This procedure adjusts the valve lash clearances on the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine to ensure proper valve train operation and prevent premature wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover grommet set × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Toyota Genuine 0W-20

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely for at least 3 hours
3. Disconnect negative battery cable
4. Remove engine cover (pull upward to release clips)
5. Remove air intake tube and air cleaner assembly
6. Disconnect any wiring harnesses or hoses attached to valve cover

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover
   Remove the ignition coils by disconnecting electrical connectors and removing mounting bolts. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Carefully lift valve cover off, breaking the gasket seal gently with a plastic tool if necessary. Inspect gasket and grommets for damage.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Position crankshaft to TDC for cylinder 1
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise using a socket on the crankshaft pulley bolt until the timing marks on the camshaft sprockets align with the marks on the timing chain cover. Verify cylinder 1 is at TDC compression stroke by confirming both intake and exhaust valves for cylinder 1 have clearance (rocker arms should have slight play).
3. 3

   Check valve clearances for cylinders 1 and 4
   With cylinder 1 at TDC, check valve clearances for cylinders 1 and 4. Intake valve clearance specification: 0.19-0.29mm (0.007-0.011 in). Exhaust valve clearance specification: 0.25-0.35mm (0.010-0.014 in). Insert feeler gauge between camshaft lobe and valve adjusting screw. Correct clearance should have slight drag on feeler gauge. Record measurements for any valves out of specification.
   ℹ️Measure clearance at the base circle of the cam lobe (lobe pointing away from valve).
4. 4

   Adjust out-of-spec valves for cylinders 1 and 4
   For any valves out of specification, loosen the valve lash adjusting screw lock nut while holding the adjusting screw with a flat head screwdriver. Turn the adjusting screw clockwise to decrease clearance or counterclockwise to increase clearance. Check clearance with feeler gauge. When correct, hold the adjusting screw firmly and tighten the lock nut to specification. Recheck clearance after tightening to confirm it hasn't changed.
   ⚠Always hold adjusting screw stationary while tightening lock nut to prevent changing the adjustment.
   Torque spec

   Valve Lash Adjusting Screw Lock Nut20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Rotate crankshaft 360 degrees
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise exactly 360 degrees (one full rotation). The timing marks on camshaft sprockets should again align with marks on timing chain cover. This positions cylinders 2 and 3 for valve adjustment.
6. 6

   Check valve clearances for cylinders 2 and 3
   Check valve clearances for cylinders 2 and 3 using the same specifications as step 3. Intake: 0.19-0.29mm (0.007-0.011 in). Exhaust: 0.25-0.35mm (0.010-0.014 in). Insert feeler gauge between camshaft lobe and valve adjusting screw. Record measurements for any valves out of specification.
7. 7

   Adjust out-of-spec valves for cylinders 2 and 3
   Adjust any valves out of specification following the same procedure as step 4. Loosen lock nut, turn adjusting screw to achieve proper clearance, hold screw while tightening lock nut, then recheck clearance. Ensure all eight valves are now within specification.
   Torque spec

   Valve Lash Adjusting Screw Lock Nut20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Clean mating surfaces
   Thoroughly clean valve cover and cylinder head mating surfaces using a plastic scraper and clean rags. Remove all old gasket material and oil residue. Inspect surfaces for damage or warping. Clean valve cover bolt holes and ensure they are free of oil and debris.
   ⚠Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum surfaces as they can cause damage and leaks.
9. 9

   Install new gasket and grommets
   Install new valve cover gasket into the groove in the valve cover. Install new spark plug tube seal grommets. Ensure gasket and grommets are properly seated in their grooves with no twists or gaps. Apply a small dab of engine oil to gasket to help it stay in place during installation.
10. 10

    Reinstall valve cover
    Carefully position valve cover onto cylinder head, ensuring gasket stays in place. Install valve cover bolts hand-tight first. Tighten valve cover bolts in sequence (center bolts first, working outward in a crisscross pattern) to specification. Do not overtighten as this can distort the cover and cause leaks.
    ⚠Tighten valve cover bolts in proper sequence to prevent gasket damage and oil leaks.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall ignition coils and accessories
    Reinstall ignition coils and torque mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect all electrical connectors. Reinstall air cleaner assembly and intake tube. Reconnect any hoses or wiring harnesses removed during disassembly. Reinstall engine cover.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery cable
2. Check engine oil level and top off if necessary with Toyota Genuine 0W-20
3. Double-check all electrical connections and hoses are properly secured
4. Verify no tools or parts are left in engine bay

Verification

• Start engine and listen for abnormal valve train noise (ticking or clicking)
• Allow engine to idle for 2-3 minutes and check for oil leaks around valve cover
• Rev engine gently to 2000-3000 RPM and verify smooth operation
• Check for any loose connections or unusual sounds
• Test drive vehicle and confirm normal performance
• Recheck valve cover for leaks after engine reaches operating temperature

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