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Samurai & Sidekick

  1. Remove valve cover. Rotate engine until zero degree (TDC) timing mark of timing belt cover is in line with timing mark on crankshaft pulley. See Figure .
  2. Ensure cylinder No. 1 is at TDC on compression stroke. Remove distributor cap. On Samurai and Sidekick (TBI), ensure rotor is pointed upward at distributor hold-down bolt and to No. 1 terminal of distributor cap. On Sidekick (MPI), ensure rotor is at about 1 o'clock position and pointed to No. 1 terminal of distributor cap. If rotor is not as described, rotate crankshaft 360 degrees.
  3. Measure valve clearance between adjustment screw and valve stem using shim thickness gauge. Check intake valve clearance of cylinders No. 1 and 2 and exhaust valve clearance of cylinders No. 1and 3. See the VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS  table.
  4. Turn crankshaft one complete revolution (360 degrees). Check intake valve clearance of cylinders No. 3 and 4 and exhaust valve clearance of cylinders No. 2 and 4.
  5. Adjust valves by loosening lock nut and turning adjusting screw until clearance is as specified. After adjusting clearance, tighten adjusting screw lock nut to 11.0-13.5 ft. lbs. (15-18 N.m) for Samurai or 90-108 INCH lbs. (10-13 N.m) on Sidekick. On all models, recheck clearance.
VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Application In. (mm)
Samurai, Sidekick (TBI) & Swift SOHC
Engine Cold
Intake .005-.007 (.13-.18)
Exhaust .006-.008 (.15-.20)
Engine Hot
Intake .009-.011 (.23-.28)
Exhaust .010-.012 (.25-.30)
Sidekick (MPI)
Engine Cold: Intake & Exhaust .003-.005 (.08-.12)
Engine Hot: Intake & Exhaust .005-.006 (.12-.16)
Swift DOHC (1) *
(1) Hydraulic valve lash adjusters are used and no adjustment is required.