Valve Clearance: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the ground cable from battery.

Fig 1: Disconnecting Ground Cable From Battery
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the engine from vehicle. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Engine Assembly. >
Remove the timing belt cover RH. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Timing Belt Cover. >
When inspecting #1 and #3 cylinders
1. Remove the clip (A) and the stay (B) which hold the engine harness to the rocker cover.
  
  Fig 2: Engine Harness Clip And Stay
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Remove the ignition coil. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Ignition Coil. >
3. Disconnect the PCV hose (A) and PCV hose assembly (B) from the rocker cover RH.
  NOTE: Pinch the clamp of the PCV hose by fitting the cut out in the ST with the protrusion on the clamp as shown in the illustration, and unlock the clamp.
  
  ST 18353AA000 CLAMP PLIERS
  
  Fig 3: Pinching Clamp Of PCV Hose Using Special Tool
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  Fig 4: Identifying PCV Hose And PCV Hose Assembly
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
4. Remove the rocker cover RH.
When inspecting #2 and #4 cylinders
1. Remove the secondary air pump. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Secondary Air Pump. >
2. Remove the air duct B (B) from the rocker cover LH and the air duct A (A).
  
  Fig 5: Rocker Cover Air Ducts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
3. Remove the ignition coil. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Ignition Coil. >
4. Disconnect the PCV hose (A) and PCV hose assembly (B) from the rocker cover LH
  NOTE: Pinch the clamp of the PCV hose by fitting the cut out in the ST with the protrusion on the clamp as shown in the illustration, and unlock the clamp.
  
  ST 18353AA000 CLAMP PLIERS
  
  Fig 6: Pinching Clamp Of PCV Hose Using Special Tool
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  Fig 7: Identifying PCV Hose And PCV Hose Assembly
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
5. Remove the rocker cover LH.
Turn the crank pulley clockwise until the round mark and arrow mark on the cam sprocket are set to position shown in the illustration.
NOTE: Turn the crank pulley using a socket wrench.
- Measurement of clearance of #1 cylinder intake valve and #3 cylinder exhaust valve
  
  Fig 8: Cam Sprocket Round And Arrow Mark
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Measurement of clearance of #2 cylinder exhaust valve and #3 cylinder intake valve
  
  Fig 9: Cylinder Exhaust And Intake Valve Round And Arrow Mark
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Measurement of clearance of #2 cylinder intake valve and #4 cylinder exhaust valve
  
  Fig 10: Cylinder Exhaust And Intake Valve Round And Arrow Mark
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Measurement of clearance of #1 cylinder exhaust valve and #4 cylinder intake valve
  
  Fig 11: Cylinder Exhaust And Intake Valve Round And Arrow Mark
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Measure the clearance of intake valve and exhaust valve using thickness gauge (A).
NOTE:
- Insert a thickness gauge in a direction as horizontal as possible with respect to the valve lifter.
- Lift up the vehicle, and then measure the exhaust valve clearances.
- If the measured value is not within the inspection value, take notes of the value in order to adjust the valve clearance later on.
Valve clearance (inspection value):

Intake

0.20 ⁺⁰⁰⁴ _-0.06 mm (0.0079 ^+0.0016 _-0.0024 in)

Exhaust

0.35±0.05 mm (0.0138±0.0020 in)

Fig 12: Measuring Clearance Of Intake Valve And Exhaust Valve Using Thickness Gauge
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
If necessary, adjust the valve clearance. < Ref. to ADJUSTMENT , Valve Clearance. >
After inspection, install the related parts in the reverse order of removal.
NOTE:
- Refer to "Camshaft" when installing the rocker cover. < Ref. to INSTALLATION , Camshaft. >
- Use a new clamp for the PCV hose clamp, fit the cut out in the ST with the protrusion on the clamp as shown in the illustration, and lock the clamp.
ST 18353AA000 CLAMP PLIERS

Fig 13: Pinching Clamp Of PCV Hose Using Special Tool
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 14: Identifying PCV Hose Clamps
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Tightening torque:

6.4 N.m (0.7 kgf-m, 4.7 ft-lb)

Fig 15: PCV Hose
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 16: Locating PCV Hose Mounting Bolt
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.