Valve Clearance Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata, and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the cylinder head cover.
Verify that the engine is in cold condition.
Measure the valve clearance.
1. Turn the crankshaft clockwise so that the No.1 piston is at TDC of the compression stroke.
2. Measure the valve clearance at A in the figure.
  Standard Valve Clearance [Engine Cold]
  1. IN: 0.18-0.24 mm {0.0071-0.0094 in}
    1. (0.21 +/- 0.03 mm {0.0083 +/- 0.0012 in}
  2. EX: 0.28-0.34 mm {0.0111-0.0133 in}
    1. (0.31 +/- 0.03 mm {0.0122 +/- 0.0012 in}
      
      Fig 1: Identifying Measurement Points
      Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
      
      Fig 2: Measuring Valve Clearance
      Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
3. If the valve clearance exceeds the standard, replace the adjustment shim. (Refer to VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT .)
4. Turn the crankshaft 360° clockwise so that the No.4 piston is at TDC of the compression stroke.
5. Measure the valve clearance at B in the figure.
  Standard Valve Clearance [Engine Cold]
  1. IN: 0.18-0.24 mm {0.0071-0.0094 in}
    1. (0.21 +/- 0.03 mm {0.0083 +/- 0.0012 in}
  2. EX: 0.28-0.34 mm {0.0111-0.0133 in}
    1. (0.31 +/- 0.03 mm {0.0122 +/- 0.0012 in}
6. If the valve clearance exceeds the standard, replace the adjustment shim. (Refer to VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT .)
Install the cylinder head cover.