Valve Clearance Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the valve cover. For additional information, refer to VALVE COVER in this service information.

NOTE: Turn the engine clockwise only, and only use the crankshaft bolt.

NOTE: Before removing the camshafts, measure the clearance of each valve at base circle, with the lobe pointed away from the tappet. Failure to measure all clearances prior to removing the camshafts will necessitate repeated removal and installation and wasted labor time.

Fig 1: Measuring Valve Clearance

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Use a feeler gauge to measure the clearance of each valve and record its location.

NOTE: The number on the valve tappet only reflects the digits that follow the decimal. For example, a tappet with the number 0.650 has the thickness of 3.650 mm.

NOTE: The nominal clearance is:

intake: 0.25 mm (0.0095 in).
exhaust: 0.30 mm (0.0115 in).

NOTE: The acceptable clearances after being fully installed are:

intake: 0.22-0.28 mm (0.008-0.011 in).
exhaust: 0.27-0.33 mm (0.010-0.013 in).

Select tappets using this formula: ideal tappet thickness = measured clearance + the existing tappet thickness - nominal clearance.

Select the closest tappet size to the ideal tappet thickness available and mark the installation location.
If any tappets do not measure within specifications, install new tappets in these locations. For additional information, refer to VALVE TRAIN COMPONENTS - EXPLODED VIEW and VALVE TAPPETS in this service information.