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Valve Clearance

NOTE: Check and adjust valve clearance with engine cold.
  1. Remove valve cover(s) and gasket(s). 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 or timing chain end of engine) is at TDC on compression stroke.
  2. Ensure valve lifters on cylinder No. 1 are loose with valves closed and valve lifters on cylinder No. 4 are tight. If valve lifters are not as specified, 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.
    Fig 1: Typical Valve Arrangement
    G95J30865Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  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 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 spark plug.
  6. 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".
  7. 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 Fig 3 and Fig 4. Install adjusting shim. Recheck valve clearance.
    NOTE: Before installing valve cover gasket, apply sealant at camshaft bearing cap-to-cylinder head surfaces. If equipped with semi-circular plug(s), apply sealant at semi-circular plug-to-cylinder head surfaces where valve cover gasket seals.
  8. Install valve cover using NEW gasket. On Previa, remove bolt from accessory drive shaft. On all models, to install remaining components, reverse removal procedure.
Fig 2: Removing/Installing Typical Valve Clearance Adjusting Shim
G94G44236Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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 .012-.016 (.31-.41)
(1) Adjust valve clearance with engine cold.
Fig 3: Intake Valve Adjusting Shim Selection Chart
G96H09513Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Fig 4: Exhaust Valve Adjusting Shim Selection Chart
G96J09514Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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