Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSSUBARU1998FORESTER L, STANDARDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE PERFORMANCEENGINE CONTROLS - ADJUSTMENTSVALVE CLEARANCE2.2L
1998 Subaru Forester L, Standard
Valve Clearance: 2.2L
1998 Subaru Forester L, StandardSECTION 2.2L
- Disconnect battery ground cable. Raise and support vehicle. For inspection and adjustment of cylinders No. 1 and 3, remove right timing belt cover. Disconnect mass airflow sensor connector. Remove upper air intake duct and upper air cleaner cover as a unit. Remove air filter. Disconnect spark plug wires from cylinders No. 1 and 3. Remove right side under cover. Disconnect PCV hose from valve cover. Remove right valve cover.
- For inspection and adjustment of cylinders No. 2 and 4, disconnect washer motor connectors. Disconnect washer motor hoses and plug connections. Remove washer tank bolts and secure away from work area. Disconnect spark plug wires from cylinders No. 2 and 4. Remove left side under cover. Disconnect PCV hose from valve cover. Remove left valve cover.
- Set cylinder No. 1 to TDC of compression stroke by aligning arrow mark on right side camshaft sprocket pointing straight up. See Fig 1 . Using Feeler Gauge, measure cylinder No. 1 valve clearance. Adjust as needed. Tighten locknut to 86-95 INCH lbs. (9-10 N.m). See VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATION table.
- Set cylinders No. 3, 2 and 4 to TDC by turning crankshaft pulley clockwise until arrow on camshaft sprocket lines up. See Fig 1 . Reinstall parts in reverse order of removal.
VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATION
| Application | Clearance In. (mm) | |
|---|---|---|
| 2.2L & 2.5L | ||
| Intake | .007-.009 (.18-.23) | |
| Exhaust | .009-.011 (.23-.27) | |
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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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.