This procedure adjusts the valve lash (clearance) on the 2AR-FE 2.5L I4 engine to ensure proper valve timing and prevent premature wear or noise.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Toyota 11213-28030 or equivalent
• Valve cover grommets/seals × 1 — Use OEM specification
• PCV valve grommet × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (wait at least 3 hours after last operation)
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal
3. Remove engine cover if equipped
4. Remove air intake assembly and air filter box for access
5. Disconnect ignition coil connectors and remove all four ignition coils
6. Remove spark plugs to make engine rotation easier
7. Label and disconnect any hoses, wiring, or components attached to valve cover
8. Clean area around valve cover thoroughly to prevent debris from entering engine

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover
   Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Carefully lift valve cover away from cylinder head. If stuck, gently tap with rubber mallet - do not pry between sealing surfaces. Remove old gasket material completely from both valve cover and cylinder head mating surfaces.
2. 2

   Position cylinder 1 at TDC compression stroke
   Rotate crankshaft pulley clockwise using 19mm socket until timing marks align with 0 degree mark on timing cover. Verify both intake and exhaust cam lobes for cylinder 1 point upward and away from valve lifters (indicating compression stroke, not overlap). If not, rotate crankshaft one additional full revolution.
3. 3

   Measure valve clearance on first set
   With cylinder 1 at TDC, measure valve lash on cylinders 1 and 2 intake, cylinders 1 and 3 exhaust. Insert feeler gauge between camshaft lobe base circle and valve lifter. Correct clearance should have slight drag on feeler gauge. Record measurements for each valve position. Intake spec: 0.19-0.29mm. Exhaust spec: 0.30-0.40mm.
4. 4

   Rotate crankshaft for second measurement set
   Rotate crankshaft exactly 360 degrees (one full revolution) clockwise. Timing marks should return to 0 degree TDC position, but opposite cylinders will now be at compression stroke.
5. 5

   Measure valve clearance on second set
   Measure valve lash on cylinders 3 and 4 intake, cylinders 2 and 4 exhaust using same technique as step 3. Insert feeler gauge between cam lobe base circle and lifter. Record all measurements. Compare all readings to specification ranges.
6. 6

   Adjust out-of-spec valves
   For each valve found out of specification, rotate crankshaft to position cam lobe pointing directly away from lifter. Using appropriate size wrench, hold the valve adjustment screw stationary while loosening the lock nut. Turn adjustment screw clockwise to decrease clearance or counterclockwise to increase clearance. Check clearance frequently with feeler gauge while adjusting. Once correct clearance is achieved, hold adjustment screw firmly and tighten lock nut to specification.
   ⚠Always hold adjustment screw stationary while tightening lock nut to prevent clearance change.
   Torque spec

   Valve Lash Adjusting Screw Lock Nut20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Verify all adjustments
   After tightening all lock nuts, re-measure clearance on all adjusted valves to confirm they remain within specification. The act of tightening can slightly change clearance. Re-adjust if necessary and verify again.
8. 8

   Prepare valve cover for installation
   Install new valve cover gasket into groove on valve cover. Ensure gasket seats properly around entire perimeter. Install new grommets for PCV valve and any other penetrations. Apply small amount of engine oil to new gasket.
9. 9

   Install valve cover
   Carefully position valve cover onto cylinder head, ensuring gasket remains properly seated. Hand-start all valve cover bolts. Tighten bolts in sequence from center outward in multiple passes: first to 5 Nm, then to final specification. Do not overtighten as this can distort cover and cause leaks.
   ⚠Follow proper tightening sequence from center outward to ensure even gasket compression and prevent leaks.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall removed components
    Install spark plugs and torque to specification (not listed, use 18 Nm / 13 lb-ft). Install ignition coils and reconnect electrical connectors. Reinstall air intake system, hoses, and wiring to valve cover area. Reconnect negative battery terminal.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Double-check that all hoses and connections are secure
3. Verify no tools or parts are left in engine bay
4. Add small amount of fresh engine oil if any was lost during procedure

Verification

• Start engine and listen for abnormal valve noise - properly adjusted valves should operate quietly
• Inspect valve cover gasket area for oil leaks after engine reaches operating temperature
• Allow engine to idle for 5 minutes and verify smooth operation
• Re-check for leaks after test drive
• Monitor engine performance over next few days to ensure proper adjustment

More procedures for this vehicle