Valve Clearance: Checking

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Perform inspection as follows after removal, installation or replacement of camshaft or valve related parts, or if there is unusual engine conditions regarding valve clearance.

NOTE: Check valve clearance while engine is cold and not running.

Remove the intake manifold collectors. Refer to "REMOVAL ".
Remove the ignition coils. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
Remove the spark plugs. Refer to "REMOVAL ".
Remove the rocker covers. "REMOVAL ".

Fig 1: Numerical Cylinder Identification
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Set No. 1 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.
- Align pointer with TDC mark on crankshaft pulley.
  
  Fig 2: Align Pointer With TDC Mark On Crankshaft Pulley
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Check that the valve lifters on No. 1 cylinders are loose and valve lifters on No. 4 are tight. If not, turn the crankshaft one full revolution (360 degrees) and align as shown.
  
  Fig 3: Check That The Valve Lifters On No. 1 Cylinders Are Loose
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Check that the valve lifters on No. 1 cylinders are loosen.

Fig 4: Check That The Valve Lifters On No. 1 Cylinders Are Loose
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Using a feeler gauge, measure the clearance between the valve lifter and camshaft.
- Record any valve clearance measurements which are out of specification. They will be used later to determine the required replacement lifter size.
  1. Valve Clearance for Checking (cold)
    1. Intake : 0.26 - 0.34 mm (0.010 - 0.013 in)
    2. Exhaust : 0.29 - 0.37 mm (0.011 - 0.015 in)
Fig 5: Valve Clearances To Check per 240 Degrees Of Crankshaft Revolution
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Fig 6: Using A Feeler Gauge, Measure The Clearance Between The Valve Lifter And Camshaft
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Fig 7: Using A Feeler Gauge, Measure The Clearance Between The Valve Lifter And Camshaft
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Turn crankshaft 240 degrees.
Set No. 3 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.
Check only those valves as shown.

Fig 8: Turn Crankshaft 240 Degrees
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Fig 9: Check Only Those Valves As Shown
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Turn the crankshaft 240 degrees and align as above.
Set No. 5 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.
Check only those valves as shown.

Fig 10: Turn Crankshaft 240 Degrees
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Fig 11: Check Only Those Valves As Shown
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If valve clearances are within specification, install the following components. If the valve clearances are out of specification, adjust the valve clearances.
- Rocker covers. Refer to "INSTALLATION ".
- All spark plugs. Refer to "INSTALLATION ".
- All ignition coils. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
- Intake manifold collectors. Refer to "INSTALLATION ".