Valve Clearance

NOTE: Check and adjust valve clearance with engine cold.

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) is at TDC on compression stroke.
Ensure valves on cylinder No. 1 closed and hole in camshaft sprocket aligned with mark on camshaft bearing cap. If valves are not closed and camshaft sprocket 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 4-CYLINDER VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT SEQUENCE table. See Fig 1.
Using feeler gauge, measure and record valve clearance between valve lifter and camshaft. Ensure valve clearance is within specification. See 4-CYLINDER VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS table.
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 4-CYLINDER VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT SEQUENCE table.
If valve clearance on intake valve requires adjustment, manufacturer states to remove intake camshaft for access to adjusting shim. See the ENGINES article in ENGINE MECHANICAL section.
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 on valve lifter is toward front of vehicle.
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: Identifying Typical 4-Cylinder Valve Arrangement
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Fig 2: Removing/Installing Of Typical Valve Clearance Adjusting Shim
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
On all valve applications, 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 3-8. Install adjusting shim. Recheck valve clearance.
NOTE: Before installing valve cover gasket, apply sealant at camshaft bearing caps-to-cylinder head surfaces where valve cover gasket seals.
Install valve cover using NEW gasket. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure.