Q: Do valve clearances generally need adjustment, and how is the proper valve adjustment checked and performed on Four cylinder engine on Honda Crosstour?
A: Valve clearances generally do not need adjustment unless valvetrain components have been replaced or a valve job has been performed. The simplest check for proper valve adjustment is to listen carefully to the engine running with the hood open; if the valvetrain is noisy, adjustment is necessary. The valve clearance must be checked and adjusted with the engine cold. Remove the Valve Cover and place the number 1 piston at Top Dead Center (TDC) on the compression stroke. With the engine in this position, the number 1 cylinder valve clearances can be checked and adjusted. Start with the intake valve clearance by inserting a feeler gauge of the correct thickness between the valve stem tip and the adjusting screw on the Rocker Arm. Withdraw it to feel a slight drag; if there's no drag or a heavy drag, loosen the adjuster nut and back off the adjuster screw. Carefully tighten the adjuster screw until a slight drag is felt on the feeler gauge upon withdrawal. Hold the adjuster screw with a screwdriver to keep it from turning and tighten the locknut, then recheck the clearance to ensure it hasn't changed. Repeat this procedure for the other intake valve and the two exhaust valves. Rotate the Crankshaft Pulley 180 degrees clockwise to bring the number 3 cylinder to TDC, then check and adjust the number three cylinder valves. Continue by rotating the crankshaft pulley 180 degrees clockwise to bring the number 4 cylinder to TDC and check and adjust those valves, followed by the number 2 cylinder valves after another 180-degree rotation. Finally, install the valve cover.