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Home >> Subaru >> 1997 >> Legacy Outback Limited, Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis (Single Page) >> Engine Mechanical >> ENGINE MECHANICAL - 2.5L DOHC 4-Cylinder >> Adjustments >> Valve Clearance Adjustment >> 1997-99 Models

1997-99 Models

  1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove canister. Remove canister bracket. Remove air intake duct and air cleaner assembly. Remove washer fluid tank. Disconnect spark plug wires from spark plugs. Disconnect PCV hoses from valve covers.
  2. Raise and support vehicle. Remove right and left side undercovers. Remove right side timing belt cover. Remove valve covers. Rotate crankshaft clockwise to align arrow marks on camshaft sprockets as shown. See Fig 1.
  3. Using feeler gauge, measure and record valve clearance on valves specified in illustration. See VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATION table. Rotate crankshaft clockwise to align next arrow marks on camshaft sprockets. See Fig 1. Measure and record valve clearance on valves specified in illustration.
  4. Repeat procedure until all valve clearances have been recorded. If any valve clearance is not within specification, ensure camshaft lobe on valve that requires adjustment is pointing away from valve.
    NOTE: If shim replacer kit is not available, remove camshafts to adjust valve clearance. See CAMSHAFTS  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  5. Rotate notch on valve lifter 45 degrees. Install Shim Replacer Kit (498187100) on camshaft. Rotate cam on shim replacer kit until clearance exists between valve lifter and shim. Using tweezers and/or a magnet, remove shim. See Fig 2.
    VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS

    Application Clearance In. (mm)
    Intake .0071-.0087 (0.18-0.22)
    Exhaust .0098-.0114 (0.23-0.27)
    Fig 1: Positioning Camshafts For Valve Clearance Adjustment
    G98H12036Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    Fig 2: Removing Shims
    G98J12038Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  6. Measure thickness of shim. Using measured valve clearance ("V") and thickness of shim ("T"), determine shim thickness ("S") required using the following equations:
    • Intake Valve: S = (V + T) - .20 mm
    • Exhaust Valve: S = (V + T) - .25 mm
  7. Shims are available in thicknesses from .0917" (2.33 mm) to .1059" (2.69 mm) in .0004" (.02 mm) increments. To install selected shim, reverse removal procedure. Recheck valve clearance. Install remaining components in reverse order of removal.