What is the method for adjusting valves in a four-cylinder car?
2 Answers
Four-cylinder car valve adjustment method is: 1. Rotate cylinder 1 to top dead center of compression, aligning with the 0 scale mark or timing gear chamber pointer; 2. Adjust the intake and exhaust valves of cylinder 1, the intake valve of cylinder 2, and the exhaust valve of cylinder 3; 3. Rotate 360 degrees, then adjust the exhaust valve of cylinder 2, the intake valve of cylinder 3, and the intake/exhaust valves of cylinder 4. The function of valves is: to control air intake into the engine. After entering the intake manifold, the air mixes with gasoline to form combustible mixture for combustion and power generation. Consequences of valve blockage include: 1. Engine idle vibration, difficulty starting when cold; 2. Engine prone to stalling after rapid acceleration and throttle release; 3. Increased fuel consumption and engine vibration.
Adjusting the valve clearance on a four-cylinder car is something I've done several times in my own garage. You'll need a feeler gauge and wrenches as tools. First, rotate the engine to top dead center to ensure the specific valve is fully closed before removing the valve cover. Then measure each clearance one by one, making sure not to mix up the intake and exhaust valve sequence. Refer to the manual values - for my car, it's typically 0.25mm. If the clearance is too large, replace with thinner shims; if too small, use thicker ones. After adjustment, reassemble everything and start the engine to listen for smooth operation. Once I rushed the job before a trip and set the clearance too tight - when the engine heated up, the noise increased dramatically and the valves got slightly burnt. The repair cost ended up being much higher than DIY. Now I check every 20,000 kilometers - this habit saves money and gives peace of mind. Remember to work on a cold engine and wear gloves for safety. Though time-consuming, this process protects engine longevity.
