What are the steps for adjusting engine valve clearance?
2 Answers
The method for adjusting valve clearance is the cylinder-by-cylinder adjustment method. The following are the specific operation steps for the cylinder-by-cylinder adjustment method: 1. Check the valve clearance when the engine is cold; 2. Open the cylinder head cover and check in order. At the end of the compression stroke of each cylinder, check the intake and exhaust valve clearance of each cylinder respectively; 3. Shake the rocker arm by hand to check if the valve is stuck. When the piston is at the top dead center of the compression stroke and the rocker arm is loose, insert a feeler gauge into the valve clearance. The clearance value is determined when the feeler gauge can just pass through smoothly; 4. If the clearance does not meet the specified value, loosen the lock nut on the rocker arm and adjust the screw with a screwdriver. When the clearance reaches the specified value, tighten the lock nut with the screwdriver; 5. Recheck whether the clearance of each valve has been adjusted to the appropriate value.
Adjusting engine valve clearance requires careful attention. I think it's best to start with preparation. Ensure the engine is completely cooled, as adjusting while hot can lead to errors and even damage components. Then, remove the valve cover, using tools to carefully unscrew the bolts without scratching the surface. Locating the piston at the compression top dead center is crucial, with different vehicle manuals providing indicator diagrams. Use a feeler gauge to measure the valve clearance, as being too tight or too loose affects performance. If the measurement is off, loosen the lock nut, fine-tune the adjusting screw with a screwdriver, and then tighten the nut. After adjustment, measure again to confirm the clearance is within the standard range before reinstalling the cover. I recommend checking every 20,000 kilometers; otherwise, valve noise may increase, and long-term wear can occur. Wear gloves for safety, and beginners should consider getting help or referring to videos, as practice makes perfect.