- Service Manual
- Feeler gauge
- 12mm socket
- 14mm socket
- Wrench
- Pliers
- Ratchet
Once you have gathered your tools and materials, follow these steps to adjust the valve timing on your Nissan RF-8 engine:
1. Prepare the engine.
- Allow the engine to cool down completely.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Remove the valve cover.
2. Locate the timing chain tensioner.
- The timing chain tensioner is located at the front of the engine, on the passenger side.
- It is a black cylinder with a bolt in the center.
3. Loosen the timing chain tensioner bolt.
- Use a 12mm socket to loosen the timing chain tensioner bolt.
- Do not remove the bolt completely.
4. Rotate the engine crankshaft.
- Use a wrench to rotate the engine crankshaft clockwise, as viewed from the front of the engine.
- Rotate the crankshaft until the timing marks on the camshaft gears are aligned with the timing marks on the cylinder head.
5. Check the valve clearance.
- Use a feeler gauge to check the valve clearance between the valve stems and the rocker arms.
- The valve clearance should be between 0.008 and 0.012 inches (0.20 and 0.30 mm).
6. Adjust the valve clearance.
- If the valve clearance is not within specification, you will need to adjust the valve lash with the valve adjustment screw on rocker arms.
- Use a 14mm socket to loosen the locknut on the rocker arm.
- Use a wrench to turn the adjusting screw until the valve clearance is within specification.
- Tighten the locknut.
- Turn the engine crankshaft clockwise 360 degrees and recheck the valve clearance.
7. Install the valve cover
8. Reconnect the battery terminal.
9. Start the engine and check for proper operation.
