Inspection After Removal

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.

Camshaft Runout

Put V-block on precise flat table, and support No. 2 and 4 journal of camshaft.
CAUTION: Do not support journal No. 1 (on the side of camshaft sprocket) because it has a different diameter from the other three locations.
Set dial indicator vertically to No. 3 journal.
Turn camshaft to one direction with hands, and measure the camshaft runout on dial indicator. (Total indicator reading)
Standard: Less than 0.02 mm (0.0008 in)

Limit: 0.05 mm (0.0020 in)
If it exceeds the limit, replace camshaft.

Fig 1: Measuring Camshaft Runout Using Dial Indicator
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Camshaft Cam Height

Measure the camshaft cam height with micrometer.
Standard:

Intake: 45.465 - 45.655 mm (1.7900 - 1.7974 in)

Exhaust: 45.075 - 45.265 mm (1.7746 - 1.7821 in)

Limit:

Intake: 45.265 mm (1.7821 in)

Exhaust: 44.875 mm (1.7667 in)

Fig 2: Measuring Camshaft Cam Height Using Micrometer
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
If wear exceeds the limit, replace camshaft.

Camshaft Journal Oil Clearance

CAMSHAFT JOURNAL DIAMETER

Measure the outer diameter of camshaft journal with micrometer.
Standard:

No. 1: 25.935 - 25.955 mm (1.0211 - 1.0218 in)

No. 2, 3, 4: 23.445 - 23.465 mm (0.9230 - 0.9238 in)

Fig 3: Measuring Outer Diameter Of Camshaft Journal Using Micrometer
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAMSHAFT BRACKET INNER DIAMETER

Tighten camshaft bracket bolt with the specified torque.
Measure the inner diameter "A" of camshaft bracket with bore gauge.
Standard:

No. 1: 26.000 - 26.021 mm (1.0236 - 1.0244 in)

No. 2, 3, 4: 23.500 - 23.521 mm (0.9252 - 0.9260 in)

Fig 4: Measuring Inner Diameter Of Camshaft Bracket (Inner) Using Bore Gauge
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAMSHAFT JOURNAL OIL CLEARANCE

(Oil clearance) = (Camshaft bracket inner diameter) - (Camshaft journal diameter).
Standard:

No. 1: 0.045 - 0.086 mm (0.0018 - 0.0034 in)

No. 2, 3, 4: 0.035 - 0.076 mm (0.0014 - 0.0030 in)

Limit: 0.15 mm (0.0059 in)
If the calculated value exceeds the limit, replace either or both camshaft and cylinder head.
NOTE: Camshaft bracket cannot be replaced as a single part, because it is machined together with cylinder head. Replace whole cylinder head assembly.

Camshaft End Play

Install dial indicator in thrust direction on front end of camshaft. Measure the end play of dial indicator when camshaft is moved forward/backward (in direction to axis).
Standard: 0.115 - 0.188 mm (0.0045 - 0.0074 in)

Limit: 0.24 mm (0.0094 in)

Fig 5: Measuring Camshaft End Play Using Dial Indicator
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Measure the following parts if out of the limit.

Dimension "A" for camshaft No. 1 journal
Standard: 27.500 - 27.548 mm (1.0827 - 1.0846 in)
Dimension "B" for cylinder head No. 1 journal bearing
Standard: 27.360 - 27.385 mm (1.0772 - 1.0781 in)

Fig 6: Identifying Camshaft Journal Dimensions
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Following the standards above, replace camshaft and/or cylinder head.

Camshaft Sprocket Runout

Put V-block on precise flat table, and support No. 2 and 4 journal of camshaft.
CAUTION: Do not support journal No. 1 (on the side of camshaft sprocket) because it has a different diameter from the other three locations.
Measure the camshaft sprocket runout with dial indicator. (Total indicator reading)
Limit: 0.15 mm (0.0059 in)

Fig 7: Measuring Camshaft Sprocket Runout Using Dial Indicator
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- If it exceeds the limit, replace camshaft sprocket.

Valve Lifter

Check if surface of valve lifter has any wear or cracks.

If anything above is found, replace valve lifter. Refer to "STANDARD AND LIMIT ".

Fig 8: Locating Surface Of Valve Lifter
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Valve Lifter Clearance

VALVE LIFTER OUTER DIAMETER

Measure the outer diameter at 1/2 height of valve lifter with micrometer since valve lifter is in barrel shape.
Standard (Intake and exhaust)

: 33.977 - 33.987 mm (1.3377 - 1.3381 in)

Fig 9: Measuring Outer Diameter Of Valve Lifter Using Micrometer
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

VALVE LIFTER HOLE DIAMETER

Measure the inner diameter of valve lifter hole of cylinder head with inside micrometer.
Standard (Intake and exhaust)

: 34.000 - 34.016 mm (1.3386 - 1.3392 in)

Fig 10: Measuring Inner Diameter Of Valve Lifter Hole Of Cylinder Head Using Micrometer
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

VALVE LIFTER CLEARANCE

(Valve lifter clearance) = (Valve lifter hole diameter) - (Valve lifter outer diameter), Refer to "VALVE CLEARANCE ".
Standard (Intake and exhaust)

: 0.013 - 0.039 mm (0.0005 - 0.0015 in)
If the calculated value is out of the standard, referring to each standard of valve lifter outer diameter and valve lifter hole diameter, replace either or both valve lifter and cylinder head.