Valve Clearance Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mazda Protege5 and 2003 Mazda Protege. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the cylinder head cover. (See CYLINDER HEAD COVER REMOVAL NOTE .)
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: Identifying Timing Marks
  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 .)
    
    Fig 2: Identifying Intake And Exhaust Valves
    Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  Standard [Engine cold]
  
  IN: 0.225-0.295 mm {0.0089-0.0116 in}
  
  (0.26+/-0.035 mm {0.010+/-0.0013 in})
  
  EX: 0.225-0.295 mm {0.0089-0.0116 in}
  
  (0.26+/-0.035 mm {0.010+/-0.001 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 3: Measuring Valve Clearance
    Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  Standard [Engine cold]
  
  IN: 0.225-0.295 mm {0.0089-0.0116 in} (0.26+/-0.035 mm {0.010+/-0.0013 in})
  
  EX: 0.225-0.295 mm {0.0089-0.0116 in} (0.26+/-0.035 mm {0.010+/-0.001 in})
5. Install the cylinder head cover. (See CYLINDER HEAD COVER INSTALLATION NOTE .)