Valve Clearance: Inspection

Inspection and adjustment of valve clearance should be performed while engine is cold.

1. Lift-up the vehicle.
2. Remove the under cover.
3. Lower the vehicle.
4. Remove the collector cover.
5. Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
   Fig 1: Disconnecting Ground Cable From Battery

   Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
6. Remove the air intake duct. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Air Intake Duct. >
7. Remove a bolt which secures timing belt cover (RH).
8. Loosen the remaining bolts which secure timing belt cover (RH), then remove the timing belt cover.
9. When inspecting #1 and #3 cylinders:
   1. Remove the air cleaner case.< Ref. to REMOVAL , Air Cleaner Case. >
   2. Disconnect the connector from ignition coil.
   3. Remove the ignition coil.
   4. Place a suitable container under the vehicle.
   5. Disconnect the PCV hose from rocker cover (RH).
   6. Remove the bolts, then remove the rocker cover (RH).
10. When inspecting #2 and #4 cylinders:
    1. Disconnect the battery cable, and then remove the battery and battery carrier.
    2. Disconnect the connector from ignition coil.
    3. Remove the ignition coil.
    4. Place a suitable container under the vehicle.
    5. Disconnect the PCV hose from rocker cover (LH).
    6. Remove the bolts, then remove the rocker cover (LH).
11. Turn the crank pulley clockwise until arrow mark on the cam sprocket is set to position shown in Fig 2 .
    NOTE: Turn the crankshaft using a socket wrench.
    Fig 2: Turning Crank Pulley Clockwise

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12. Measure the #1 cylinder intake valve and #3 cylinder exhaust valve clearance by using thickness gauge (A).
    NOTE:

    • Insert the thickness gauge in as horizontal a direction as possible with respect to the valve lifter.
    • Measure the exhaust valve clearances while lifting-up the vehicle.

    Valve clearance 

    Intake: 

    0.20 ⁺⁰⁰⁴ _-0.06  mm (0.0079 ^+0.0016 _-0.0024  in) 

    Exhaust: 

    0.35+/-0.05 mm (0.0138+/-0.0020 in) 

    • If the measured value is not within specification, take notes of the value in order to adjust the valve clearance later on.
    Fig 3: Inserting Thickness Gauge

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13. If necessary, adjust the valve clearance. < Ref. to , ADJUSTMENT , Valve Clearance. >
14. Further turn the crank pulley clockwise and then measure the valve clearances again.
    1. Set the arrow mark on cam sprocket to the position shown in Fig 4 , and measure the #2 cylinder exhaust valve and #3 cylinder intake valve clearances.
       Fig 4: Measuring 2 Cylinder Exhaust Valve And 3 Cylinder Intake Valve Clearances

       Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    2. Set the arrow mark on cam sprocket to the position shown in Fig 5 , and measure the #2 cylinder intake valve and #4 cylinder exhaust valve clearances.
       Fig 5: Measuring 2 Cylinder Intake Valve And 4 Cylinder Exhaust Valve Clearances

       Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    3. Set the arrow mark on cam sprocket to the position shown in Fig 6 , and measure the #1 cylinder exhaust valve and #4 cylinder intake valve clearances.
    Fig 6: Measuring 1 Cylinder Exhaust Valve And 4 Cylinder Intake Valve Clearances

    Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
15. After inspection, install the related parts in the reverse order of removal.