ENGINE MECHANICAL
Before performing any on-vehicle adjustments to fuel or ignition system, ensure engine mechanical condition is okay.
VALVE CLEARANCE INSPECTION
| CAUTION | Inspection and adjustment of valve clearance should be performed while engine is cold. |
2.0L
- Disconnect negative battery cable. (Scheme 1)
- Remove air intake duct. (Scheme 2)
- Remove one bolt from right side timing belt cover.
- Raise and support vehicle.
- Remove under cover from underneath vehicle. (Scheme 3) Remove the remaining timing belt cover retaining bolts.
- Lower the vehicle.
- When inspecting No. 1 and No. 3 cylinders; remove engine harness connector and bracket from the air cleaner cover. (Scheme 4) Remove air cleaner case. Remove ignition coils from cylinders No. 1 and No. 3. (Scheme 5) Remove PCV hose from rocker arm cover. Remove the bolts and remove the rocker arm cover.
- When inspecting No. 2 and No. 4 cylinders; disconnect battery cables and remove battery and battery carrier. Remove engine harness connector bracket. (Scheme 6) Disconnect washer motor electrical connectors. Remove washer tank mounting bolts. (Scheme 7) Postion washer tank out of the way. (Scheme 8) Remove ignition coils from cylinders No. 2 and No. 4. (Scheme 9) Remove PCV hose from rocker arm cover. Remove the bolts and remove the rocker arm cover.
- Turn crankshaft pulley clockwise until the arrow mark on the camshaft sprocket is in the position shown. (Scheme 10) Measure valve clearances on cylinder No. 1 intake valve and cylinder No. 3 exhaust valve. (Scheme 11)
- Rotate crankshaft pulley clockwise until the arrow mark on the camshaft sprocket is in the position shown. (Scheme 12) Measure valve clearances on cylinder No. 2 exhaust valve and cylinder No. 3 intake valve.
- Rotate crankshaft pulley clockwise until the arrow mark on the camshaft sprocket is in the position shown. (Scheme 13) Measure valve clearances on cylinder No. 2 intake valve and cylinder No. 4 exhaust valve.
- Rotate crankshaft pulley clockwise until the arrow mark on the camshaft sprocket is in the position shown. (Scheme 14) Measure valve clearances on cylinder No. 1 exhaust valve and cylinder No. 4 intake valve.
- If necessary, adjust the valve clearance. See «2.0L»(/subaru/impreza-wrx/gdgg-2002-2005/remont/adjustments/#engine-controls-on-vehicle-adjustments) under VALVE ADJUSTMENT. After inspection, install the related parts in the reverse order of removal.
| Application | Clearance - In. (mm) |
| 2.0L & 2.5L |
| Intake | 0.007-0.009 (0.18-0.23) |
| Exhaust | 0.009-0.011 (0.23-0.27) |
VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATION (2.0L & 2.5L)
Scheme 1
Scheme 2
Scheme 3
Scheme 4
Scheme 5
Scheme 6
Scheme 7
Scheme 8
Scheme 9
Scheme 10
Scheme 11
Scheme 12
Scheme 13
Scheme 14
2.5L
- Set the vehicle onto the lift.
- Lift-up the vehicle.
- Remove the under cover. (Scheme 3)
- Disconnect the ground terminal from battery. (Scheme 1)
- Lower the vehicle.
- Remove the timing belt cover. (Scheme 15)
- When inspecting No. 1 and No. 3 cylinders; remove the air intake duct as a unit. (Scheme 2) Remove the resonator chamber. (Scheme 16) Disconnect the spark plug cords from the right side spark plugs. Disconnect the PCV hose from the right rocker cover. Remove the bolts, then remove the right rocker cover.
- When inspecting No. 2 and No. 4 cylinders; remove the battery and battery carrier. Disconnect the window washer motor connectors. Remove the two bolts which hold washer tank, then secure the tank away from working area. (Scheme 8) Disconnect the spark plug cords from the left side spark plugs. Disconnect the PCV hose from the left rocker cover. Remove the bolts, then remove the left rocker cover.
- Set No. 1 cylinder piston to top dead center of compression stroke by rotating the crank shaft pulley clockwise using Crankshaft Pulley Wrench (499977100).
- Measure No. 1 cylinder valve clearance by using thickness gauge (A). (Scheme 18)
- Using procedures similar to what was used for No. 1 cylinder, measurement measure No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 cylinder valve clearances.
- If necessary, adjust the valve clearance. See «2.0L & 2.5L»(/subaru/impreza-wrx/gdgg-2002-2005/remont/adjustments/#engine-controls-on-vehicle-adjustments) under VALVE ADJUSTMENT. After inspection, install the related parts in the reverse order of removal.
Scheme 15
Scheme 16
Scheme 17
Scheme 18
Scheme 19
3.0L
- Set the vehicle on the lift.
- Disconnect battery ground cable. (Scheme 1)
- Lift up the vehicle.
- Remove under cover. (Scheme 3)
- Lower the vehicle.
- Place suitable container under the vehicle.
- When inspecting right cylinder; remove air intake duct and air cleaner case. Remove V-belt. Remove power steering hose from bracket. (Scheme 20) Remove bolts which install power steering pump bracket. (Scheme 21) Remove power steering tank from the bracket by pulling it upward. (Scheme 22) Place power steering pump on right side wheel apron. (Scheme 23) Remove right fuel pipe protector. (Scheme 24) Disconnect fuel injector connectors. (Scheme 25) Disconnect front oxygen (A/F) sensor connector. (Scheme 26) Disconnect oil pressure switch connector (A), (B) is oil filter. (Scheme 27) Remove ignition coils. Remove right rocker cover.
- When inspecting left side cylinder; set the vehicle on the lift. Remove battery. Remove washer tank mounting bolts. (Scheme 7) Disconnect washer motor connectors. (Scheme 28) Move washer tank upward and secure out of the way. (Scheme 8) Disconnect PCV and blow-by hoses from left rocker cover. (Scheme 29) Remove left fuel pipe protector. (Scheme 30) Disconnect fuel injector connectors (A). (Scheme 31) Disconnect front oxygen (A/F) sensor connector (B). Remove ignition coils. Remove left rocker cover.
- Using Crankshaft Socket (18252AA000), turn the crankshaft clockwise. Adjust the camshaft position so that the cam lobe is perpendicular to the shim as shown. (Scheme 32)
- Measure intake valve and exhaust valve clearances by using thickness gauge (A). (Scheme 33)
- Further turn crankshaft pulley clockwise. Using the same procedure described previously, then measure valve clearances again.
- If necessary, adjust the valve clearance. See «3.0L»(/subaru/impreza-wrx/gdgg-2002-2005/remont/adjustments/#engine-controls-on-vehicle-adjustments) under VALVE ADJUSTMENT. After inspection, install the related parts in the reverse order of removal.
| Application | Clearance - In. (mm) |
| 3.0L |
| Intake | 0.006-0.010 (0.14-0.23) |
| Exhaust | 0.008-0.012 (0.20-0.30) |
VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATION (3.0L)
Scheme 20
Scheme 21
Scheme 22
Scheme 23
Scheme 24
Scheme 25
Scheme 26
Scheme 27
Scheme 28
Scheme 29
Scheme 30
Scheme 31
Scheme 32
Scheme 33
VALVE ADJUSTMENT
| CAUTION | Adjustment of valve clearance should be performed while engine is cold. |
Scheme 34
Scheme 35
- Remove appropriate camshaft(s). See appropriate 2.0L 4-CYL DOHC article in ENGINES. Remove appropriate valve lifter. Using a micrometer, measure the thickness of the valve lifter. (Scheme 34)
- Using the measured valve clearance and the valve lifter thickness select proper shim thickness. (Scheme 35)
- Add proper shim and recheck valve clearance. Ensure all valve clearances are within specifications. If necessary, readjust valve clearance.
Note. When the arrow mark (A) on left camshaft sprocket comes exactly to the top, No. 1 cylinder piston is brought to the top dead center of compression stroke.
- Set No. 1 cylinder piston to top dead center of compression stroke by rotating the crankshaft pulley clockwise using Crankshaft Pulley Wrench (499977100). (Scheme 17)
- Adjust the No. 1 cylinder valve clearance. Loosen the valve rocker nut and screw. Place suitable thickness gauge. While noting the valve clearance, tighten the valve rocker adjust screw. When the specified valve clearance is obtained, tighten the valve rocker nut to 7.2 ft. lbs (10 N.m). (Scheme 36)
- Ensure the valve clearances are within specifications. See «VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATION (2.0L & 2.5L)»(/subaru/impreza-wrx/gdgg-2002-2005/remont/adjustments/#engine-controls-on-vehicle-adjustments) table.
