Valve Clearance Check

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

General Procedure

WARNING: Before beginning any service procedure in this article, refer to Safety Warnings in SERVICE INFORMATION .

1.

Remove the valve cover. Refer to Valve Cover .

2.

Remove the RH fender splash shield. REFER to Front End Body Panels .

NOTE: Before removing the camshafts, measure the clearance of each valve at base circle, with the lobe pointed away from the tappet. Failure to measure all clearances prior to removing the camshafts will necessitate repeated removal and installation and wasted labor time.

NOTE: Turn the engine clockwise only, and only use the crankshaft bolt.

3.
Use a feeler gauge to measure the clearance of each valve and record its location.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

NOTE: Select tappets using this formula: tappet thickness = measured clearance + the existing tappet thickness - nominal clearance.

NOTE: The acceptable clearances after being fully installed are:

NOTE: The nominal clearance is:

NOTE: The number on the valve tappet only reflects the digits that follow the decimal. For example, a tappet with the number 0.650 has the thickness of 3.650 mm (0.144 in).

4.
- intake: 0.25 mm (0.0098 in).
- exhaust: 0.36 mm (0.0142 in).
- intake: 0.19 mm (0.007 in) to 0.31 mm (0.012 in).
- exhaust: 0.30 mm (0.012 in) to 0.42 mm (0.017 in).
Select the closest tappet size to the ideal tappet thickness available and mark the installation location.

5.

If any tappets do not measure within specifications, install new tappets in these locations. Refer to Valve Tappets .