Valve Clearance: Adjusting

Adjust valve clearance while engine is cold. 

Perform adjustment by selecting the correct head thickness of the valve lifter (adjusting shims are not used).

1. Remove the camshaft.
2. Remove the valve lifter that was measured as being outside the standard specifications.
3. Measure the center thickness of the removed lifter with a micrometer, as shown.
   Fig 1: Checking Center Thickness Of Lifter

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
4. Use the equation below to calculate the replacement valve lifter thickness.

   Valve lifter thickness calculation equation: t=t1+(C1-C2)

   t=thickness of the replacement lifter

   t1=thickness of the removed lifter

   C1=measured valve clearance

   C2=standard valve clearance

   • The thickness of the new valve lifter can be identified by the stamp mark on the reverse side (inside the lifter).
   • Available thickness of the valve lifter (factory setting):

     7.88 - 8.36 mm (0.3102 - 0.3291 in), in 0.02 mm (0.0008 in) increments, in 25 sizes (intake / exhaust).

     Value lifter thickness: 

     1. Intake: 0.30 mm (0.012 in) 
     2. Exhaust: 0.33 mm (0.013 in) 
     Fig 2: Locating Stamped Mark

     Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
     Fig 3: Valve Lifter Table

     Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
5. Install the selected replacement valve lifter.
6. Install the camshaft.
7. Rotate the crankshaft a few turns by hand.
8. Confirm that the valve clearances are within specification.
9. After the engine has been run to full operating temperature, confirm that the valve clearances are within specification.
   Fig 4: Valve Lash Specification Table

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.