Valve Clearance: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

CAUTION: If engine oil is spilt onto the exhaust pipe, wipe it off with cloth to avoid emission of smoke or causing a fire.

NOTE: Inspection of valve clearance should be performed while engine is cold.

Remove the collector cover.
NOTE: Follow the steps below when removing the collector cover.
1. Pull up the two points at the rear (A).
2. Pull up the two points at the front (B) while moving them forward.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Collector Cover
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
Lift up the vehicle.
Remove the under cover. Refer to REMOVAL .
Lower the vehicle.
When inspecting valve clearances for #1, #3 and #5
Loosen the clamp (A) which connects the air intake boot assembly.
Loosen the bolt (B) which secures the air intake boot assembly to the collector cover bracket.

Fig 2: Identifying Air Intake Boot Assembly Connecting Clamp
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
1. Remove the air intake boot assembly, and move it to the left side wheel apron.
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Air Intake Boot Assembly
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Remove the air intake duct and air cleaner case. Refer to REMOVAL and REMOVAL .
3. Remove the fuel pipe protector (RH).
  
  Fig 4: Locating Air Intake Duct And Air Cleaner Case Mounting Nuts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
4. Disconnect the connector of oil pressure switch.
5. Remove the ignition coil. Refer to REMOVAL .
6. Remove the rocker cover (RH). Refer to REMOVAL .
When inspecting valve clearances for #2, #4 and #6
1. Remove the battery and battery carrier. Refer to REMOVAL .
2. Remove two fixing clips on the fuel pipe protector (LH).
  
  Fig 5: Locating Fixing Clips On Fuel Pipe Protector (LH)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
3. Generator connector
4. Generator terminal B
5. Remove the harness cover from collector cover bracket.
6. A/C compressor solenoid connector
7. Flow sensor connector
  
  Fig 6: Identifying Generator Connector, Terminal B, Harness Cover, A/C Compressor Solenoid And Flow Sensor Connector
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
8. Slide the harness and connector to the battery side.
9. Disconnect the PCV hose from rocker cover (LH).
  
  Fig 7: Locating Rocker Cover (LH) PCV Hose
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
10. Remove the fuel pipe protector (LH).
  
  Fig 8: Locating Fuel Pipe Protector (LH) Mounting Nuts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
11. Remove the ignition coil. Refer to REMOVAL .
12. Remove the rocker cover (LH). Refer to REMOVAL .
Turn the crankshaft clockwise until the camshaft is set to position shown in the figure.

Fig 9: Turning Crankshaft Clockwise
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
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.
- Insert a thickness gauge in a direction as horizontal as possible with respect to the valve lifter.
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)
- If the measured value is not within specification, take notes of the value in order to adjust the valve clearance later on.
  
  Fig 10: 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 .
Further turn the crank pulley clockwise and then measure the valve clearances again.
After inspection, install the related parts in the reverse order of removal. Refer to INSTALLATION .