Valve Clearance Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 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.
  
  Fig 1: Measuring Valve Clearance
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
2. Measure the valve clearance at A in the figure.
  - If the valve clearance exceeds the standard, replace the adjustment shim. (See VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT .)
  Standard [Engine cold]
  1. IN:0.18-0.24 mm {0.007-0.009 in} (0.21+/-0.03 mm {0.008+/-0.0.0012 in})
  EX:0.28-0.34 mm {0.011-0.013 in} (0.31+/-0.03 mm {0.012+/-0.0012 in})
3. Turn the crankshaft 360° clockwise so that the No.4 piston is at TDC of the compression stroke.
4. Measure the valve clearance at B in the figure.
  - If the valve clearance exceeds the standard, replace the adjustment shim. (See VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT .)
  Fig 2: Measuring Valve Clearance With Feeler Gauge
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  
  Standard [Engine cold]
  1. IN:0.18-0.24 mm {0.007-0.009 in} (0.21+/-0.03 mm {0.008+/-0.0012 in})
  EX:0.28-0.34 mm {0.011-0.013 in} (0.31+/-0.03 mm {0.012+/-0.0012 in})
Install the cylinder head cover. (See CYLINDER HEAD COVER INSTALLATION NOTE .)