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.
1. Carefully pull up the rear of collector cover at two positions (A).
2. Carefully pull up the front of collector cover at two positions (B) while moving it forward.
Fig 1: Removing Collector Cover
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect the ground terminal from battery sensor. Ref. to BATTERY
NOTE: Repair Contents.
Lift up the vehicle.
Remove the under cover. Ref. to REMOVAL , Front Under Cover.
Lower the vehicle.
When inspecting valve clearances for #1, #3 and #5
1. Remove the air intake duct. Ref. to REMOVAL , Air Intake Duct.
2. Loosen the clamp (A) securing the air intake boot.
3. Remove the bolt (B) securing the air intake boot to the collector cover bracket.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Air Intake Boot And Securing Clamp
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
4. Remove the air intake boot from the throttle body and the air cleaner case (rear), and move it to the left side wheel apron.
  CAUTION: Be careful not to allow the air intake boot to contact the air conditioner pipe.
  
  Fig 3: Removing Air Intake Boot
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
5. Remove the air cleaner case. Ref. to REMOVAL , Air Cleaner Case.
6. Remove the fuel pipe protector (RH).
  
  Fig 4: Identifying Fuel Pipe Protector Bolts (RH)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
7. Disconnect the connector of oil pressure switch.
8. Remove the ignition coil. Ref. to REMOVAL , Ignition Coil.
9. Remove the rocker cover (RH). Ref. to REMOVAL , Camshaft.
When inspecting valve clearances for #2, #4 and #6
1. Remove the battery. Ref. to REMOVAL , Battery.
2. Disconnect the connector (A) and terminal (B) from the generator.
3. Disconnect the connector (C) and connector (D) from the A/C compressor.
4. Remove the harness cover (E) from the collector cover bracket.
5. Remove the clip (F) from the fuel pipe protector (LH).
  
  Fig 5: Identifying Connectors, Harness Cover And Fuel Pipe Protector Clip (LH)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
6. Slide the harness and connector to the battery side.
7. Disconnect the PCV hose from rocker cover (LH).
  
  Fig 6: Identifying PCV Hose Clamp (LH)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
8. Remove the fuel pipe protector (LH).
  
  Fig 7: Identifying Fuel Pipe Protector Bolts (LH)
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
9. Remove the ignition coil. Ref. to REMOVAL , Ignition Coil.
10. Remove the rocker cover (LH). Ref. to REMOVAL , Camshaft.
Turn the crankshaft clockwise until the camshaft is set to position shown in the figure.

Fig 8: 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 9: Measuring Intake And Exhaust Valve Clearance
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
If necessary, adjust the valve clearance. Ref. to ADJUSTMENT , Valve Clearance.
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. Ref. to INSTALLATION , Camshaft.