
The method for adjusting valve clearance in a 474 engine is to adjust the valve clearance cylinder by cylinder when the base circle of the cam is in contact with the rocker arm. The functions of the engine include: 1. Fully combusting the fuel injected into the cylinder to generate power; 2. Determining the vehicle's power performance, fuel economy, stability, and environmental friendliness. The components of the engine consist of: 1. Valve train; 2. Crankshaft and connecting rod mechanism; 3. Ignition system; 4. Cooling system; 5. Lubrication system; 6. Starting system; 7. Fuel supply system. The maintenance methods for the engine are: 1. Using qualified engine oil; 2. Using qualified coolant and antifreeze; 3. Regularly cleaning scale from the radiator; 4. Regularly removing carbon deposits from the engine; 5. Regularly replacing the three filters in the car; 6. Maintaining reasonable engine speed.

The method for adjusting the valve clearance on the 474 engine is quite meticulous. First, let the engine cool overnight—never attempt this while it's hot, as it can lead to inaccurate measurements and potential injury. Here's the step-by-step process: Remove the valve cover, manually rotate the crankshaft to locate the compression top dead center (TDC) position—double-check this in the repair manual to avoid mistakes—then use a feeler gauge to measure the gap between the valve stem and camshaft. The intake valve typically needs adjustment to around 0.25mm, while the exhaust valve requires slightly more clearance at approximately 0.30mm. The feeler gauge should slide in smoothly without being too tight or loose. If the clearance is off, loosen or tighten the adjustment screw accordingly and recheck. Take your time with this task—rushing it may cause valve tapping and engine noise. After completion, reinstall the cover, start the engine, and listen for smooth operation. Performing this maintenance regularly improves fuel efficiency and extends engine life. I’ve kept my old car running for extra years by doing this annually—just once a year is enough. The tools required are affordable: a feeler gauge set and a wrench for just a few bucks, making it a highly cost-effective procedure.

I've personally adjusted the valve clearance on a 474 engine, which was quite practical. The steps are simple but require attention to detail: find some free time, turn off the engine and let it cool down, open the valve cover, use a wrench to rotate the crankshaft to the compression stroke position, insert a 0.25mm feeler gauge to measure the clearance. If it's too tight, loosen the screw a bit; if it's too loose, tighten it slightly, and adjust repeatedly until it's just right. After finishing, close it up and test drive—if the noise is gone, you're good to go. Be careful not to operate in a dirty or messy environment, as dust entering the engine is a no-go. Incorrect clearance can increase fuel consumption and damage the engine. After learning this, my fuel consumption dropped significantly. For tools, I recommend buying a professional feeler gauge—it costs just a few dozen yuan and doing it yourself saves hundreds in labor costs.

Key points of valve clearance adjustment method: Operate when the engine is cold, use a feeler gauge to measure the intake valve clearance at 0.25mm and exhaust valve clearance at 0.30mm. First, rotate the crankshaft to find the position, adjust the screw to control the clearance size, and tighten the screw after accurate measurement. Don't forget to test for abnormal engine noise to ensure smooth operation. Simple, efficient, and cost-effective.


