| Fig. 1: Valve adjustment positions: (A) when engine is
on TDC of cylinder 1 and (B) when engine is on TDC of cylinder 4
|
| Fig. 2: Adjusting the valve clearance
|
The only engines that require periodic adjustment of the valves are the 1.5L
engine in the 1990–95 Mirage and the 1.8L in the 1993–95 Mirage.
WARNING
Incorrect valve clearance will cause noisy and/or unsteady engine operation,
reduced engine output, and possible engine damage. Check the valve clearances
and adjust as required while the engine is hot.
- Warm the engine to operating temperature. Turn the engine OFF.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Remove all spark plugs so engine can be easily turned by hand.
- Remove the valve cover.
- Turn the crankshaft clockwise until the notch on the pulley is aligned with
the T mark on the timing belt lower cover. This brings both
No. 1 and 4 cylinder pistons to Top Dead Center (TDC).
- Wiggle the rocker arms on No. 1 and 4 cylinders up and down to determine
which cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke. Both rocker arms should
move if the piston in that cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke.
- Measure the valve clearance with a feeler gauge. When the No. 1 piston is
at TDC on the compression stroke, check No. 1 intake and exhaust; No. 2 intake
and exhaust. Then turn the crankshaft clockwise 1 turn to bring No. 4 to TDC
on its compression stroke. With No. 4 on TDC, compression stroke, check No.
2 exhaust and intake; and No. 4 intake and exhaust. Clearance is as follows:
1990–92 1.5L engine:
- Exhaust valve: 0.0098 in. (0.25mm)
- Intake valve: 0.0059 in. (0.15mm)
1993–95 1.5L engine:
- Exhaust valve: 0.0098 in. (0.25mm)
- Intake valve: 0.008 in. (0.20mm) 1993–95 1.8L engine:
- Exhaust valve: 0.012 in. (0.30mm)
- Intake valve: 0.008 in. (0.20mm)
- If the valve clearance is out of specification, loosen the rocker arm locknut
and adjust the clearance using a feeler gauge while turning the adjusting
screw. When at specification, tighten the locknut. Be sure to hold the screw
securely in place when tightening the locknut to prevent it from turning when
tightening the locknut. Tightening torque of the locknut is as follows:
- 1.5L engine: 9–11 ft. lbs. (12–15 Nm)
- 1.8L engine: 7 ft. lbs. (9 Nm)
- Recheck the clearance and readjust.
- After adjusting the valves, install the valve cover and spark plugs, and
connect the negative battery cable.
