Valve Clearance Checking

Remove the cover from the rear of the intake camshaft. Remove the upper timing cover and the cover over the ignition coils. See Fig 1 and Fig 2 .

Fig 1: Removing/Installing Front Engine Covers
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Fig 2: Removing/Installing Top Engine Cover
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Remove the ignition coils without removing the connectors. Mark coil location before removal. Remove the two ground connections. Remove the connector for the variable valve timing solenoid. See Fig 3. Remove the right front wheel.

Fig 3: Locating Ignition Coil Ground Lead
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Set the camshafts to the test position. Install Valve Checking Tool (999 5753) at the rear of the intake camshaft. See Fig 4. Turn the crankshaft in the direction of rotation (clockwise) until the marking on the tool (In1/Ex3) is opposite the thin flange (casting ridge) running straight over the entire top of the cylinder head. Remove all plugs from the inspection holes.
NOTE: If the crankshaft is turned to far, it is essential that it is turned back at least a quarter of a turn so that it can then be turned clockwise to the correct position.

Fig 4: Installation Of Valve Checking Tool
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Check the valve clearance. Measure the valve clearance using a Feeler Gauge (999 5752) at cylinder No. 1 intake valves and cylinder No. 3 exhaust valves. Insert the feeler gauge through the inspection holes. Bend the feeler gauge with light finger pressure so that it follows the top of the valve lifter. See Fig 5. The correct measurement will not be obtained until the feeler gauge has gone in approximately .6" (15 mm). Valve clearance should be .006-.018" (.15-.45 mm) for intake valves and .014-.024" (.35-.60 mm) for exhaust valves. Record the valve clearance measured.
NOTE: Check valve clearance with the engine at room temperature. Valve clearance specification is at ambient temperature of 68°F (20°C). Clearance increases .0004" (.01 mm) for every 41°F (5°C) of temperature increase.

Fig 5: Checking Valve Clearance Through Inspection Hole
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Turn the crankshaft in the direction of rotation until the next marking, In2/Ex1, is opposite the flange on top of the cylinder head. Perform the test measurement as described in step 4. Continue by measuring the remaining valve clearances according to the markings on the Valve Checking Tool (999 5753).
Once valve checking is completed, install the plugs for the inspection holes. Tighten plugs to 15 ft. lbs. (20 N.m). Install the ignition coils. Install the ground connections. See Fig 3. Install the connector for the variable valve timing solenoid. Remove Valve Checking Tool (999 5753).
Install a new cover at the rear of the intake camshaft. Install the right front wheel. Install remaining components.