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Valve Lash

ADJUSTMENT

Many of these procedures require the use of special service tools. Read the procedure first prior to disassembly.

1996-97 626, MX6 2.0L (FS), 2.5L (KL), Miata 1.8L (BPD), Protege 1.8L (BPE), and 1995-97 Millenia 2.5L (KLD) Engines

There is no valve adjustment on these engines. Measure the valve clearance with a feeler gauge. If it is more than 0.0059 in. (0.15 mm), then you must replace the hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA).

Fig. 1: HLA clearance measurement

1995-97 Protege 1.8L (BPD) Engines

NOTE: With the engine cold, standard valve clearance is 0.010-0.012 inch (0.25-0.31mm) on intake and exhaust sides.

  1. Measure the valve clearance by turning the crankshaft clockwise until the number one piston is at TDC.
  2. Measure the valve clearance at A. Turn the crankshaft clockwise 360°until the number four piston is at TDC. Measure the valve clearance at B.
    Fig. 2: Measuring the valve clearance -- 1995-97 Protege 1.8L (BPD) engines

    NOTE: If the valve clearance exceeds the standard, replace the adjustment shim.

  3. Turn the crankshaft clockwise until the cam, on the camshaft requiring the adjustment shim replacement, is positioned straight up.
  4. Remove the camshaft cap bolts as follows:
    1. For exhaust side No. 1, 2, and 3 cylinder adjustment shim removal use A.
    2. For intake side No. 1, 2, and 3 cylinder adjustment shim removal use B.
    3. For exhaust side No. 2, 3, and 4 cylinder adjustment shim removal use C.
    4. For intake side No. 2, 3, and 4 cylinder adjustment shim removal use D.
      Fig. 3: Camshaft cap bolt removal -- 1995-97 Protege 1.8L (BPD) engines

  5. Install special tools 49-T012-002 and 003, using the camshaft cap bolt holes.
  6. Align the mark on the 49-T012-002 (shaft) with the mark on the 49-T012-003 (clamp). Tighten special tool 49-T012-004 (bolt) to secure the shaft.
  7. Position special tool 49-T012-001 toward the center of the cylinder head, and mount it on the shaft where the adjustment shim needs replacement.
  8. Position the notch of the tappet to allow a small pry tool to be inserted.
    Fig. 4: Inserting a pry tool -- 1995-97 Protege 1.8L (BPD) engines

  9. Set the special tool on the tappet by its notch. Tighten the mounting bolt B securing it on the shaft.
  10. Tighten bolt C, and press down the tappet.
  11. Using a small pry tool, pry the adjustment shim upwards through the notch on the tappet. Remove the shim with a magnet.
  12. Select and install the proper adjustment shim. Loosen bolt C to allow the tappet to move up, and loosen bolt B to remove special tool 49-T012-001.
  13. Remove special tools 49-T012-002, 003 and 004, and tighten the camshaft cap bolts to 100-125 inch lbs. (11-14 Nm).
  14. Repeat the procedure for all necessary adjustment shims. Check the valve clearance.
1993 MX3 1.8L (K8), 1993-94 626 and MX6 2.0L FS) and 2.5L (KL) Engines

The hydraulic lifters are not adjustable. When the lifters are removed from the engine, check the friction surfaces for wear or damage. Hold the lifter and try to press the plunger by hand. If the lifter is worn or damaged, or the plunger can be moved by hand, replace the lifter.

1995-97 Millenia 2.3L (KJS) Engine

NOTE: With the engine cold, standard valve clearance is 0.011-0.012 inch (0.27-0.31mm) on intake and exhaust sides.

  1. Measure the valve clearance by turning the crankshaft clockwise until the number one piston is at TDC.
  2. Measure the valve clearance at A. Turn the crankshaft clockwise 240°until the number three piston is at TDC. Measure the valve clearance at B. Turn the crankshaft clockwise 240°until the number five piston is at TDC. Measure the valve clearance at C.
    Fig. 5: Measuring the valve clearance -- 1995-97 Millenia 2.3L (KJS) engine

    NOTE: If the valve clearance exceeds the standard, replace the adjustment shim.

  3. Turn the crankshaft clockwise until the cam, on the camshaft requiring the adjustment shim replacement, is positioned straight up.
  4. Remove the camshaft cap bolts as follows:
    1. For right-hand (RH) exhaust side adjustment shim removal use 1.
    2. For RH intake side adjustment shim removal use 2.
    3. For left-hand (LH) exhaust side adjustment shim removal use 3.
    4. For LH intake side adjustment shim removal use 4.
      Fig. 6: Camshaft cap bolt removal -- 1995-97 Millenia 2.3L (KJS) engine

  5. Install special tools 49-T012-002 and 003, using the camshaft cap bolt holes.
  6. Align the mark on the 49-T012-002 (shaft) with the mark on the 49-T012-003 (clamp).
  7. Position special tool 49-T012-001 toward the center of the cylinder head, and mount it on the shaft where the adjustment shim needs replacement.
  8. Position the notch of the tappet to allow a small pry tool to be inserted.
  9. Set the special tool on the tappet by its notch. Tighten the mounting bolt B securing it on the shaft.
  10. Tighten bolt C, and press down the tappet.
  11. Using a small pry tool, pry the adjustment shim upwards through the notch on the tappet. Remove the shim with a magnet.
  12. Select and install the proper adjustment shim. Loosen bolt C to allow the tappet to move up, and loosen bolt B to remove special tool 49-T012-001.
  13. Remove special tools 49-T012-002, 003 and 004, and tighten the camshaft cap bolts to 100-125 inch lbs. (11-14 Nm).
  14. Repeat the procedure for all necessary adjustment shims. Check the valve clearance.
 
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