Valve Clearance: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the ground cable from battery.

Fig 1: Connecting/Disconnecting Battery Ground Cable
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the engine from vehicle. < Refer to REMOVAL , Engine Assembly. >
Remove the timing belt cover RH. < Refer to REMOVAL , Timing Belt Cover. >
When inspecting #1 and #3 cylinders
1. Remove the clip (A) and the stay (B) which hold the engine harness to the rocker cover RH.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Rocker Cover RH Engine Harness Stay, Clip And Mounting Bolts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Remove the ignition coil. < Refer to REMOVAL , Ignition Coil. >
3. Disconnect the PCV hose (A) and PCV hose assembly (B) from the rocker cover RH.
  NOTE: Pinch the clamp of the PCV hose (A) 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: Removing/Installing PCV Hose Clamp Using ST
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  Fig 4: Identifying PCV Hose And Assembly
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
4. Remove the rocker cover RH.
When inspecting #2 and #4 cylinders
1. Remove the secondary air pump. < Refer to REMOVAL , Secondary Air Pump. >
2. Remove the air duct B (B) from the rocker cover LH and the air duct A (A).
3. Remove the ignition coil. < Refer to REMOVAL , Ignition Coil. >
  
  Fig 5: Identifying Rocker Cover LH Air Ducts (A And B)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
4. Disconnect the PCV hose (A) and PCV hose assembly (B) from the rocker cover LH.
  NOTE: Pinch the clamp of the PCV hose (A) 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 6: Removing/Installing PCV Hose Clamp Using ST
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  Fig 7: Identifying PCV Hose And Assembly
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
5. Remove the rocker cover LH.
Turn the crank pulley clockwise until the round mark and arrow mark on the cam sprocket are 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 8: Identifying Clearance Of No. 1 Cylinder Intake Valve And No. 3 Cylinder Exhaust Valve
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Measurement of clearance of #2 cylinder exhaust valve and #3 cylinder intake valve
  
  Fig 9: Identifying Clearance Of No. 2 Cylinder Intake Valve And No. 3 Cylinder Exhaust Valve
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Measurement of clearance of #2 cylinder intake valve and #4 cylinder exhaust valve
  
  Fig 10: Identifying Clearance Of No. 2 Cylinder Intake Valve And No. 4 Cylinder Exhaust Valve
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Measurement of clearance of #1 cylinder exhaust valve and #4 cylinder intake valve
  
  Fig 11: Identifying Clearance Of No. 1 Cylinder Exhaust Valve And No. 4 Cylinder Intake Valve
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
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 12: Measuring Clearance Of Intake Valve And Exhaust Valve Using Thickness Gauge
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
If necessary, adjust the valve clearance. < Refer to ADJUSTMENT , Valve Clearance. >
After inspection, install the related parts in the reverse order of removal.
NOTE:
- Refer to "Camshaft" when installing the rocker cover. < Refer to INSTALLATION , Camshaft. >
- Use a new clamp for the PCV hose (A), fit the cut out in the ST with the protrusion on the clamp as shown in the figure, and lock the clamp.
ST 18353AA000 CLAMP PLIERS

Fig 13: Removing/Installing PCV Hose Clamp Using ST
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 14: Identifying PCV Hose Clamp
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Tightening torque:

6.4 N.m (0.7 kgf-m, 4.7 ft-lb)

Fig 15: PCV Hose
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 16: Locating PCV Hose Clamp Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.