Valve Clearance Adjustment

NOTE: Connect the HDS to the DLC (see step 2 GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ), and monitor the ECT SENSOR 1. Adjust the valve clearance only when the engine coolant temperature is less than 100°F (38°C).

Remove the cylinder head cover (see CYLINDER HEAD COVER REMOVAL ).
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 head.

Fig 1: Identifying Camshaft Sprocket Marking And TDC Grooves
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Select the correct feeler gauge for the valve clearance you are going to check.
Valve Clearance

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

Exhaust: 0.24-0.28 mm (0.010-0.011 in)

Fig 2: Identifying Exhaust & Intake Valves
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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: Identifying Feeler Gauge Between Adjusting Screw And Valve Stem End On No. 1 Cylinder
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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: Remove/Install Rocker Arm Locknut With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
While holding the adjusting screw with the screw driver, tighten the locknut, then 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 head.

Fig 5: Identifying No. 3 Piston TDC Groove
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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 head.

Fig 6: Identifying No. 4 Piston TDC Groove
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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 head.

Fig 7: Identifying No. 2 Piston TDC Groove
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 2 cylinder.
Install the cylinder head cover (see CYLINDER HEAD COVER INSTALLATION ).