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Valve Clearance

NOTE: Check and adjust valve clearance with engine cold.
  1. Remove valve cover and gasket. Rotate crankshaft in direction of engine rotation so timing mark on crankshaft pulley aligns with "0" mark on front cover and cylinder No. 1 (front cylinder at timing belt end of engine) is at TDC on compression stroke.
  2. Ensure valves on cylinder No. 1 are closed and hole in camshaft sprocket is aligned with mark on top of camshaft bearing cap. If valves are not closed and camshaft sprocket is not properly positioned, rotate crankshaft 360 degrees (one full revolution) in direction of engine rotation. With cylinder No. 1 at TDC, check valve clearance on specified valves. See VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT SEQUENCE  table. See Fig 1.
  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) in direction of engine rotation until cylinder No. 4 is at TDC on compression stroke. Measure valve clearance on specified valves. See 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 appropriate article in ENGINES section.
  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 area 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 2. Install SST "B" between camshaft and valve lifter. Remove SST "A".
    Fig 1: Typical Valve Arrangement
    G95J30865Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    Fig 2: Removing/Installing Typical Valve Clearance Adjusting Shim
    G94G44236Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  8. On all valve applications, use small screwdriver and magnet to 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 Fig 3. Install adjusting shim. Recheck valve clearance.
    NOTE: Before installing valve cover gasket, apply sealant at camshaft bearing cap-to-cylinder head surfaces and semi-circular plug-to-cylinder head surfaces where valve cover gasket seals.
  9. Install valve cover using NEW gasket. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure.
VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT SEQUENCE

Cylinder 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)
Intake .006-.010 (.15-.25)
Exhaust .010-.014 (.25-.35)
(1) Adjust valve clearance with engine cold.
Fig 3: Intake Valve Adjusting Shim Selection Chart
G96J09509Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Fig 4: Exhaust Valve Adjusting Shim Selection Chart
G96B09510Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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