Valve Clearance: Inspection

1. Remove the engine from the vehicle. Refer to , REMOVAL , Engine Assembly.
2. When inspecting #1 and #3 cylinders
   1. Remove the timing belt cover RH. Refer to , TIMING BELT , REMOVAL, Timing Belt.
   2. Disconnect the connectors from exhaust oil flow control solenoid valve RH (A) and exhaust camshaft position sensor RH (B).
      Fig 1: Identifying Exhaust Oil Flow Control Solenoid Valve Connector And Exhaust Camshaft Position Sensor

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   3. Remove the clip which holds the engine harness to the rocker cover.
      Fig 2: Locating Engine Harness Clip

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   4. Remove the ignition coil. Refer to IGNITION COIL .
   5. Disconnect PCV hose and vacuum hose from the rocker cover RH.
      NOTE: Pinch the clamp of the PCV hose by fitting the cut out in the ST with the protrusion on the clamp as shown in the figure, and unlock the clamp.

      ST 18353AA000 CLAMP PLIERS

      Fig 3: Identifying Clamp Pliers (ST 18353AA000)

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      Fig 4: Locating Rocker Cover

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   6. Remove the rocker cover RH.
3. When inspecting #2 and #4 cylinders
   1. Remove the timing belt cover RH. Refer to , REMOVAL , Timing Belt.
   2. Disconnect the connectors from exhaust oil flow control solenoid valve LH (A) and exhaust camshaft position sensor LH (B).
      Fig 5: Disconnecting Exhaust Oil Flow Control Solenoid Valve Connector

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   3. Disconnect the oil level switch connector.
      Fig 6: Locating Oil Level Switch Connector

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   4. Remove the clip (A) and bolt (B) securing the engine harness or oil level switch harness to the rocker cover LH.
      Fig 7: Identifying Clip And Bolt

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   5. Remove the ignition coil. Refer to IGNITION COIL .
   6. Disconnect PCV hose and vacuum hose from the rocker cover LH.
      NOTE: Pinch the clamp of the PCV hose by fitting the cut out in the ST with the protrusion on the clamp as shown in the figure, and unlock the clamp.

      ST 18353AA000 CLAMP PLIERS

      Fig 8: Identifying Clamp Pliers (ST 18353AA000)

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      Fig 9: Locating Rocker Cover

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   7. Remove the rocker cover LH.
4. Turn the crank pulley clockwise until the round mark on the camshaft sprocket is set to position shown in the figure.
   NOTE: Turn the crank pulley using a socket wrench.
   • Measurement of clearance of #1 cylinder intake valve and #3 cylinder exhaust valve
     Fig 10: Measuring Clearance Of #1 Cylinder Intake Valve And #3 Cylinder Exhaust Valve

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   • Measurement of clearance of #2 cylinder exhaust valve and #3 cylinder intake valve
     Fig 11: Measuring Clearance Of #2 Cylinder Exhaust Valve And #3 Cylinder Intake Valve

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   • Measurement of clearance of #2 cylinder intake valve and #4 cylinder exhaust valve
     Fig 12: Measuring Clearance Of #2 Cylinder Intake Valve And #4 Cylinder Exhaust Valve

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   • Measurement of clearance of #1 cylinder exhaust valve and #4 cylinder intake valve
     Fig 13: Measuring Clearance Of Intake Valve And Exhaust Valve Using Thickness Gauge

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5. Measure the clearance of intake valve and exhaust valve using thickness gauge (A).
   NOTE:

   • Insert a thickness gauge in a direction as horizontal as possible with respect to the valve lifter.
   • Lift up the vehicle, and then measure the exhaust valve clearances.
   • If the measured value is not within the inspection value, take notes of the value in order to adjust the valve clearance later on.

   Valve clearance (inspection value): 

   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) 

   Fig 14: Identifying Clamp Pliers (ST 18353AA000)

   Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
6. If necessary, adjust the valve clearance. Refer to , ADJUSTMENT , Valve Clearance.
7. After inspection, install the related parts in the reverse order of removal.

ST 18353AA000 CLAMP PLIERS

Fig 15: Locating Oil Level Switch Harness Clamping Bolt

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Tightening torque: 

6.4 N.m (0.7 kgf-m, 4.7 ft-lb) 

Fig 16: Measuring Value Of Each Valve Clearance

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