Valve Clearance: Adjustments

Valve Clearance Adjustment

NOTE: Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the data link connector (DLC) and monitor the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor 1 with the HDS. Adjust the valve clearance only when the engine coolant 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 valve clearance 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 to the specified torque, and recheck the clearance. Repeat the adjustment, if necessary.

Specified Torque:
7 x 0.75 mm
14 N-m (1.4 kgf-m, 10 lbf-ft)
Apply new engine oil to the nut threads.






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

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






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

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






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

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

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