- Turn the crankshaft two complete rotations until No. 1 cylinder piston is again set to top dead center on compression stroke.
- Ensure the valve clearances are within specifications. If necessary, readjust the valve clearances.
- Using similar adjustment procedures used for No. 1 cylinder, adjust No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 cylinder valve clearances.
Scheme 36
Note. Record each valve clearance after it has been measured.
- Measure all valve clearances.
- Remove shim from valve lifter. Prepare Shim Replacer (18329AA000). (Scheme 37) Rotate the notch of the valve lifter outward by 45 degrees. (Scheme 38) Adjust shim replacer notch to valve lifter and set it. (Scheme 39) Tighten bolt (A) and install it to the cylinder head. Tighten bolt (B) and insert the valve lifter. (Scheme 40) Insert tweezers into the notch of the valve lifter, and take the shim out. (Scheme 41) By using a magnet (A), the shim (B) can be taken out without dropping it. (Scheme 42)
- Measure thickness of shim with micrometer. (Scheme 43)
- Select a shim of suitable thickness using measured valve clearance and shim thickness. (Scheme 44)
- Set suitable shim selected in step 4 to valve lifter.
- Inspect all valves for clearance again at this stage. If the valve clearance is not correct, repeat the procedure over again from the first step.
- After inspection, install the related parts in the reverse order of removal.
Scheme 37
Scheme 38
Scheme 39
Scheme 40
Scheme 41
Scheme 42
Scheme 43
Scheme 44
IGNITION TIMING
| CAUTION | After warming, engine becomes very hot. Be careful not to burn yourself during timing check. |
2.0L & 3.0L
- Before checking ignition timing, check the following: Ensure that air cleaner element is free from clogging. Check that spark plugs are in good condition. Check that hoses are connected properly. Ensure that Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL - CHECK ENGINE light) does not illuminate.
- Warm the engine.
- Stop the engine, and turn ignition switch to "OFF".
- When using Subaru Select Monitor; insert the cartridge to Subaru Select Monitor. Connect Subaru Select Monitor to the data link connector on left side of dash, under hood release lever. Turn ignition switch to "ON", and Subaru Select Monitor switch to "ON". Select "Each System Check" in Main Menu. Select "Engine Control System" in Selection Menu. Select "1 Current Data Display & Save" in Engine Control System Diagnosis. Select "1.12 Data Display" in Data Display Menu. Start engine at idle speed and check the ignition timing. See «IGNITION TIMING»(/subaru/impreza-wrx/gdgg-2002-2005/remont/adjustments/#engine-controls-on-vehicle-adjustments) table. If the timing is not correct, check the ignition control system. See «BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES»(/subaru/impreza-wrx/gdgg-2002-2005/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-diagnostic-procedures) article.
| Application | Auto. Trans. | Man. Trans. |
| 2.0L (2) | 12 @ 750 | 12 @ 750 |
| 3.0L (2) | 10 @ 600 | (3) |
| (1) To improve stability, timing is controlled while engine is idling. Timing range is plus or minus 8 degrees. (2) Timing must be checked using a scan tool. (3) Manual transmission is not available with 3.0L engine. |
| (1) | To improve stability, timing is controlled while engine is idling. Timing range is plus or minus 8 degrees. |
| (2) | Timing must be checked using a scan tool. |
| (3) | Manual transmission is not available with 3.0L engine. |
IGNITION TIMING (1) (Degrees BTDC @ RPM)
- Warm the engine.
