Valve Clearance Adjustment

For information on Ford Color Coded Illustrations refer to OEM COLOR CODING

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment 

Check 

1. Remove the valve cover. Refer to: Valve Cover .
2. Remove the air cleaner outlet tube. Refer to: Air Cleaner Outlet Pipe .
3. NOTE: Turn the engine clockwise only, and only use the crankshaft bolt.
   NOTE: Measure the clearance of each valve at base circle, with the lobe pointed away from the tappet.

   Use a feeler gauge to measure the clearance of each valve and record its location. Use the General Equipment: Feeler Gauge

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

4. 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: Select tappets using this formula: tappet thickness = measured clearance + the existing tappet thickness - nominal clearance.
   NOTE: The nominal clearance is:
   • intake: 0.25 mm (0.0095 in).
   • exhaust: 0.36 mm (0.0142 in).
   NOTE: The acceptable clearances after being fully installed are:
   • intake: 0.19-0.31 mm (0.007-0.012 in).
   • exhaust: 0.30-0.42 mm (0.012-0.017 in).

   Select the closest tappet size to the ideal tappet thickness available and mark the installation location.

5. If any tappets do not measure within specifications, install new tappets in these locations.

Adjustment 

1. NOTE: The following step is only necessary if adjustment is required.

   Remove the camshafts. Refer to: Camshafts .