Valve Lash (Clearance) Inspection: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara, and 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove negative (-) cable at battery.
Remove cylinder head covers referring to CYLINDER HEAD COVERS REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Using 19 mm wrench, turn crankshaft pulley (1) clockwise until timing mark "O" position (2) of cylinder block and index (3) of crankshaft pulley (1) are aligned.
Check whether cam position (4) of No. 1 cylinder is at the specified position [A] as shown in figure.
If cam position is [B], locate cam position to [A] by turning crankshaft one rotation.

Fig 1: Turning Crankshaft Pulley
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Check valve lashes with thickness gauge (1) according to the following procedure.
1. Check valve lashes of cylinder No. 1.
2. Turn crankshaft pulley by 120° clockwise.
3. Check valve lashes of cylinder No.6.
4. In the same manner as b) - c), check valve lashes of cylinder No. 5, cylinder No. 4, cylinder No. 3 then cylinder No. 2.

If valve lash is out of specification, record valve lash and adjust it to specification by replacing shim.

Valve clearance specification

VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATION

Application	When cold (Coolant temperature is 15-25 °C (59-77 °F))	When hot (Coolant temperature is 60-68 °C (140-154 °F))
Intake	0.18-0.22 mm (0.007-0.008 in.)	0.21-0.27 mm (0.008-0.011 in.)
Exhaust	0.28-0.32 mm (0.011-0.012 in.)	0.30-0.36 mm (0.012-0.014 in.)

Fig 2: Checking Valve Lashes With Thickness Gauge

Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.