Valve Clearance Check

Check 

• 1.
  
  Remove the valve covers. Refer to: Valve Cover - LH  and Valve Cover - RH .

• 2.
  
  
  NOTE: Engine must be at room temperature before measuring. The valve clearance must be measured with the camshaft at base circle. The engine will have to be rotated with the crankshaft pulley bolt to bring each valve to base circle.

  Use a feeler gauge to measure the clearance of each valve and record its location. A midrange clearance is the most desirable:

  • Intake: 0.15-0.25 mm (0.006-0.01 in)
  • Exhaust: 0.360-0.460 mm (0.0142-0.0181 in)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

• 3.
  
  
  NOTE: The number on the valve tappet reflects the thickness of the valve tappet. For example, a tappet with the number 3.310 has the thickness of 3.31 mm (0.13 in).

  If any of the valve clearances are out of specification, select new tappets using this formula: tappet thickness = measured clearance + the base tappet thickness - most desirable thickness. Select the tappets and mark the installation location.

Adjustment 

• 4.
  
  
  NOTE: The following step is only necessary if adjustment is required.

  Remove the camshafts and install the selected new tappets. Refer to: Camshafts .