Valve Clearance Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Honda Insight and 2010 Honda Insight. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Adjust the valves only when the cylinder head temperature is less than 100 °F (38 °C). Check the engine coolant temperature with the HDS if you are not sure.

Remove the cylinder head cover (see CAM CHAIN CASE OIL SEAL INSTALLATION ).
Set the No. 1 piston at top dead center (TDC). The UP mark (A) on the camshaft sprocket should be at the top, and the TDC grooves (B) on the camshaft sprocket should line up with the top edge of the cam chain case.

Fig 1: Identifying Mark On Camshaft Sprocket
Select the correct feeler gauge for the valves you are going to check.
Valve Clearance

Intake: 0.15-0.19 mm (0.006-0.007 in)

Exhaust: 0.24-0.28 mm (0.009-0.011 in)

Fig 2: Identifying Intake And Exhaust Valve Clearance
Insert the feeler gauge (A) between the adjusting screw (B) and the end of the valve stem on No. 1 cylinder and slide it back and forth; you should feel a slight amount of drag.

Fig 3: Checking Valve Clearance
If you feel too much or too little drag, loosen the locknut (A), and turn the adjusting screw (B) until the drag on the feeler gauge is correct.

Fig 4: Adjusting Valve Clearance And Locknut With Torque Specifications
While holding the adjusting screw with the screw driver, tighten the locknut, and 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 No. 3 piston TDC groove (A) on the camshaft sprocket with the top edge of the cam chain case.

Fig 5: Aligning No. 3 Piston TDC Groove On Camshaft Sprocket With Top Edge Of Cam Chain Case
Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 3 cylinder.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the No. 4 piston TDC groove (A) on the camshaft sprocket with the top edge of the cam chain case.

Fig 6: Aligning No. 4 Piston TDC Groove On Camshaft Sprocket With Top Edge Of Cam Chain Case
Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 4 cylinder.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the No. 2 piston TDC groove (A) on the camshaft sprocket with the top edge of the cam chain case.

Fig 7: Aligning No. 2 Piston TDC Groove On Camshaft Sprocket With Top Edge Of Cam Chain Case
Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 2 cylinder.
Install the cylinder head cover (see CYLINDER HEAD COVER INSTALLATION ).