Previous Next

Valve Lash

ADJUSTMENT

Except 1997 Mirage

Valve clearance is not adjustable on these vehicles.

1997 Mirage

NOTE: Check the valve clearances and adjust as required while the engine is hot.

Fig. 1: Proper method of adjusting valve clearance — Mirage

  1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
  2. Warm the engine to operating temperature, turn OFF and disconnect the negative battery cable.
  3. Remove or disconnect the following:
  4. Turn the crankshaft clockwise to position the No. 1 cylinder at TDC of its compression stroke. The notch on the crankshaft pulley will be aligned with the T mark on the timing belt lower cover.
  5. Check the valve lash at cylinder No. 1 intake, cylinder No. 1 exhaust, cylinder No. 2 intake and cylinder No. 3 exhaust valves.

    Fig. 2: Adjust the valves with the white arrows when the No. 1 piston is at TDC on compression and the valves with the black arrows when the No. 4 piston is at TDC on compression — 1.5L engine

    Fig. 3: Adjust the valves with the white arrows when the No. 1 piston is at TDC on compression and the valves with the black arrows when the No. 4 piston is at TDC on compression — 1.8L engine

  6. Correct valve lash for the 1.5L engine is as follows:
  7. Correct valve lash for the 1.8L engine is as follows:
  8. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise 1 complete turn and align the T mark with the notch on the crankshaft pulley. This will position the No. 4 cylinder at TDC of its compression stroke.
  9. Check the valve lash at cylinder No. 2 exhaust, cylinder No. 3 intake and cylinder No. 4 intake and exhaust valves.
  10. If the valve clearances are out of specification, loosen the rocker arm locknut and adjust the clearance using a feeler gauge while turning the adjusting screw. Be sure to hold the screw to prevent it from turning when tightening the locknut. Tighten the locknut to 11 ft. lbs. (15 Nm) on the 1.5L engine or 84 inch lbs. (9 Nm) on the 1.8L engine.
  11. After adjusting the valves, install the valve cover and spark plugs, and connect the negative battery cable.

Previous Next