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Valve Clearance

NOTE: Adjust valve clearance with engine cold.
  1. Remove valve cover and gasket. Rotate crankshaft so timing mark on crankshaft pulley aligns with "0" mark on front cover and cylinder No. 1 (front cylinder at timing belt end) is at TDC on compression stroke.
  2. Ensure valves on cylinder No. 1 are closed. If valves are not closed, rotate crankshaft 360 degrees (one full revolution). With cylinder No. 1 at TDC, check valve clearance on specified valves. See the VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT SEQUENCE  table. See Fig 2.
  3. Using feeler gauge, measure and record valve clearance between valve lifter and camshaft. Ensure valve clearance is within specification. See VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS  table.
  4. To check remaining valves, rotate crankshaft 360 degrees (one full revolution) until cylinder No. 4 is at TDC on compression stroke. Measure valve clearance on specified valves. Refer to the VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT SEQUENCE  table.
  5. If valve clearance on intake valve requires adjustment, manufacturer states to remove intake camshaft for access to adjusting shim. See ENGINES article in ENGINE MECHANICAL section.
    Fig 1: Rotating Engine With Accessory Drive Shaft
    G92G24774Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    Fig 2: Typical 4-Cylinder Valve Arrangement
    G94F44235Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    Fig 3: Removing & Installing Valve Clearance Adjusting Shim
    G94G44236Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  6. If valve clearance on exhaust valve requires adjustment, rotate crankshaft so camshaft lobe on valve to be adjusted is facing upward, away from valve lifter. Rotate valve lifter so notch on valve lifter is toward front of vehicle.
  7. Valve Clearance Adjuster (SST 09248-55040) is used for adjusting valve clearance. Press valve lifter downward using SST "A" of valve clearance adjuster. See Fig 3. Install SST "B" between camshaft and valve lifter. Remove SST "A".
  8. On all valve applications, using small screwdriver and magnet, remove adjusting shim. Using micrometer, measure thickness of adjusting shim removed. Using measured clearance and adjusting shim thickness, determine correct thickness of adjusting shim to be used. See SHIM THICKNESS  table. Shim thickness can also be determined by using the following formula: N = T + A.
    • N = Thickness of adjuster shim required.
    • T = Thickness of adjuster shim removed.
    • A = Measured clearance minus valve clearance specification.
      NOTE: Before installing valve cover gasket, apply sealant at camshaft bearing caps-to-cylinder head surfaces where valve cover gasket seals.
  9. Install adjusting shim. Recheck valve clearance. Install valve cover using NEW gasket. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure.
VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT SEQUENCE

Piston No. On TDC Adjust Intake Valves Adjust Exhaust Valves
1 1 & 2 1 & 3
4 3 & 4 2 & 4
VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Application (1) In. (mm)
Exhaust .010-.014 (.25-.35)
Intake .006-.010 (.15-.25)
(1) Adjust valve clearance with engine cold.
SHIM THICKNESS

Thickness mm (in.) Shim No.
2.50 (0.0984) 1
2.55 (0.1004) 2
2.60 (0.1024) 3
2.65 (0.1043) 4
2.70 (0.1063) 5
2.75 (0.1083) 6
2.80 (0.1102) 7
2.85 (0.1122) 8
2.90 (0.1142) 9
2.95 (0.1161) 10
3.00 (0.1181) 11
3.05 (0.1201) 12
3.10 (0.1220) 13
3.15 (0.1240) 14
3.20 (0.1260) 15
3.25 (0.1280) 16
3.30 (0.1299) 17
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