The valve clearance generally does not need adjustment unless valve train components have been replaced, a valve job has been performed, or if the valves are noisy. The simplest check for proper valve adjustment is to listen carefully to the engine running with the hood open; if the valve train is noisy, adjustment is necessary. The valve clearance must be checked and adjusted with the engine cold. To begin, remove the
Valve Covers and rotate the crankshaft clockwise to position the number one piston at TDC, ensuring the pointer on the front timing belt cover aligns with the sprocket mark. In this position, adjust the valves for cylinder number one, which has four valves. Starting with the intake valve, insert a feeler gauge of the correct thickness between the valve stem and the
Rocker Arm; you should feel a slight drag when withdrawing it. If there's no drag or a heavy drag, loosen the adjuster nut and back off the adjuster screw, then carefully tighten the adjuster screw until a slight drag is felt on the feeler gauge. Hold the adjuster screw with a screwdriver to prevent it from turning while tightening the locknut, and recheck the clearance to ensure it hasn't changed. Repeat this process for the other intake valve and then for the two exhaust valves. Next, rotate the crankshaft pulley clockwise until the number "4" on the camshaft sprocket aligns with the pointer on the timing belt cover to check and adjust the number four cylinder valves. Continue rotating the crankshaft pulley clockwise until the number "2" cylinder is at TDC to check and adjust the number two cylinder valves, then proceed to the number five cylinder valves when the number "5" shows at the camshaft cover, followed by the number three cylinder valves when the number "3" shows, and finally the number six cylinder valves when the number "6" shows at the camshaft cover.