Valve Clearance: Adjusting

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Nissan Sentra. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Adjust valve clearance while engine is cold.

Turn crankshaft clockwise (viewed from front) to position cam lobe upward on camshaft for valve that must be adjusted.
Turn valve lifter and adjusting shim to removal direction.
- Using a slotted screwdriver with an extra-thin tip, turn the valve lifter cutout in the direction shown by the arrow.
Fig 1: Position Cam Lobe Upward On Camshaft
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Place Tool (1) around camshaft as shown.
1. Tool number :45074-1
NOTE: Before placing Tool (1), rotate notch toward center of cylinder head. This will simplify shim removal later.
CAUTION:
- Be careful not to damage camshaft and cylinder head.
- Be careful not to damage surroundings of valve lifter.
Fig 2: Placing Tool Around Camshaft
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Rotate Tool (1) so that valve lifter is pushed down, compressing the spring.

Fig 3: Rotating Tool For Pushing Valve Lifter Down
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Place Tool (2) between camshaft and valve lifter to retain valve lifter.
1. Tool number :45074-2
CAUTION:
- If camshaft pliers are suddenly turned back, the lifter stopper may contact and damage the camshaft journals. Turn back the camshaft pliers carefully to remove.
- Tool (2) must be placed as close to camshaft bracket as possible.
- Be careful not to damage cam surface with Tool (2).
Fig 4: Placing Tool Between Camshaft And Valve Lifter To Retain Valve Lifter
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove Tool (1).
Remove adjusting shim using Tool and a magnetic finger.

Fig 5: Removing Adjusting Shim Using Tool And Magnetic Finger
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Determine replacement adjusting shim size using the following formula.

Fig 6: Determining Thickness Of Removed Shim At Camshaft Contact Face
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Use a micrometer to determine thickness (t1) of removed shim at camshaft contact face (around center).
- Use t1 + (C1-C2) to calculate thickness of new adjusting shim so valve clearance comes within specified values.
  t1 = Thickness of removed shim
  
  C1 = Measured valve clearance
  
  C2 = Standard valve clearance
  1. Hot engine:
    1. Intake :0.32 - 0.40 mm (0.013 - 0.016 in)
    2. Exhaust :0.37 - 0.45 mm (0.015 - 0.018 in)
  2. Reference values with cold engine:
    1. Intake :0.25 - 0.33 mm (0.010 - 0.013 in)
    2. Exhaust :0.32 - 0.40 mm (0.013 -0.016 in)
- Thickness of new adjusting shim is indicated with stamped mark on its back.
- Shims are available in 50 sizes from 2.00 mm (0.0787 in) to 2.98 mm (0.1173 in), in steps of 0.02 mm (0.0008 in).
- Select the closest size shim to the calculated thickness. Refer to "AVAILABLE SHIMS ".
Fig 7: Identifying Thickness Of Adjusting Shim
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install new shim using Tool (2).
1. Tool number :45074-2
- Install with the surface on which the thickness is stamped facing down.
Fig 8: Installing New Shim Using Tool
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Place Tool (1) as explained in steps 4 and 5.
Remove Tool (2).
Remove Tool (1).

Fig 9: Removing Tools 1 & 2
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Turn the crankshaft a couple of times by hand.
Recheck the valve clearance.