Please provide me with the step by step value clearance for my 3 cylinder Chevy Spark
Jun 9, 2026 at 7:52 AM
Valve clearance step by step ?
2010 CHEVROLET SPARK
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Sure, here is the procedure to help you.
Cold engine valve clearance:
Intake: 0.15 mm ± 0.02 mm / 0.0059 in.
Exhaust: 0.20 mm ± 0.02 mm / 0.0079 in.
1. Let the engine get completely cold.
2. This is important if using the cold specs above.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Remove anything blocking the valve cover.
5. Remove the air intake tube, breather hose, ignition parts, or brackets as needed.
6. Remove the valve cover.
7. Keep dirt out of the engine.
8. Identify intake and exhaust valves.
9. Intake valves are on the intake manifold side.
10. Exhaust valves are on the exhaust manifold side.
11. Rotate the engine by hand only.
12. Use a socket on the crankshaft pulley bolt. Turn the engine in its normal direction of rotation. Please check out the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN42gZN6gOE
13. Set cylinder #1 at TDC on compression stroke.
14. Both #1 rocker arms should be loose. If one valve is open, you are on the exhaust stroke, so rotate the crankshaft one full turn and check again.
15. Check clearance with a feeler gauge.
16. Slide the correct feeler gauge between the rocker arm and valve stem. You want a light drag.
17. Adjust if needed, Loosen the rocker arm lock nut, turn the adjuster screw until the feeler gauge has a slight drag, then hold the screw and tighten the lock nut. Recheck after tightening.
18. Always recheck the clearance after tightening the lock nut because the setting can move.
19. Repeat for each cylinder.
The safest method is the EO/IC method: Adjust the intake valve when that cylinder’s exhaust valve just starts to open. Adjust the exhaust valve when that cylinder’s intake valve opens fully and is almost closed again. Reinstall the valve cover. Let me know if you need anything else.
Cold engine valve clearance:
Intake: 0.15 mm ± 0.02 mm / 0.0059 in.
Exhaust: 0.20 mm ± 0.02 mm / 0.0079 in.
1. Let the engine get completely cold.
2. This is important if using the cold specs above.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Remove anything blocking the valve cover.
5. Remove the air intake tube, breather hose, ignition parts, or brackets as needed.
6. Remove the valve cover.
7. Keep dirt out of the engine.
8. Identify intake and exhaust valves.
9. Intake valves are on the intake manifold side.
10. Exhaust valves are on the exhaust manifold side.
11. Rotate the engine by hand only.
12. Use a socket on the crankshaft pulley bolt. Turn the engine in its normal direction of rotation. Please check out the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN42gZN6gOE
13. Set cylinder #1 at TDC on compression stroke.
14. Both #1 rocker arms should be loose. If one valve is open, you are on the exhaust stroke, so rotate the crankshaft one full turn and check again.
15. Check clearance with a feeler gauge.
16. Slide the correct feeler gauge between the rocker arm and valve stem. You want a light drag.
17. Adjust if needed, Loosen the rocker arm lock nut, turn the adjuster screw until the feeler gauge has a slight drag, then hold the screw and tighten the lock nut. Recheck after tightening.
18. Always recheck the clearance after tightening the lock nut because the setting can move.
19. Repeat for each cylinder.
The safest method is the EO/IC method: Adjust the intake valve when that cylinder’s exhaust valve just starts to open. Adjust the exhaust valve when that cylinder’s intake valve opens fully and is almost closed again. Reinstall the valve cover. Let me know if you need anything else.
Jun 9, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.