This procedure involves replacing all valve train lifters/tappets on the 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8L I4 engine, requiring removal of the valve cover, camshafts, and rocker arms to access the hydraulic valve lifters.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Hydraulic valve lifters (16 pieces) × 16 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — 11213-37020 or equivalent
• Valve cover grommets/seals × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spark plug tube seals × 4 — 11209-0D030 or equivalent
• Camshaft position sensor O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Toyota Genuine 0W-20
• Liquid gasket/RTV sealant (Toyota FIPG) × 1 — 08826-00100 or equivalent
• PCV valve grommet × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 4.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds for airbag system discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front edge to release clips
4. Drain engine oil completely into suitable container
5. Remove air intake assembly and air filter box for access
6. Remove ignition coils from all four cylinders (10mm bolts)
7. Remove spark plugs and store in order
8. Label and disconnect all electrical connectors from valve cover (PCV, cam position sensor)
9. Disconnect breather hoses and PCV valve from valve cover
10. Support engine from below using jack with block of wood, or install engine support fixture across engine bay
11. Mark camshaft timing positions and crankshaft position at TDC cylinder #1 using paint pen before any disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover
   Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (work from outer bolts toward center). There are typically 15 bolts total. Gently tap valve cover with rubber mallet to break gasket seal if stuck. Lift valve cover straight up to avoid damaging gasket surfaces. Inspect valve cover for cracks or damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Verify engine timing and lock crankshaft at TDC
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise using 19mm socket on crankshaft pulley bolt until cylinder #1 is at Top Dead Center (TDC) on compression stroke. Verify timing marks on camshaft gears align with marks on timing chain cover. Both camshaft timing marks should point upward. Install crankshaft locking pin or prevent crankshaft rotation. Take multiple reference photos of timing chain and gear alignment.
   ⚠️Timing mark alignment is absolutely critical. If marks do not align perfectly, do not proceed. Verify TDC position using piston position through spark plug hole if necessary.
3. 3

   Mark and remove camshaft position sensor
   Disconnect camshaft position sensor electrical connector. Remove sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract sensor from cylinder head. Inspect O-ring for damage and replace during reassembly. Store sensor in clean area.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Mark camshaft bearing caps and positions
   Using permanent marker or paint pen, mark each camshaft bearing cap with its position number and orientation arrow pointing toward front of engine. Caps are numbered or marked from factory, but add your own marks for redundancy. Mark intake and exhaust camshafts differently. Photograph all bearing cap positions and markings.
   ⚠️Camshaft bearing caps are machined as matched sets with the cylinder head. Installing caps in wrong positions or backwards will destroy the camshafts and require cylinder head replacement.
5. 5

   Remove camshaft bearing caps in sequence
   Loosen camshaft bearing cap bolts in multiple passes (at least 3 passes), working from outer caps toward center caps, in a crisscross pattern. Loosen each bolt only 1/4 turn per pass to prevent camshaft distortion. Remove bolts completely and lift bearing caps straight up. Keep bearing cap bolts with their respective caps. Store caps in order on clean workspace.
   ⚠️Uneven or rapid removal of bearing cap bolts will cause camshaft to spring upward due to valve spring pressure, potentially causing camshaft damage or personal injury.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

   Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove camshafts
   Carefully lift both intake and exhaust camshafts straight up from cylinder head. Keep camshafts separate and labeled (intake vs exhaust). Inspect camshaft lobes and bearing journals for scoring, excessive wear, or damage. Measure bearing journal diameters if wear is suspected. Place camshafts on clean padded surface.
   ⚠Do not allow camshafts to drop or impact hard surfaces. Camshaft journals are hardened and can crack if dropped.
7. 7

   Remove rocker arms and keep in order
   Remove all 16 rocker arms from their positions on the cylinder head. Keep rocker arms in exact order using labeled containers or numbered slots on workbench. Each rocker arm must return to its original position if being reused. Inspect rocker arm contact surfaces for wear, pitting, or scoring. Check rocker arm roller (if equipped) for smooth rotation.
   ⚠Rocker arms wear into their specific valve stem and lifter positions. Mixing positions causes accelerated wear and potential valvetrain noise.
8. 8

   Remove hydraulic valve lifters
   Using magnetic pickup tool, carefully extract all 16 hydraulic valve lifters from their bores in the cylinder head. Keep lifters in exact order if any inspection or comparison is needed, though all lifters will be replaced. Inspect lifter bores in cylinder head for scoring, debris, or damage. Clean lifter bores thoroughly with lint-free cloth and spray brake cleaner. Ensure no debris remains in oil passages.
   ⚠Lifter bores must be absolutely clean. Any debris will contaminate new lifters and cause premature failure.
9. 9

