How to Adjust the Valves on a 1992 Honda Accord 2.2
by Lee SallingsThe valves on your 1992 Honda Accord's 2.2-liter engine will require adjustment from time to time. This corrects valve lash that may increase due to wear on the camshaft lobes and rocker arms. The results of this adjustment can be dramatic. Improved throttle response and power are common. Many companies make specialized tools for adjusting the valves on this and other engines, but this project can be completed by the average home mechanic without specialized tools. You should be able to complete the task in a couple of hours.
Step 1
Start with a cold engine. The manufacturer recommends that the engine be under 100 degrees Fahrenheit when making this adjustment.
Step 2
Unplug the spark-plug wires from the spark plugs. Remove the the two 10 mm nuts that attach the valve cover to the cylinder head using a 10 mm socket and ratchet. Remove the four 10 mm bolts that attach the upper timing-belt cover to the valve cover and cylinder head using a 10 mm socket and ratchet. Set the timing cover and valve cover aside.
Step 3
Rotate the engine counterclockwise, until the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley lines up with the pointer on the front of the lower timing cover, using a 1/2-inch drive ratchet and a 19 mm socket.
Step 4
Check valve clearance on the number-one cylinder by slipping the correct thickness feeler gauge between the valve and the rocker arm. Exhaust valves should have a clearance between .009 and .011, and intake valves should be between .007 and .009. The exhaust valves are the valves closest to the exhaust system, and the intake valves are the valves closest to the intake manifold. To adjust the valve clearance, loosen the 12 mm jam nut on the adjuster and tighten or loosen the adjuster using a screwdriver. Tighten the jam nut while holding the adjuster still with the screwdriver.
Step 5
Rotate the engine counterclockwise 180 degrees using the 1/2-inch drive ratchet and 19 mm socket. Check and adjust the valves on the number-three cylinder in the same manner as the number-one cylinder valves were adjusted. Rotate the engine again, 180 degrees counterclockwise, and adjust the number-four cylinder valves as needed. Rotate the engine again, 180 degrees counterclockwise, and adjust the number-two cylinder valves as needed
References
Things You'll Need
- Socket set
- Wrench set
- Feeler-gauge set
- New valve-cover gasket
Writer Bio
Lee Sallings is a freelance writer from Fort Worth, Texas. Specializing in website content and design for the automobile enthusiast, he also has many years of experience in the auto repair industry. He has written Web content for eHow, and designed the DIY-Auto-Repair.com website. He began his writing career developing and teaching automotive technical training programs.
