1997 Lexus SC 300 StandardFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Valve Clearance: Notes

NOTE: Check and adjust valves with engine cold.
  1. Remove engine splash shield from underneath vehicle. Drain engine coolant. Disconnect control cables from throttle linkage. Remove intake air hose. Remove EGR pipe and gasket. Disconnect EGR temperature sensor connector. Remove throttle body bracket between throttle body and cylinder head.
  2. Remove throttle body and intake air connector (pipe between throttle body and air intake chamber) as an assembly. Disconnect spark plug wires from plugs and wire holders. Remove timing belt cover No. 3 (upper cover). Remove cylinder head covers No. 1 (left side), No. 2 (center) and No. 3 (right side).
  3. Rotate crankshaft clockwise until piston No. 1 is at TDC of compression stroke. Ensure groove on crankshaft pulley aligns with "0" timing mark on timing belt cover. Timing marks on camshaft pulleys should align with timing marks on timing belt cover No. 4 (upper inner cover).
  4. Measure and record clearance of intake valves for cylinders No. 1, 2 and 4, and exhaust valves for cylinders No. 1, 3 and 5. See Fig 2. Rotate crankshaft 360 degrees. Measure and record clearance of intake valves for cylinders No. 3, 5 and 6, and exhaust valves for cylinders No. 2, 4 and 6.
  5. Compare measured clearance with specified clearance. See VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS table. If clearance is within specification, go to step 9). 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)
  6. 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 1.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Remove old cylinder head cover seal packing material. Install NEW Seal Packing (08826-00080) material. See Fig 3. Use NEW gaskets as necessary. Tighten nuts and bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Fig 1: Removing Adjusting Shim
G93B78163Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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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.

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