Valve Clearance: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Nissan Altima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

Warm up the engine, then stop it.
Remove front RH engine under cover using power tool.
Remove the rocker cover using power tool.
Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Turn crankshaft pulley in normal direction (clockwise when viewed from front) to align TDC identification mark (without paint mark) with timing indicator. See Figure.
At this time, check that the both intake and exhaust cam noses of No. 1 cylinder face outside.

Fig 1: Positioning Of Camshafts For TDC
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- If they do not face outside, turn crankshaft pulley once more.
By referring to the figure, measure valve clearances at locations marked X as shown in the table below (locations indicated with black arrow in figure) with a feeler gauge.

Fig 2: Positioning Of Camshafts To Check For Clearance (1 Of 2)
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- No. 1 cylinder compression TDC.
  
  Fig 3: Valve Clearance Table
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Use a feeler gauge, measure clearance between valve and camshaft.
  
  Fig 4: Checking Valve Clearance
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  1. Valve clearance standard:
  2. Hot Intake :0.32 - 0.40 mm (0.013 - 0.016 in)
  3. Exhaust :0.33 - 0.41 mm (0.013 - 0.016 in)
  4. Cold* Intake :0.24 - 0.32 mm (0.009 - 0.013 in)
  5. Exhaust :0.26 - 0.34 mm (0.010 - 0.013 in)
  *Reference data at approximately 20°C (68°F)
CAUTION: If inspection was carried out with cold engine, check that values with fully warmed up engine are still within specifications.
Turn crankshaft one complete revolution (360°) and align mark on crankshaft pulley with pointer.
By referring to the figure, measure valve clearances at locations marked X as shown in the table below (locations indicated with black arrow in figure).
- No. 4 cylinder compression TDC.
Fig 5: Valve Clearance Table
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Fig 6: Positioning Of Camshafts To Check For Clearance (2 Of 2)
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If out of specifications, adjust as follows.