1997 Lexus ES 300FACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Valve Clearance

NOTE: Check and adjust valves with engine cold.
  1. Remove right fender apron seal. Drain engine coolant. Remove engine cover. Remove spark plug wires. Disconnect PCV hose. Remove Mass Airflow (MAF) meter, air cleaner and intake air hose as an assembly.
  2. Disconnect electrical connectors and vacuum hoses as necessary and remove air intake chamber. Disconnect electrical connectors from ignition coils.
  3. Remove ignition coils. Set coils aside in order of removal for installation reference. Disconnect radiator inlet hose. Remove spark plugs. Remove cylinder head covers.
  4. Rotate crankshaft clockwise until piston No. 1 is at TDC of compression stroke. Ensure groove on crankshaft pulley aligns with "0" mark on timing belt cover. Cylinder No. 1 intake and exhaust valve lifters should be loose. See Fig 1. If lifters are not loose, rotate crankshaft 360 degrees.
  5. Measure and record clearance on intake valves of cylinders No. 1 and 6, and exhaust valves of cylinders No. 2 and 3. See Fig 1. Rotate crankshaft 240 degrees (2/3 of a revolution). Measure and record clearance on intake valves of cylinders No. 2 and 3, and exhaust valves of cylinders No. 4 and 5.
  6. Rotate crankshaft pulley another 240 degrees (2/3 of a revolution). Measure and record clearance on intake valves of cylinders No. 4 and 5, and exhaust valves of cylinders No. 1 and 6.
  7. Compare measured clearance with specified clearance. See VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS table. If clearance is within specification, go to step 11). If clearance is not within specification, rotate crankshaft until camshaft lobe of valve to be adjusted is facing upward, away from shim.
    VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS

    Application In. (mm)
    Intake .006-.010 (.15-.25)
    Exhaust .010-.014 (.25-.36)
  8. Using a screwdriver, rotate valve lifter until notch is at a 90-degree angle to camshaft (perpendicular), facing centerline of cylinder head. Using Valve Lifter Press (SST 09248-05410), press valve lifter downward. See Fig 2.
  9. Position Valve Lifter Stopper (SST 09248-05420) between camshaft and valve lifter to keep valve lifter held down. Remove valve lifter press. Using a small screwdriver and magnet, remove shim. Select a shim of appropriate thickness. See SELECTING SHIMS at end of VALVE CLEARANCE.
  10. Place shim onto valve lifter with imprinted numbers facing down. Press downward on valve lifter using valve lifter press, and remove valve lifter stopper. Recheck valve clearance to ensure it is correct.
  11. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure. Use NEW gaskets at air intake chamber. Tighten nuts and bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Fig 1: Identifying Valve Arrangement
G94J44247Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.