   Clean and inspect cylinder head surfaces
   Thoroughly clean all camshaft bearing surfaces, valve cover mating surface, and lifter bores using lint-free cloths and brake cleaner. Inspect bearing surfaces for scoring or damage. Check cylinder head deck surface for warpage using straightedge (should be within 0.05mm). Ensure all oil passages are clear by blowing compressed air through galleries (wear eye protection).
   ⚠Use only lint-free cloths. Any fabric debris left in engine will be carried to bearings and cause damage.
10. 10

    Prepare and install new hydraulic lifters
    Remove new lifters from packaging. Prime each lifter by submerging in fresh engine oil and working plunger several times to purge air. Install each primed lifter into its bore, ensuring lifter slides in smoothly without binding. Lifter should move freely in bore with slight resistance. Coat lifter exterior with fresh engine oil before installation. Install all 16 lifters.
    ⚠Lifters must be primed with oil before installation. Running engine with air-locked lifters will cause valvetrain noise and potential damage.
11. 11

    Install rocker arms
    Install all rocker arms onto their respective valve stems in exact original positions. Ensure rocker arm roller (if equipped) sits properly on valve stem tip. Coat all rocker arm contact surfaces with assembly lube or fresh engine oil. Verify each rocker arm moves freely on its pivot point.
    ℹ️Rocker arms should sit flat and not bind on valve stems. Any binding indicates improper installation or damaged components.
12. 12

    Install camshafts with timing alignment
    Coat all camshaft bearing journals and lobes liberally with assembly lube or fresh engine oil. Install intake and exhaust camshafts into their respective positions, ensuring timing marks on camshaft gears point upward and align with reference marks from disassembly. Verify camshaft lobes are positioned so they are not putting maximum pressure on any valve (rotate slightly if needed before cap installation). Ensure camshaft keyways are properly positioned.
    ⚠️Camshafts must be installed with timing marks properly aligned. Incorrect timing will cause valve-to-piston contact when engine is started.
13. 13

    Install camshaft bearing caps in sequence
    Apply light coat of engine oil to bearing cap surfaces. Install bearing caps in their exact original positions with orientation marks correctly aligned. Hand-start all bearing cap bolts. Tighten bolts in at least 3 progressive passes, working from center caps toward outer caps in sequence. First pass: 5 Nm, second pass: 10 Nm, final pass: 14 Nm (10 lb-ft). Follow spiral/crisscross pattern starting from center. Verify camshafts rotate smoothly by hand after final torque.
    ⚠️Multi-pass tightening sequence is mandatory. Single-pass tightening will warp camshafts and destroy bearing surfaces.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

    Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Verify valve timing and rotate engine
    Remove crankshaft locking pin if installed. Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise using socket on crankshaft pulley bolt. Verify timing marks realign perfectly at TDC. Check that all rocker arms move smoothly through their range without binding. Verify no unusual resistance is felt when rotating engine. If any resistance or timing misalignment occurs, stop immediately and recheck camshaft installation.
    ⚠️If unusual resistance is felt or timing marks do not realign, DO NOT proceed. Valve-to-piston contact may be occurring. Disassemble and verify all components are correctly installed.
15. 15

    Install camshaft position sensor and valve cover
    Install new O-ring on camshaft position sensor. Insert sensor into cylinder head and tighten bolt to specification. Clean valve cover and cylinder head mating surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner. Install new valve cover gasket, ensuring it seats properly in groove. Apply small bead of Toyota FIPG sealant at front corners where timing chain cover meets cylinder head (only at these two locations). Install valve cover and tighten bolts in sequence from center outward in multiple passes to final torque specification. Install new spark plug tube seals and PCV valve grommet.
    ⚠Excessive RTV sealant can break off and block oil passages. Use only small beads at specified corners.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect all breather hoses and PCV valve to valve cover
2. Reconnect all electrical connectors to camshaft position sensor and other valve cover components
3. Install spark plugs and torque to specification (20 Nm / 15 lb-ft)
4. Install ignition coils and torque mounting bolts to specification
5. Reinstall air intake assembly and air filter box
6. Fill engine with correct amount of fresh Toyota Genuine 0W-20 oil (4.5 quarts)
7. Install engine cover by pressing down on clips
8. Reconnect negative battery terminal

Verification

• With spark plugs removed and ignition disabled, crank engine for 10-15 seconds to prime oil system and verify oil pressure lamp extinguishes
• Install spark plugs and ignition coils, then start engine and verify it starts normally without unusual noise
• Listen carefully for any valvetrain noise (ticking or tapping) during first 30 seconds of operation - new lifters may tick briefly until fully primed
• Allow engine to reach normal operating temperature while monitoring for oil leaks around valve cover gasket
• Verify no oil leaks after 15 minutes of operation at idle and during brief test drive
• Check engine oil level and top off if necessary after test drive
• Listen for normal quiet valvetrain operation after engine reaches operating temperature - any persistent ticking indicates problem requiring immediate investigation
• Verify no check engine light or diagnostic codes are present after repair

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