### Adjustment

#### 1982–83 200SX TWIN PLUG ENGINES — Z SERIES ENGINE

1. The valves must be adjusted with the engine WARM, so start the car and run the engine until the needle on the temperature gauge reaches the middle of the gauge. After the engine is warm, shut it off.
2. Purchase either a new gasket or some silicone gasket sealer before removing the camshaft cover. Counting on the old gasket to be in good shape is a losing proposition. Always use new gaskets. Note the location of any wires and hoses which may interfere with cam cover removal, disconnect them and move them to one side. Remove the bolts holding the cover in place and remove the cover. Remember, the engine will be hot, so be careful.
3. Place a wrench on the crankshaft pulley bolt and turn the engine over until the first cam lobe behind the camshaft timing chain sprocket is pointing straight down.

   NOTE: If you decide to turn the engine by bumping it with the starter, be sure to disconnect the high tension wire from the coil(s) to prevent the engine from accidentally starting and spewing oil all over the engine compartment. Never attempt to turn the engine by using a wrench on the camshaft sprocket bolt. There is a one to two turning ratio between the camshaft and the crankshaft which will put a tremendous strain on the timing chain.

4. See the illustration for primary adjustment and check the clearance of valves (1), (4), (6), and (7) using a flat bladed feeler gauge. The feeler gauge should pass between the valve stem end and the rocker arm screw with a very slight drag. Insert the feeler gauge straight, not at an angle.

   Fig. 1: Checking the valve clearance — 200SX (Z series engine)

   Fig. 2: Primary valve adjustment, No. 1 cam lobe pointing down — 200SX (Z series engine)

   Fig. 3: Loosen the lock-nut and turn the adjusting screw to adjust the valve clearance

   Fig. 4: Secondary valve adjustment, No. 1 cam lobe pointing up — 200SX (Z series engine)

5. If the clearance is not within specified value (0.012 in.) 0.30mm, loosen the rocker arm lock nut and turn the rocker arm screw to obtain the proper clearance. After correct clearance is obtained, tighten the lock nut.
6. Turn the engine over so that the first cam lobe behind the camshaft timing chain sprocket is pointing straight up and check the clearance of the valves marked (2), (3), (5), and (8) in the secondary adjustment illustration. They, too, should be adjusted to specifications as in Step 5.
7. Install the cam cover gasket, the cam cover and any wires and hoses which were removed.