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2.0L Engine (VIN 3)

NOTE: Vehicles built before June 1999 use selective shims to adjust valve clearance. Starting June 1999, selective sized tappets are used.
  1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Loosen, but DO NOT remove upper timing belt cover. Disconnect spark plug wires from spark plugs by slightly twisting and pulling off in a straight direction from spark plug,. Detach crankcase ventilation hose. Remove valve cover bolts by loosening diagonally, starting with bolts located on outside edge of valve cover, working inward.
    2. NOTE: Severe engine damage may occur if engine is rotated in counterclockwise direction.
  2. Place No. 1 cylinder at TDC, by rotating engine crankshaft clockwise. Using feeler gauge, measure and record cylinder No. 1 valve clearance. See Figure . Rotate crankshaft clockwise 180 degrees. Using feeler gauge, measure and record cylinder No. 3 valve clearance. Repeat this procedure, following the firing order to measure and record valve clearance for cylinders No. 4 and 2.
    3. NOTE: Selective shim thickness is stamped on back of shim in hundredths of a millimeter. A shim measuring 2.22 mm = 222 on shim. Selective tappets are also stamped for selective size.
  3. Ensure clearance is within specification. See VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATION (2.0L - VIN 3)  table. Vehicles built before June 1999 use selective shims to adjust valve clearance. Starting June 1999, selective sized tappets are used. If clearance is not within specification, go to next step.
    VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATION (2.0L - VIN 3) (1)

    Application In. (mm)
    Intake .004-.007 (0.11-0.18)
    Exhaust .011-.013 (0.27-0.34)
    (1) Clearance is checked with engine cold.
  4. Use the following formulas to select proper shim thickness or tappet height depending on application:

    • Selective Shim

      Required shim thickness = (measured clearance + current shim thickness) minus most desirable clearance.

    • Selective Tappet

      Required tappet height = (measured clearance + current tappet height) minus most desirable clearance.

    Select proper shim or tappet and mark for location during installation. Selective shims are available in sizes .071-.130" (1.80-3.30) in increments of .001" (.03 mm). Selective tappets are available in sizes .675-.699" (17.145-17.745) in increments of .001" (.03 mm).

  5. Install correct selective shim or tappet. If installing shims, place shim into tappet with ID number facing inward. Install camshafts and measure new valve clearances. Rotate crankshaft clockwise and repeat procedure for all valves as necessary. If any clearances are incorrect, repeat step  2 . To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. See appropriate article in ENGINES.
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