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Autopapyrus · Suzuki Swift 1.2 (K12B) (2011)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/suzuki/swift/checking-and-adjusting-valve-clearance/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Suzuki Swift 1.2 (K12B) (2011): Checking and Adjusting Valve Clearance

The K12B engine (DOHC, 16 valves) has no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances must be checked periodically. The check is usually done about every 100,000 km, or when you notice ticking, hard cold starting, or loss of power. The check must be done on a completely cold engine. Check the manufacturer's table for your engine for the exact clearance values and tolerances for intake and exhaust, as well as the adjustment method (shims or tappets). I will not give figures I am not sure of.

Difficulty: Hard Time: 3-5 hours Steps: 10 Tools: Torque wrench and standard wrench/socket set (8, 10, 12, 14 mm), feeler gauge set, wrench for turning the crankshaft by the pulley bolt, micrometer or caliper, screwdriver, special tappet holder or clamp (if needed), clean rags, sealant for the cover corners

Part

  • 🔩 Set of adjusting shims or tappets of the required thickness (selected after measuring), valve cover gasket (with spark plug well seals), and if necessary an oil filler neck O-ring
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes AutoFix (online) and 3 more. See manuals →

Step by step

10 steps
  1. Let the engine cool to ambient temperature (at least several hours after driving). Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
  2. Remove the decorative engine cover, disconnect the ignition coil connectors, and remove the coils. Remove the spark plugs, which makes it easier to turn the crankshaft.
  3. Disconnect the crankcase ventilation hoses from the valve cover, move aside any wiring harnesses in the way, remove the cover bolts, and take off the cover. Inspect the gasket and clean the old sealant off the mating surfaces.
  4. Turn the crankshaft in its normal direction of rotation by the pulley bolt until the marks on the camshaft pulleys and timing drive match the marks on the cylinder head (cylinder 1 piston at TDC on the compression stroke). Do not turn the engine backward: this can shift the chain on the sprockets.
  5. Use a feeler gauge to check the clearance between the cam and the tappet (shim) on the valves where the cam lobe points up and away from the tappet, meaning the valve is fully closed. The gauge should slide in with light resistance. Turn the crankshaft through the firing order 1-3-4-2 and repeat the measurement for each cylinder, recording the values for all 16 valves separately (intake and exhaust).
  6. Compare the results with the tolerance in the service manual. If all clearances are within spec, no adjustment is needed. Go to reassembly (step 9).
  7. If a clearance is out of tolerance, calculate the required shim thickness with this formula: new thickness = current thickness + (measured clearance − target clearance). Measure the thickness of the old shim with a micrometer and do not trust the marking. Select the shim of the closest suitable thickness.
  8. To replace a shim, you will need to press down the tappet with a special tool and remove the shim without removing the camshafts. If access without removing the camshafts is not possible on this engine, and the procedure requires removing them, strictly follow the timing marks and tighten the camshaft bearing caps in stages to the torque in the service manual. This part of the job is difficult, and without experience it is better to leave it to a repair shop. After replacing the shims, check the clearances again.
  9. Install the valve cover with a new gasket, and apply a thin layer of sealant to the corners where it meets the timing chain cover. Tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern with low torque (approximately 8-11 N·m (6-8 lb-ft); check the service manual for the exact value).
  10. Install the spark plugs, coils, ventilation hoses, and connectors, then reconnect the battery. Start the engine, warm it up, and check for oil leaks and unusual knocking.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Too little clearance is more dangerous than too much: the valves cannot close fully and burn, while too much clearance only causes ticking and loss of power. If in doubt, it is better to leave the clearance in the upper part of the tolerance range. Do not turn the crankshaft after the camshafts have been removed. If you have any doubt about whether the timing marks line up, take the car to a repair shop, because a mistake can cause the pistons to hit the valves.