Valve Clearance: Checking

Perform inspection as follows after removal, installation or replacement of camshaft or valve related parts, or if there is unusual engine conditions regarding valve clearance.

1. Remove the intake manifold collectors. Refer to "REMOVAL ".
2. Remove the ignition coils. Refer to "REMOVAL ".
3. Remove the rocker covers. "REMOVAL ".
   Fig 1: Identifying Cylinder Block Bank Numbering

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
4. Set No.1 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.
   • Align pointer with TDC mark on crankshaft pulley.
     Fig 2: Aligning Pointer With TDC Mark On Crankshaft Pulley

     Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
   • Check that the valve lifters on No.1 cylinder are loose and valve lifters on No.4 are tight. If not, turn the crankshaft one full revolution (360°) and align as shown.
     • RH cylinder head (1)
     • <= Engine front
       Fig 3: Checking Valve Lifters On No.1 Cylinder

       Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
5. Check only the valves as shown.
   CRANK POSITION REFERENCE
   
   

   Crank Position	Valve No. 1	Valve No. 2	Valve No. 3	Valve No. 6
   No. 1 TDC	Intake	Exhaust	Exhaust	Intake

   Fig 4: Checking Valves

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
   • Using a feeler gauge, measure the clearance between the valve lifter and camshaft.
   • Record any valve clearance measurements which are out of specification. They will be used later to determine the required replacement lifter size.

     Valve Clearance for Checking (cold) 

     Intake : 0.26 - 0.34 mm (0.010 - 0.013 in) 

     Exhaust : 0.29 - 0.37 mm (0.011 - 0.015 in) 

     Fig 5: Measuring Clearance Between Valve Lifter And Camshaft

     Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
6. Turn crankshaft 240°.
7. Set No.3 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.
8. Check only those valves as shown.
   CRANK POSITION REFERENCE
   
   

   Crank Position	Valve No. 2	Valve No. 3	Valve No. 4	Valve No. 5
   No. 3 TDC	Intake	Intake	Exhaust	Exhaust

   Fig 6: Setting No.3 Cylinder At TDC On Its Compression Stroke

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
9. Turn the crankshaft 240° and align as above.
10. Set No.5 cylinder at TDC on its compression stroke.
11. Check only those valves as shown.
    CRANK POSITION REFERENCE
    
    

    Crank Position	Valve No. 1	Valve No. 4	Valve No. 5	Valve No. 6
    No. 5 TDC	Exhaust	Intake	Intake	Exhaust

12. If all valve clearances are within specification, installation of the remaining components is in the reverse order of removal. If the valve clearances are out of specification, adjust the valve clearances. Refer to "VALVE ADJUSTING ".
    Fig 7: Setting No.5 Cylinder At TDC On Its Compression Stroke

    Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.