Valve Clearance: Checking

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

Perform inspection as follows after removal, installation or replacement of camshaft or valve related parts, or if there is unusual engine conditions regarding valve clearance.

NOTE: Check valve clearance while engine is cold and not running.

Remove the intake manifold collectors. Refer to REMOVAL .
Remove the ignition coils. Refer to REMOVAL .
Remove the spark plugs. Refer to REMOVAL .
Remove the rocker covers. REMOVAL .

Fig 1: Identifying Engine Block & Cylinder Location
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Set No. 1 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.
- Align pointer with TDC mark on crankshaft pulley.
  
  Fig 2: Location Timing Marks
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Check that the valve lifters on No. 1 cylinder are loose and valve lifters on No. 4 are tight. If not, turn the crankshaft one full revolution (360°) and align as shown.
  
  Fig 3: Turning Lifter
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Check only the valves as shown.

Fig 4: Valves Specification Table
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Fig 5: Identifying Valves
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Using a feeler gauge, measure the clearance between the valve lifter and camshaft.
- Record any valve clearance measurements which are out of specification. They will be used later to determine the required replacement lifter size.
  Valve Clearance for Checking (cold)
  1. Intake: 0.26 - 0.34 mm (0.010 - 0.013 in)
  2. Exhaust: 0.29 - 0.37 mm (0.011 - 0.015 in)
Fig 6: Measuring Clearance Between Valve Lifter And Camshaft (1 Of 2)
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Fig 7: Measuring Clearance Between Valve Lifter And Camshaft (2 Of 2)
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Turn crankshaft 240°.
Set No. 3 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.
Check only those valves as shown.

Fig 8: Valves Specification Table
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Fig 9: Checking Valves
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Turn the crankshaft 240° and align as above.
Set No. 5 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.
Check only those valves as shown.

Fig 10: Valves Specification Table
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If all valve clearances are within specification, install the following components. If the valve clearances are out of specification, adjust the valve clearances.
- Rocker covers. Refer to INSTALLATION .
- All spark plugs. Refer to INSTALLATION .
- All ignition coils. Refer to INSTALLATION .
- Intake manifold collectors. Refer to INSTALLATION .
Fig 11: Checking Valves Of No. 5 Cylinder At TDC On Its Compression Stroke
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.