Valve Clearance: Adjustments

Valve Clearance Adjustment

NOTE: Adjust the valves only when the cylinder head temperature is less than 100 °F (38 °C).

1. Remove the cylinder head cover Cylinder Head Cover Removal.

2. Set the No. 1 piston at top dead center (TDC). The "UP" mark (A) on the camshaft sprocket should be at the top, and the TDC grooves (B) on the camshaft sprocket should line up with the top edge of the head.






3. Select the correct feeler gauge for the valves you are going to check.










4. Insert the feeler gauge (A) between the adjusting screw and the end of the valve stem on No. 1 cylinder and slide it back and forth; you should feel a slight amount of drag.






5. If you feel too much or too little drag, loosen the locknut, and turn the adjusting screw (A) until the drag on the feeler gauge is correct.





6. Tighten the locknut and recheck the clearance. Repeat the adjustment, if necessary.

7. Tighten the locknut to the specified torque, and recheck the valve clearance. Repeat the adjustment if necessary.






8. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the No. 3 piston TDC groove (A) on the camshaft sprocket with the top edge of the head.





9. Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 3 cylinder.

10. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the No. 4 piston TDC groove (A) on the camshaft sprocket with the top edge of the head.





11. Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 4 cylinder.

12. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise. Align the No. 2 piston TDC groove (A) on the camshaft sprocket with the top edge of the head.





13. Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on the No. 2 cylinder.

14. Install the cylinder head cover Cylinder Head Cover Installation.