Valve Adjustment

Adjust valve lash clearances on the 1.5L turbo engine to maintain proper valve train operation and prevent premature wear or noise.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Spark plug tube seals × 4 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Valve cover bolt grommets × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification

Fluids

• Honda Genuine 0W-20 — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (at least 3 hours after last operation)
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for SRS system discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on clips
4. Remove ignition coils from all four cylinders
5. Remove all four spark plugs and keep in order for reinstallation
6. Label and disconnect PCV hose, breather hose, and any vacuum lines from valve cover
7. Disconnect electrical connectors from valve cover area as needed

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover
   Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (work from outside toward center). Carefully lift valve cover straight up to avoid damaging gasket surfaces. Inspect valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals for damage.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Position cylinder 1 at TDC compression stroke
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise using breaker bar on crankshaft pulley bolt until the UP mark on the camshaft sprocket aligns with the cylinder head surface and both intake and exhaust valves for cylinder 1 are closed (rocker arms loose). Verify TDC position by checking that timing marks align properly.
3. 3

   Check valve clearances - Cylinder 1
   With cylinder 1 at TDC, check valve clearances using feeler gauges on cylinder 1 intake and exhaust valves. Intake specification: 0.17mm (feeler should slide with slight drag). Exhaust specification: 0.23mm. Record all measurements for cylinders accessible at this position.
   ℹ️Feeler gauge should slide between cam lobe and rocker arm with slight resistance. Too loose or too tight indicates adjustment needed.
4. 4

   Check valve clearances - Cylinder 3
   At the same crankshaft position (cylinder 1 TDC), check and record valve clearances for cylinder 3 intake and exhaust valves using appropriate feeler gauges.
5. 5

   Rotate crankshaft 180 degrees
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise exactly 180 degrees (one-half turn). At this position, cylinder 3 will be at TDC compression stroke. The UP mark on camshaft sprocket should now be at bottom position.
6. 6

   Check valve clearances - Cylinder 4
   With crankshaft rotated 180 degrees, check and record valve clearances for cylinder 4 intake and exhaust valves.
7. 7

   Check valve clearances - Cylinder 2
   At the same crankshaft position, check and record valve clearances for cylinder 2 intake and exhaust valves. You have now measured all 16 valve clearances (4 cylinders × 2 intake + 2 exhaust).
8. 8

   Adjust out-of-specification valves
   For each valve that is out of specification, loosen the lock nut while holding the adjusting screw with appropriate wrench. Turn adjusting screw clockwise to decrease clearance or counterclockwise to increase clearance. Hold adjusting screw stationary and tighten lock nut to specification. Re-check clearance after tightening to confirm proper adjustment.
   ⚠Always hold adjusting screw firmly while tightening lock nut to prevent screw from turning and changing adjustment.
   Torque spec

   Valve Lash Adjusting Screw Lock Nut20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Verify all adjustments
   After completing all adjustments, rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions and re-check all valve clearances to verify proper adjustment. Make any necessary corrections.
10. 10

    Clean gasket surfaces
    Thoroughly clean valve cover and cylinder head gasket mating surfaces using plastic scraper and parts cleaner. Remove all old gasket material and oil residue. Ensure surfaces are completely clean and dry.
    ⚠Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum surfaces. Use only plastic scrapers to avoid damaging sealing surfaces.
11. 11

    Install new valve cover gasket
    Install new valve cover gasket into valve cover groove. Install new spark plug tube seals and valve cover bolt grommets. Ensure all components are properly seated before installation.
12. 12

    Install valve cover
    Carefully position valve cover onto cylinder head, ensuring gasket remains properly seated. Install valve cover bolts finger-tight first. Tighten bolts in proper sequence (center outward in criss-cross pattern) to specification using torque wrench.
    ℹ️Follow proper tightening sequence to ensure even gasket compression and prevent oil leaks.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect all electrical connectors to valve cover area components
2. Reconnect PCV hose, breather hose, and vacuum lines in original positions
3. Install spark plugs in correct cylinders (hand-tighten then snug with ratchet)
4. Install ignition coils and secure with bolts
5. Install engine cover by pressing down firmly on clips
6. Reconnect negative battery terminal

Verification

• Start engine and verify no unusual valve train noise (ticking or tapping)
• Check for oil leaks around valve cover gasket after engine reaches operating temperature
• Verify smooth engine idle and normal operation
• Test drive vehicle to confirm proper engine performance under load
• Re-check for valve cover leaks after 50-100 miles of operation

More procedures for this vehicle