KA24DE Valve Clearance

[240nessx]

Hey, So i recently found out i blew the headgasket in my 240 When I finally got the head out i put the head on its side to look at the bottom and 3-4 lifters fell out. Idk what went where and am wondering how i can figure out where they went. I read the FSM on how to check valve clearance with a feeler gauge. If i check it and say the ones that fell out are out of spec, could i just swap the lifters around, or do i now need to have a machine shop adjust it? thanks

[PEZi]

what exactly does the FSM say? lol... you can adjust these on your own... the FSM should tell you how, if not there has got to be a write up on here somewhere

[240nessx]

The FSM tells you how to adjust it, but they use Nissan Specialty Tools to do the adjusting which i know i dont have.

[Razi]

You sure it's a dual cam?

We don't have lifters, we have buckets, unless I'm confusing something here.

The dual cams have shims on top of the buckets which usually wear down after a lot of mileage is put on them.
The shim part number is 13201H
Just do a search for that number at CourtesyNissan and it should pop up.

[240nessx]

Sorry, I wasnt sure what they were called, and I was told they were lifters. But yeah im looking to figure out how to adjust the buckets. A machine shop should know how to do this though?

[Razi]

You can't adjust them.
You need the measure the clearance between the cam lobe and the shim and install thicker or thinner ones depending on the measurement you get.

The factory spec for the clearances are:

Intake:
0.31 - 0.39mm (0.012 - 0.015 in)

Exhaust:
0.33 - 0.41mm (0.013 - 0.016 in)

If you don't want to buy new ones you could go to the junkyard and pull a bunch out of another car and mix and match the shims to get the proper clearance you need.

[PEZi]

well that process is annoying! i'm glad mine are adjustable.....

[Razi]

Yeah.
I'm pretty sure it's why like 99% of our KA's have that annoying tapping noise, worn out shims.

[DanThaMan]

you don't necessarily need the special nissan tool, All you are really doing is using a feeler gauge to figure out how much clearance there is between the closed valve and the camshaft.... intake should be .31mm-.39mm exhaust .33-.41mm....If the clearances are out of wack try a different shim out of the ones that fell out. If they are all out of spec, order new shims from here: http://www.courtesyparts.com/kb_search_ ... _1420_1429
here are the formulas for figuring out the shim size you need. R= thickness of old shim N=new shim size M= measured clearance
exhaust: N=R + (m-.37mm)
intake: N=R + (m- .35mm)
simple elementary algebra
goodluck!

[revolutionz_s13]

You can't adjust them.
You need the measure the clearance between the cam lobe and the shim and install thicker or thinner ones depending on the measurement you get.

The factory spec for the clearances are:

Intake:
0.31 - 0.39mm (0.012 - 0.015 in)

Exhaust:
0.33 - 0.41mm (0.013 - 0.016 in)

If you don't want to buy new ones you could go to the junkyard and pull a bunch out of another car and mix and match the shims to get the proper clearance you need.

Keep in mind that if you are using aftermarket cams, the valve lash should be set according to the cam card from the manufacturer, not stock lash clearances

[DanThaMan]

damn, my bad guys.. I didnt mean to re-post what razi said I guess my internet and computer are just that crappy

[mutlah]

Hi guys. During a valve job, usually the end of the valve stem is ground true/flat/square and metal is removed; this is going to change the overall length of the valve. If the valve face is ground or if the valve seats are cut,(usually they are during a "valve job"), the valve will sit further into the head which will change your dimensions and VALVE LASH. So keep this in mind if you've had a valve job; your lash will be different and require adjustments.

If you have $$ and time you can send your head and cams to Kotzu Racing heads in San Antonio (209) 590-1540 and they will set them up ready to bolt on. They do damn good work. I do not work for them and they are not paying me for this suggestion.

Checking lash takes feeler gauges and patience. my Chilton book says check when hot. Write down your measurements and rotate the engine through as the book says so you get accurate measurements.

There is an inexpensive tool I found on Ebay to compress the bucket, holding it compressed with a little metal bar. This will enable you to pry out/unstick the shim to swap it out without pulling cams. I think it was less than 30 bucks. Snap-on also has a more complete kit for many different applications for around a 200 dollar bill. I have a pic of the compression tool but can't figure out how to post it. email me @ [email protected] if you want it. Keep 'em runnin' boys. Good maintenance.