Valve Clearance: Inspection

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

1. Set the vehicle on a lift.
2. Remove the collector cover.
3. Disconnect the ground cable from the battery.
4. Lift-up the vehicle.
5. Remove the under cover.
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. When inspecting RH side cylinders:
   1. Remove the air intake duct and air cleaner case. <Ref. to REMOVAL , Air Intake Duct .> <Ref. to REMOVAL , Air Cleaner Case .>
   2. Remove the fuel pipe protector (RH).
      Fig 1: Identifying Fuel Pipe Protector (RH)

      Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
   3. Disconnect the connector of oil pressure switch.
   4. Remove the ignition coil. <Ref. to REMOVAL , Ignition Coil .>
   5. Remove the rocker cover (RH).
8. When inspecting LH side cylinders:
   1. Disconnect the battery cable, and then remove the battery and battery carrier.
   2. Disconnect the PCV hose and blow-by hose from the rocker cover (LH).
      Fig 2: Identifying PCV Hose And Rocker Cover (LH)

      Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
   3. Remove the fuel pipe protector (LH).
      Fig 3: Identifying Fuel Pipe Protector (LH)

      Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
   4. Remove the ignition coil. <Ref. to REMOVAL .>
   5. Remove the rocker cover (LH).
9. Turn the crankshaft clockwise until the cam is set to position shown in the figure.
   Fig 4: Identifying Rocker Cover (LH)

   Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
10. Measure the clearance of intake valve and exhaust valve using thickness gauge (A).
    NOTE:

    • Measure it within the range of ±30° from specified position shown in the figure.
    • Measure it in low lift cam for intake side.
    • Insert a thickness gauge in a direction as horizontal as possible with respect to the valve lifter.

    Valve clearance: 

    Intake: 

    0.20 ^+0.04 _-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 5: Identifying Within Range Of ±30° From Specified Position

      Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
11. If necessary, adjust the valve clearance. <Ref. to ADJUSTMENT , Valve Clearance .>
12. Further turn the crank pulley clockwise and then measure the valve clearances again.
13. After inspection, install the related parts in the reverse order of removal.