Valve Clearance Adjustment

NOTE: Connect the HDS to the DLC, and monitor ECT SENSOR 1. Adjust the valve clearance only when the engine coolant temperature is less than 100°F (38°C).

Remove the cylinder head covers .
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 Pointer And No. 1 Piston TDC Mark
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 (0.011-0.012 in)

REAR

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

FRONT

Fig 3: Identifying Valves (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 Valve Clearance Using Feeler Gauge (Intake)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

EXHAUST

Fig 5: Checking Valve Clearance Using Feeler Gauge (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: Adjusting Valve Clearance Using Feeler Gauge (Intake)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

EXHAUST

Fig 7: Adjusting Valve Clearance Using Feeler Gauge (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: Identifying Front Upper Cover Pointer And 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: Identifying Front Upper Cover Pointer And 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: Identifying Front Upper Cover Pointer And 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: Identifying Front Upper Cover Pointer And 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: Identifying Front Upper Cover Pointer And 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 .