Valve Lifters and Guides Cleaning and Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Tools Required

J 26900-2 Micrometer

Use a caliper gage to measure the lifter bore diameter of the cylinder head.
Lifter Bore Diameter

31.000-31.025 mm (1.2205-1.2215 in)

Fig 1: Measuring Lifter Bore Diameter Of Cylinder Head
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Use a J 26900-2 and measure the lifter diameter.
Lifter Diameter

30.966-30.976 mm (1.2191-1.2195 in)

Fig 2: Measuring Lifter Diameter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Subtract the lifter diameter measurement from the lifter bore diameter measurement to determine the oil clearance.
- Standard Oil Clearance
  0.024-0.059 mm (0.0009-0.0023 in)
- Maximum Oil Clearance
  0.079 mm (0.0031 in)
If the oil clearance is greater than the maximum, replace the lifter. If the proper oil clearance is still greater than the maximum allowed, replace the cylinder head.