DIY Valve Adjustments

I did a valve adjustment and inspection on the new k24a2 I swapped into my DC5. We noticed several valves were getting "sloppy" and so I'm glad we were able to get this done. So here we go.

Tools Needed:
Angled feeler gauges
19mm deep socket and extension
Flat head Screwdriver
10mm socket


First you will want to turn the wheel to the right as far as possible. This will open the space to stick the extension and 19mm socket on to the crank pulley.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...h/100_2795.jpg
Now that you've done that it's time to start preparing.

I then took off the valve cover and placed it off to the side.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...h/100_2788.jpg

Heres your exposed engine head
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...h/100_2789.jpg

From there you will want to use the 19mm socket and manually turn the engine over to top dead center on cylinder one. You can use the marks on the intake VTC gear to do so (the little arrow) and the marks down below on the crank pulley
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...h/100_2792.jpg

Before you do anything you should know what your specs are. On the hood is the factory engine specs and it lists the valve clearances. I was not aware of that till just now. Pretty cool
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...h/100_2790.jpg

You will be using 2 different feeler gauge sizes. One for intake side and one for the exhaust side. Start with cylinder one (closest to the cam gears) and check the clearance.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...h/100_2797.jpg

To start, loosen the bolt and slide the feeler gauge in. The most important thing to remember is to hold the feeler gauge as flat as possible.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...h/100_2798.jpg
You will then want to take the flat head screw driver and adjust the rod until it fits snug onto the feeler gauge. You should be able to slide the feeler gauge back out so don't over tighten the screw. Once you've got the screw set, tighten the bolt back down and recheck the clearance. When you're finished with the intake side move to the back and do the exhaust side.
Picture of screw and bolt
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...h/100_2793.jpg

The firing order for any inline 4cyl engine is 1-3-4-2

When finished with cylinder one, turn the engine over manually again until you get the next cam gear alignment line at the top of the intake cam.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...h/100_2794.jpg

Move to cylinder 3 and repeat the valve adjustment process. Then just keep turning the engine over to the next marker to do the fourth cylinder
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...h/100_2799.jpg

and one final turn so you can do the second cylinder. After finishing, go back around and check all of the bolts and clearances and call it a day.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...h/100_2796.jpg