Valve Clearance: Checking

Check valve clearance while engine is warm and not running. 

1. Remove the rocker cover.
2. Remove all of the spark plugs.
3. Set No. 1 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.
   • Align pointer with TDC mark on crankshaft pulley.
     Fig 1: Identifying Timing Mark

     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 described above.
4. Check only those valves shown in Fig 2.
   Fig 2: Checking Valves In Cylinders No. 1, 2 & 3

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
   • Using a feeler gauge, measure clearance between valve lifter and camshaft.
     Fig 3: Measuring Clearance Between Valve Lifter & Camshaft Lobe

     Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
   • 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 (Hot) 

     Intake: 0.21 - 0.47 mm (0.008 - 0.019 in) 

     Exhaust: 0.30 - 0.56 mm (0.012 - 0.022 in) 

5. Turn crankshaft one revolution (360°) and align mark on crankshaft pulley with pointer.
6. Check only those valves shown in Fig 4.
   Fig 4: Checking Valves In Cylinders No. 2, 3 & 4

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
   • Use the same procedure as mentioned in step  4.
7. If all valve clearances are within specification, install the following parts:
   • Rocker cover
   • All spark plugs