Valve Clearance: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Perform the following inspection after removal, installation or replacement of camshaft or valve-related parts, or if there are unusual engine conditions due to changes in valve clearance over time (starting, idling, and/or noise).

Remove the engine room cover (if equipped). Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
Remove the air cleaner and air duct assembly. Refer to "EXPLODED VIEW ".
Remove rocker covers (RH and LH banks). Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".

Measure the valve clearance as follows:

Set No. 1 cylinder at TDC of its compression stroke.
- Rotate crankshaft pulley clockwise to align timing mark (A) (grooved line without color) with timing indicator (B).
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Timing Marks On Crankshaft Pulley And Timing Indicator
  Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Make sure that intake and exhaust cam noses on No. 1 cylinder (engine front side of RH bank) are located as shown.
- If not, rotate crankshaft one revolution (360°) and align as shown.
  
  Fig 2: Aligning Intake And Exhaust Cam Noses On No. 1 Cylinder
  Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Use feeler gauge, measure the clearance between valve lifter and camshaft.

Fig 3: Checking Clearance Between Valve Lifter And Camshaft

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

VALVE CLEARANCE

Unit: mm (in)

Cold⁽¹⁾ (reference data)

Hot ⁽²⁾ (reference data)

Intake

0.26 - 0.34 (0.010 - 0.013)

0.304 - 0.416 (0.012 - 0.016)

Exhaust

0.29 - 0.37 (0.011 - 0.015)

0.308 - 0.432 (0.012 - 0.017)

⁽¹⁾	Approximately 20°C (68°F)

⁽²⁾	Approximately 80°C (176°F)

Measure the valve clearances at locations marked "x" as shown in the table below (locations indicated in the illustration) with feeler gauge.
No. 1 cylinder at compression TDC

Measuring position (RH bank)		No. 1 CYL.	No. 3 CYL.	No. 5 CYL.
No. 1 cylinder at compression TDC	EXH		x
No. 1 cylinder at compression TDC	INT	x
Measuring position (LH bank)		No. 2 CYL.	No. 4 CYL.	No. 6 CYL.
No. 1 cylinder at compression TDC	INT			x
No. 1 cylinder at compression TDC	EXH	x

Fig 4: Identifying Valve Clearance Measuring Position On Right And Left Bank Cylinder No 1, 3, 2 And 6

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Rotate crankshaft by 240° clockwise (when viewed from engine front) to align No. 3 cylinder at TDC of its compression stroke.

NOTE: Crankshaft pulley bolt flange has a stamped line every 60°. They can be used as a guide to rotation angle.

Fig 5: Aligning No. 3 Cylinder At TDC Of Its Compression Stroke

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Measure the valve clearances at locations marked "x" as shown in the table below (locations indicated in the illustration) with feeler gauge.
No. 3 cylinder at compression TDC

Measuring position (RH bank)		No. 1 CYL.	No. 3 CYL.	No. 5 CYL.
No. 3 cylinder at compression TDC	EXH			x
No. 3 cylinder at compression TDC	INT		x
Measuring position (LH bank)		No. 2 CYL.	No. 4 CYL.	No. 6 CYL.
No. 3 cylinder at compression TDC	INT	x
No. 3 cylinder at compression TDC	EXH		x

Fig 6: Identifying Valve Clearances Measuring Position On Right And Left Bank Cylinder No 3, 5, 2 And 4

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Rotate crankshaft by 240° clockwise (when viewed from engine front) to align No. 5 cylinder at TDC of compression stroke.

Fig 7: Aligning No. 3 Cylinder At TDC Of Its Compression Stroke

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Measure the valve clearances at locations marked "x" as shown in the table below (locations indicated in the illustration) with feeler gauge.
No. 5 cylinder at compression TDC

Measuring position (RH bank)		No. 1 CYL.	No. 3 CYL.	No. 5 CYL.
No. 5 cylinder at compression TDC	EXH	x
No. 5 cylinder at compression TDC	INT			x
Measuring position (LH bank)		No. 2 CYL.	No. 4 CYL.	No. 6 CYL.
No. 5 cylinder at compression TDC	INT		x
No. 5 cylinder at compression TDC	EXH			x

Fig 8: Identifying Valve Clearances Measuring Position On Right And Left Bank Cylinder No 1, 5, 4 And 6

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

For the measured value out of the standard, perform adjustment.