Valve Clearance: Notes

Inspection

• 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).

1. Warm up the engine, then stop it.
2. Remove splash shield (RH). Refer to "COMPONENT ".
3. Remove the rocker cover. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
4. Turn crankshaft pulley in normal direction (clockwise when viewed from front) to align TDC identification mark (without paint mark) with timing indicator.
   Fig 1: Aligning TDC Identification Mark (Without Paint Mark) With Timing Indicator

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
5. At this time, check that the both intake and exhaust cam lobes of No. 1 cylinder face outside.
   • If they do not face outside, turn crankshaft pulley once more.
     Fig 2: Locating Intake And Exhaust Cam Lobes Positions

     Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
6. By referring to the figure (locations indicated with black arrow), measure valve clearances with a feeler gauge at locations marked X as shown in the table below.
   • No. 1 cylinder compression TDC.
     NO. 1 CYLINDER COMPRESSION TDC
     
     

     Cylinder	No. 1		No. 2		No. 3		No. 4
     Valve	INT	EXH	INT	EXH	INT	EXH	INT	EXH
     Measurable	x	x	x			x

     Fig 3: Locating No. 1 Cylinder Compression TDC

     Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
   • Use a feeler gauge to measure the clearance between valve and camshaft.

     Valve clearance standard: 

     Cold Intake : 0.24 - 0.32 mm (0.009 - 0.013 in) 

     Exhaust : 0.26 - 0.34 mm (0.010 - 0.013 in) 

     Hot* Intake : 0.304 - 0.416 mm (0.012 - 0.016 in) 

     Exhaust : 0.308 - 0.432 mm (0.012 - 0.017 in) 

     *Reference data at approximately 80°C (176°F)

     Fig 4: Measuring Clearance Between Valve And Camshaft

     Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
     CAUTION: If inspection was carried out with cold engine, check that values with fully warmed up engine are still within specifications.
7. Turn crankshaft one complete revolution (360°) and align mark on crankshaft pulley with pointer.
8. By referring to the figure (locations indicated with black arrow), measure valve clearances with a feeler gauge at locations marked X as shown in the table below.
   • No. 4 cylinder compression TDC.
     NO. 4 CYLINDER COMPRESSION TDC
     
     

     Cylinder	No. 1		No. 2		No. 3		No. 4
     Valve	INT	EXH	INT	EXH	INT	EXH	INT	EXH
     Measurable				x	x		x	x

     Fig 5: Locating No. 4 Cylinder Compression TDC

     Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
9. If out of specifications, adjust as follows.