Valve Clearance: Checking

• 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.

Check valve clearance while engine is cold and not running. 

1. Remove the air duct with air cleaner case, collectors, hoses, wires, harnesses, and connectors.
2. Remove the intake manifold collectors.
3. Remove the ignition coils and spark plugs.
4. Remove the rocker covers.
5. Set No. 1 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.
   • Align pointer with TDC mark on crankshaft pulley.
   Fig 1: View Of Camshaft Lobe Positioning
   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
   • Check that the valve lifters on No. 1 cylinder are loose and valve lifters on No. 4 are tight. If not, turn the crankshaft one full revolution (360°) and align as above.
6. Check only the valves as shown.
   Fig 2: Valves To Check On TDC No. 1 (1 Of 2)

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
   Fig 3: Valves To Check On TDC No. 1 (2 Of 2)

   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.

   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) 

7. Turn crankshaft 240° and align as above.
8. Set No. 3 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.
9. Check only those valves as shown.
   Fig 4: Valves To Check On TDC No. 3 (1 Of 2)

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
   Fig 5: Valves To Check On TDC No. 3 (2 Of 2)

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
10. Turn the crankshaft 240° and align as above.
11. Set No. 5 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.
12. Check only those valves as shown.
    Fig 6: Valves To Check On TDC No. 5 (1 Of 2)

    Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    Fig 7: Valves To Check On TDC No. 5 (2 Of 2)

    Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
13. If all valve clearances are within specification, install the following components. If the valve clearances are out of specification, adjust the valve clearances.
    • Intake manifold collectors
    • Rocker covers
    • All spark plugs
    • All ignition coils