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Valve Clearance

  1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove valve cover and gaskets. Rotate crankshaft until No. 1 cylinder is at TDC of compression stroke. Ensure timing "V" mark on crankshaft pulley aligns with zero mark on timing belt cover. See Fig 1 . Remove distributor cap and ensure rotor is positioned to indicate cylinder No. 1 TDC. See Fig 2 .
  2. If rotor is positioned correctly, valves to be adjusted will be closed. If rotor is not positioned correctly, rotate crankshaft clockwise one revolution (360 degrees) to correct position. See Fig 2 .
  3. Using feeler gauge, measure clearance between rocker arm adjusting screw and valve stem on valves No. 1, 2, 5 and 7. See Fig 3 . Adjust valve clearance if not within specification. See the VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS  .
  4. Adjust valves by loosening lock nut and turning adjustment screw until correct clearance is obtained. Hold adjusting screw while tightening lock nut to 13 ft. lbs. (17 N.m) and recheck clearance.
  5. Rotate crankshaft clockwise one revolution (360 degrees). Measure clearance between rocker arm adjusting screw and valve stem on valves No. 3, 4, 6 and 8. See Fig 3 . Adjust valve clearance if not within specification. See the VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS  .
  6. Adjust valves by loosening lock nut and turning adjustment screw until correct clearance is obtained. Hold adjusting screw while tightening lock nut to 13 ft. lbs. (17 N.m) and recheck clearance. Reverse removal procedure to install remaining components.
Fig 1: Locating Ignition Timing Mark
G92I26235Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Application In. (mm)
SFI (16-Valve)
Engine Cold: Intake & Exhaust .0051-.007 (.13-.17)
Engine Hot: Intake & Exhaust .007-.008 (.17-.21)
TBI (8-Valve)
Engine Cold
Intake .005-.007 (.13-.17)
Exhaust .006-.008 (.16-.19)
Engine Hot
Intake .009-.011 (.23-.27)
Exhaust .010-.011 (.26-.29)
Fig 2: Rotor Position For Cylinder No. 1 TDC (16-Valve Shown; 8-Valve Is Similar)
G95A30817Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Fig 3: Valve Identification (16-Valve Shown; 8-Valve Is Similar)
G95J30816Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.