Valve Clearance

NOTE: Check and adjust valve clearance with engine cold.

NOTE: If valve cover uses grommets below retaining nuts or bolts, keep grommets in order so they are installed in original locations during reassembly.

Remove valve cover(s) and gasket(s). Rotate crankshaft in direction of engine rotation so timing mark on crankshaft pulley aligns with "0" mark on front cover and cylinder No. 1 (front cylinder at timing belt or timing chain end) is at TDC on compression stroke.
Ensure valve lifters on cylinder No. 1 are loose with valves closed and valve lifters on cylinder No. 4 are tight. If valve lifters are not as specified, rotate the crankshaft 360 degrees (one full revolution) in direction of engine rotation. With cylinder No. 1 at TDC, check the valve clearance on specified valves. See the 4-CYLINDER VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT SEQUENCE table. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Identifying Typical 4-Cylinder Valve Arrangement
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Using feeler gauge, measure and record valve clearance between valve lifter and camshaft. Ensure valve clearance is within specification. See the 4-CYLINDER VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS table.
To check remaining valves, rotate crankshaft 360 degrees (one full revolution) in direction of engine rotation until cylinder No. 4 is at TDC on compression stroke. Measure valve clearance on specified valves. See 4-CYLINDER VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT SEQUENCE table.
If valve clearance requires adjustment, rotate crankshaft so camshaft lobe on valve to be adjusted is facing upward, away from valve lifter. Rotate valve lifter so notch on valve lifter is toward spark plug.
Valve Clearance Adjuster (SST 09248-55040) is used for adjusting valve clearance. Press valve lifter downward using SST "A" of valve clearance adjuster. See Fig 2. Install SST "B" between camshaft and valve lifter. Remove SST "A".
Using small screwdriver and magnet, remove adjusting shim. Using micrometer, measure thickness of adjusting shim removed. Using measured clearance and adjusting shim thickness, determine correct thickness of adjusting shim to be used. See Fig 3-6. Install adjusting shim. Recheck valve clearance.
NOTE: Before installing valve cover gasket, apply sealant at camshaft bearing caps-to-cylinder head surfaces where valve cover gasket seals.
Install valve cover using NEW gasket. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure.