96 Accord LX 2.2
Stupid spark plug seals we're leaking under the rocker arm assembly. 3 of the spark plug tubes we're filling with oil. After it warmed up & no longer cold fast idling, if I we're to come to a stop the rpms would fall down to almost stalling out then back up. When driving however, seems to run okay but fuel economy not the greatest & maybe misses sometimes.
I've done a bunch of things prior, cleaning egr valve/passages etc.
So I decided to take on the lower spark plug tube seals because I already replaced the VC gasket & top seals.
After reinstalling the rocker arm assembly, I adjusted the valves.
0.010 in intake
0.012 in exh

Started her up & she's ticking like a bastard...WTF

One thing to note that when I checked the valve clearance one cyl #1 at TDC (prior to taking everything apart), I could not fit the feeler gauges in between. Then again, at the time I don't recall being able to lift the rocker up a tad to fit the feeler gauge in like I did after so that could have been why it didn't fit but something is off & doesn't make sense. I've done a ton of valve adjustments to B-series motors. This is my first on a SOHC F22. A little different but not bad. Any ideas?
Perhaps my feeler gauge is wrong or I'm using the wrong spec I don't know.
Ticking loudly indicates valves too loose correct?

 

Here is the feeler gauges I used. I'm starting to maybe doubt myself like the top numbers are mm or something is wrong. This should be the correct ones right? If so, I wonder went wrong or if this motor requires tighter clearances assuming that their too loose. I'll be taking it apart again to check everything but would appreciate any input.

 

You used the proper specs, you set them in the middle of the tolerance. I would try going with the minimum spec and see if that helps. Try 0.009" Intake and 0.011" exhaust, i know it's only 0.001" but you never know. Also, I'm sure you know this if you have done this before but just in case, make sure the engine is cold 38°C (100°F) before you check the clearances.

Also I know on the B-series that you measure the valve clearance between the cam and rocker. Just making sure that you are measuring the clearances between the valve stem and the adjusting screw on the SOHC.

Those gauges are correct. The inch measurement is on top and the mm on bottom.

The specs for the SOHC F22B* are:
Int - 0.009 - 0.011
Exh - 0.011 - 0.013

 

Thanks for the reply ghost. I will try the minimum spec.
Yes the car was cold, sat over night.
Yes I am measuring between the stem & adjusting screw.
Is it normal to have to pull back on the rocker arm to fit the feeler guages in between?
When the valve lash is in the spec, are you able to pull back the rocker arm & have some play between the screw & valve stem when at TDC or should it always solidly be making contact with the stem? Just trying to cover all my bases. I hate doing jobs twice!

 

Yes there should be a bit of movement, There should be 0.009 & 0.011 inches between the adjusting screw and valve stem @ TDC. If there was no gap that means that they were out of spec and require adjustment.

 

I will check back in a few hours & update how it went.

 

Tightened the clearance & it's pretty much back to how it was.
These f22's are sensitive & like tight clearance...
Another thing I did was take off the feeler guage's indivually & that helped without having to hold the whole thing in hand. I've done that in the past but for some reason & didn't dawn on me till the 2nd time.