Valve Clearance Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lincoln LS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the timing chains. For additional information, refer to TIMING DRIVE COMPONENTS in this section.

NOTE: Measure each valve clearance at base circle before removing the camshafts. The shims are not repairable with the camshafts in place. Failure to measure all clearances prior to removing the camshafts will cause unnecessary repetition of the procedure.

Fig 1: Adjusting Valve Clearance

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Use a feeler gauge to measure each valve clearance and record its location.
Remove the camshafts. For additional information, refer to CAMSHAFT, VALVE SPRINGS AND VALVE SEALS in this section.
Remove the shims.

Fig 2: Removing Camshaft Shims
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The shims are marked for thickness; example: 2.22 mm = 222 on shim.

NOTE: The corrected shims allow the following valve clearances.

Intake valve clearance: 0.18-0.22 mm (0.00709-0.00866 in)
Exhaust valve clearance: 0.33-0.38 mm (0.0128-0.0148 in)

NOTE: A midrange clearance is the most desirable:

Intake: 0.20 mm (0.00787 in)
Exhaust: 0.35 mm (0.014 in)

NOTE: Select shims using this formula: required shim thickness = measured clearance plus the base shim thickness minus most desirable clearance.

Select shims and mark the installation location.
Install new shims.

Fig 3: Installing New Camshaft Shims
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the camshaft. For additional information, refer to CAMSHAFT, VALVE SPRINGS AND VALVE SEALS in this section.
Measure the new valve clearances.

Fig 4: Measuring New Valve Clearances
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the timing chains. For additional information, refer to TIMING DRIVE COMPONENTS in this section.