Valve Clearance: Checking

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check valve clearance while engine is cold and not running.

Remove engine cover.
Remove air duct with air cleaner case, collectors, hoses, wires, harnesses, connectors and so on.
Remove intake manifold collectors.
Remove ignition coils and spark plugs.
Remove RH and LH rocker covers.
Set No. 1 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.
- Align pointer with TDC mark on crankshaft pulley.
  
  Fig 1: Matching Pointer With TDC Mark On Crankshaft Pulley
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Check that valve lifters on No. 1 cylinder are loose and valve lifters on No. 4 are tight.
  If not, turn crankshaft one revolution (360°) and align as above.
  
  Fig 2: Locating Valve Lifters
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Check only those valves shown in the figure.

Fig 3: Valve And Crankshaft Position Chart
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Fig 4: Locating Valves
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Using a feeler gauge, measure clearance between valve lifter and camshaft.
- Record any valve clearance measurements which are out of specification. They will be used later to determine the required replacement adjusting shim.
  Valve clearance for checking (Cold):
  
  Intake
  
  0.26 - 0.34 mm (0.010 - 0.013 in)
  
  Exhaust
  
  0.29 - 0.37 mm (0.011 - 0.015 in)
  
  Fig 5: Using Feeler Gauge, Measure Clearance Between Valve Lifter And Camshaft
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Turn crankshaft 240° and align as above.
Set No. 3 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.
Check only those valves shown in the figure.

Fig 6: Valve And Crankshaft Position Chart
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Fig 7: Setting No. 3 Cylinder At TDC
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Turn crankshaft 240° and align as above.
Set No. 5 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.
Check only those valves shown in the figure.

Fig 8: Valve And Crankshaft Position Chart
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If all valve clearances are within specification, install the following parts. If they are out of specification, adjust the valve clearances.
- Intake manifold collectors
- RH and LH rocker covers
- All spark plugs
- All ignition coils
  
  Fig 9: Setting No. 5 Cylinder At TDC
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.