Valve Clearance: Checking

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Perform inspection as follows after removal, installation or replacement of camshaft or valve related parts, or if there are unusual engine conditions regarding valve clearance.
Check valve clearance while engine is cold and not running.

Remove the front air duct with air cleaner case, collectors, hoses, wires, harnesses, and connectors. Refer to Removal and Installation .
Remove the intake manifold collectors. Refer to Removal and Installation .
Remove the ignition coils and spark plugs. Refer to Exploded View .
Remove the rocker covers. Refer to Exploded View .

Set No. 1 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.

GNSAWBIA2445Z-445

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

: Engine front

Align pointer with TDC mark (A) on crankshaft pulley.

G08768737

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check that the valve lifters on No. 1 cylinder, bank 1 (A) are loose and valve lifters on No. 4 are tight. If not, turn the crankshaft one full revolution (360°) and align as shown, below.

GNSAWBIA2446Z-446

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

: Engine front

Check only the valves as shown, below.

GNSAWBIA2447Z-447

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Crank Position	Valve No. 1	Valve No. 2	Valve No. 3	Valve No. 6
No. 1 TDC	Intake	Exhaust	Exhaust	Intake

(A)	: Bank 1 cylinder head
(B)	: Bank 2 cylinder head
(C)	: Bank 2 exhaust camshaft
(D)	: Bank 2 intake camshaft
(E)	: Bank 1 intake camshaft
(F)	: Bank 1 exhaust camshaft
	: Engine front

Using a feeler gauge, measure the clearance between the valve lifter and camshaft.

G04073030

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Valve clearance

: Refer to General Specification .

Record any valve clearance measurements which are out of specification. They will be used later to determine the required replacement lifter size.

(A)	: Camshaft
(B)	: Valve lifter
(C)	: Suitable tool

GNSAWBIA2448Z-448

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Turn crankshaft 240°.
Set No. 3 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.

Check only those valves as shown, below.

GNSAWBIA2449Z-449

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Crank Position	Valve No. 2	Valve No. 3	Valve No. 4	Valve No. 5
No. 3 TDC	Intake	Intake	Exhaust	Exhaust

(A)	: Bank 1 cylinder head
(B)	: Bank 2 cylinder head
(C)	: Bank 2 exhaust camshaft
(D)	: Bank 2 intake camshaft
(E)	: Bank 1 intake camshaft
(F)	: Bank 1 exhaust camshaft
	: Engine front

Turn the crankshaft 240° and align as above.
Set No. 5 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.

Check only those valves as shown, below.

GNSAWBIA2450Z-450

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Crank Position	Valve No. 1	Valve No. 4	Valve No. 5	Valve No. 6
No. 5 TDC	Exhaust	Intake	Intake	Exhaust

(A)	: Bank 1 cylinder head
(B)	: Bank 2 cylinder head
(C)	: Bank 2 exhaust camshaft
(D)	: Bank 2 intake camshaft
(E)	: Bank 1 intake camshaft
(F)	: Bank 1 exhaust camshaft
	: Engine front

Perform adjustment if the measured values are out of the specification range.
Installation of components is in the reverse order of removal.