Valve Clearance Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Connect the HDS to the DLC, and monitor the ECT SENSOR 1. Adjust the valve clearance only when the engine coolant temperature is less than 100°F (38°C).

Remove the cylinder head covers (see CYLINDER HEAD COVER REMOVAL ).
Set the No. 1 piston at top dead center (TDC). Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 1 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.

Fig 1: Identifying No. 1 Piston TDC Mark On Front Camshaft Pulley
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Select the correct feeler gauge for the valve clearance you are going to check.
Valve Clearance

Intake: 0.20-0.24 mm (0.008-0.009 in)

Exhaust: 0.28-0.32 mm (0.011-0.012 in)

REAR

Fig 2: Checking Rear Exhaust Valve Clearance
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

FRONT

Fig 3: Checking Front Intake Valve Clearance
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Insert the feeler gauge (A) between the adjusting screw and the end of the valve stem on the No. 1 cylinder, and slide it back and forth; you should feel a slight amount of drag.
INTAKE

Fig 4: Inserting Feeler Gauge Between Adjusting Screw And End Of Valve Stem (Intake)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

EXHAUST

Fig 5: Inserting Feeler Gauge Between Adjusting Screw And End Of Valve Stem (Exhaust)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If you feel too much or too little drag, loosen the locknut, and turn the adjusting screw until the drag on the feeler gauge is correct.
INTAKE

Fig 6: Loosening Locknut (Intake)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

EXHAUST

Fig 7: Loosening Locknut (Exhaust)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
While holding the adjusting screw with the screw driver, tighten the locknut, then recheck the clearance. Repeat the adjustment, if necessary.
Specified Torque

Intake: 20 N.m (2.0 kgf.m, 14 lbf.ft)

Apply new engine oil to the nut threads.

Exhaust: 14 N.m (1.4 kgf.m, 10 lbf.ft)

Apply new engine oil to the nut threads.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 4 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.

Fig 8: Identifying No. 4 Piston TDC Mark On Front Camshaft Pulley
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 4 cylinder.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 2 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.

Fig 9: Identifying No. 2 Piston TDC Mark On Front Camshaft Pulley
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 2 cylinder.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 5 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.

Fig 10: Identifying No. 5 Piston TDC Mark On Front Camshaft Pulley
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 5 cylinder.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 3 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.

Fig 11: Identifying No. 3 Piston TDC Mark On Front Camshaft Pulley
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 3 cylinder.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the pointer (A) on the front upper cover with the No. 6 piston TDC mark (B) on the front camshaft pulley.

Fig 12: Identifying No. 6 Piston TDC Mark On Front Camshaft Pulley
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 6 cylinder.
Install the cylinder head covers (see CYLINDER HEAD COVER INSTALLATION ).