDC Mark On Front Camshaft Pulley
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: Identifying Pointer On Front Upper Cover With No 2 Piston TDC Mark On Front Camshaft Pulley
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: Identifying Pointer On Front Upper Cover With No 5 Piston TDC Mark On Front Camshaft Pulley
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: Identifying Pointer On Front Upper Cover With No 3 Piston TDC Mark On Front Camshaft Pulley
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: Identifying Pointer On Front Upper Cover With No 6 Piston TDC Mark On Front Camshaft Pulley
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 )