The manufacturer recommends adjusting the valve clearance at the specified interval only if the valve train is making excessive noise. Begin by disconnecting the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. Next, remove the valve cover. For manual transaxle vehicles, set the parking brake and place the transaxle in the neutral position. Remove the ignition coils and
Spark Plugs. Position the number 1 piston at TDC on the compression stroke and align the timing marks. Measure the clearance of the indicated valves with a feeler gauge when the number 1 piston is at TDC on the compression stroke, noting that you will feel drag if the adjustment is correct. Record each measurement and compare them with the desired valve clearance, noting any that are out of specification for later determination of the required lifter. Turn the crankshaft one complete revolution, realign the timing marks, and measure and record the clearances of the valves. These engines do not use valve adjusting shims; if a clearance is out of specification, the lifter must be replaced with a new lifter of different thickness to correct the clearance. Remove the camshafts to access the lifters, mark those to be replaced, and record which valve they came from. Measure the thickness of the center of the lifter with a micrometer. To calculate the correct thickness of a replacement lifter that will place the valve clearance within the specified value, use the formula N = T + A - V, where N is the thickness of the new lifter, T is the thickness of the old lifter, A is the valve clearance measured, and V is the desired valve clearance. Select a lifter with a thickness as close as possible to the calculated valve clearance, as lifters are marked on the underside for size. Mark the new lifters for their destination, lubricate them with engine assembly lube, and install them. After replacing the lifters, install the camshaft(s). The remainder of the installation is the reverse of removal, followed by reconnecting the battery and performing the necessary re-learn procedures.