- To check the ignition timing, connect a timing light to No. 1 cylinder spark plug cord, and illuminate the timing mark with the timing light. (Scheme 47)
- Start the engine at idle speed and check the ignition timing. If the timing is not correct, see «IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS»(/subaru/impreza-wrx/gdgg-2002-2005/remont/adjustments/#engine-controls-on-vehicle-adjustments) table, check the ignition control system. See «BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES»(/subaru/impreza-wrx/gdgg-2002-2005/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-diagnostic-procedures) article.
| Application | Auto. Trans. | Man. Trans. |
| 2.5L | 15 @ 700 | 10 @ 650 |
| (1) To improve stability, timing is controlled while engine is idling. Timing range is plus or minus 8 degrees. |
| (1) | To improve stability, timing is controlled while engine is idling. Timing range is plus or minus 8 degrees. |
IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS (1) (Degrees BTDC @ RPM)
Scheme 45
Scheme 46
Scheme 47
IDLE SPEED
- Before checking the idle speed, check the following: Ensure the air cleaner element is free from clogging Ignition timing is correct. Spark plugs are in good condition. Check that hoses are connected properly. Ensure the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL - CHECK ENGINE light) does not illuminate.
- Warm the engine.
- Stop the engine, and turn the ignition switch to "OFF".
- When using the Subaru Select Monitor; insert the cartridge to the Subaru Select Monitor. Connect the Subaru Select Monitor to the data link connector on the left side of the dash, under the hood release lever. Turn the ignition switch to "ON", and Subaru Select Monitor switch to "ON". Select "2. Each System Check" in Main Menu. Select "Engine Control System" in Selection Menu. Select "1. Current Data Display & Save" in Engine Control System Diagnosis. Select "1.12 Data Display" in Data Display Menu. Start the engine, and read engine idle speed.
- When using the tachometer (Secondary pick-up type); attach the pick-up clip to No. 1 cylinder spark plug cord. (Scheme 48) Start the engine, and read engine idle speed.
- Check the idle speed when unloaded. (With headlights, heater fan, rear defroster, radiator fan, air conditioning, etc. "OFF").
- Check the idle speed when loaded. Turn the air conditioning switch to "ON" and operate the compressor for at least one minute before measurement.
| Application | RPM |
| 2.0L |
| With A/C On |
| A/T | 675-975 |
| M/T | 650-950 |
| With A/C Off | 650-850 |
| 2.5L |
| With A/C On | 750-950 |
| With A/C Off |
| A/T | 600-800 |
| M/T | 550-750 |
| 3.0L |
| With A/C On | 650-750 |
| With A/C Off | 550-650 |
IDLE SPEED SPECIFICATIONS
Scheme 48
THROTTLE CABLE
Check throttle cable free play by operating accelerator pedal by hand. If pedal free play is not.0-.16" (0-4 mm) for all models or pedal stroke is not 1.97-2.17" (50-55 mm) for all models, adjust to specification by turning nut connecting throttle cable to throttle body. (Scheme 49)
Scheme 49
Scheme 49: THROTTLE CABLE
Information not available from manufacturer.
- 1) Turn the ignition switch to "OFF".
- Loosen the throttle position sensor holding screws. (Scheme 50)
- When using voltage meter; take out the ECM. Turn the ignition switch to "ON". Adjust the throttle position sensor to the proper position to allow the voltage signal at ECM B136 connector terminals "15" and "17" to be 0.45-0.55 volts fully closed. (Scheme 51) Tighten the throttle position sensor holding screws to 1.2 ft. lbs (1.6 N.m).
- When using Subaru Select Monitor; turn the ignition switch to "OFF". Loosen the throttle position sensor holding screws. Insert the cartridge to the Subaru Select Monitor. (Scheme 52) Connect the Subaru Select Monitor to the data link connector on left side of dash, under hood release lever.
- Turn ignition switch to "ON", and the Subaru Select Monitor switch to "ON".
- Select "2. Each System Check" in Main Menu.
- Select "Engine Control System" in Selection Menu.
- Select "1. Current Data Display & Save" in Engine Control System Diagnosis.
- Select "1.12 Data Display" in Data Display Menu.
- Adjust the throttle position sensor to the proper position to specifications. See «THROTTLE POSITION (TP) SENSOR SPECIFICATIONS»(/subaru/impreza-wrx/gdgg-2002-2005/remont/adjustments/#engine-controls-on-vehicle-adjustments) table.
- Tighten the throttle position sensor holding screws to 1.2 ft. lbs (1.6 N.m).
| Throttle Fully Closed | Reading |
| Throttle Opening Angle | 0.00% |
| Throttle Sensor Voltage | 0.50 Volts |
THROTTLE POSITION (TP) SENSOR SPECIFICATIONS
Scheme 50
Scheme 51
Scheme 52