Valve clearance that is too tight burns valves; too loose ticks and loses lift. Many Civic and Integra engines use screw-and-locknut rockers that are adjustable with feeler gauges.

When to Adjust#

• Audible tick after warm-up
• After head or cam work
• At the interval in the FSM
• After high mileage with unknown service history

Conditions#

• Engine cold unless your FSM explicitly states a hot spec for that code
• Correct intake vs exhaust clearances - never one value for all valves

Procedure (screw / locknut)#

1. Remove the valve cover; inspect for metal and cam wear.
2. Rotate the crank to the FSM starting position for cylinder 1.
3. Measure clearance with a clean feeler gauge at the specified interface.
4. Loosen the locknut, turn the adjuster to a light drag on the gauge, tighten the locknut, and re-check (clearance usually changes when locked).
5. Rotate to the next FSM position; repeat until all valves are done.
6. Reinstall the cover with a serviceable gasket; torque cover bolts evenly.

Results#

If clearances open quickly again, stop adjusting and inspect the cam and rockers.