Small Engine Valve Clearance Chart(for All Brands + Models)

Small engines used in lawn mowers, generators, pressure washers, tillers, and other outdoor power equipment require proper valve clearance to run efficiently.

Valve clearance, also called valve lash, is the small gap between the valve stem and the rocker arm or tappet when the valve is closed. Maintaining the correct clearance ensures proper engine performance, easy starting, and longer engine life.

Small Engine Valve Clearance Chart

Briggs & Stratton Valve Clearance

Engine Model	Intake Valve Clearance	Exhaust Valve Clearance
450E Series	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
500E Series	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
550EX Series	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
625EX Series	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
675EX Series	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
725EX Series	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
875EX Series	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Quantum Series	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Intek 12 HP	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Intek 17.5 HP	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Professional Series 190cc	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Vanguard V-Twin 16 HP	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.004 – 0.006 in
Vanguard V-Twin 23 HP	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.004 – 0.006 in

Honda Small Engine Valve Clearance

Engine Model	Intake Valve Clearance	Exhaust Valve Clearance
GX120	0.006 in	0.008 in
GX160	0.006 in	0.008 in
GX200	0.006 in	0.008 in
GX240	0.006 in	0.008 in
GX270	0.006 in	0.008 in
GX340	0.006 in	0.008 in
GX390	0.006 in	0.008 in
GX630	0.006 in	0.008 in
GX660	0.006 in	0.008 in
GX690	0.006 in	0.008 in
GC160	0.006 in	0.008 in
GCV160	0.006 in	0.008 in
GCV170	0.006 in	0.008 in
GCV190	0.006 in	0.008 in

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Kohler Small Engine Valve Clearance

Engine Model	Intake Valve Clearance	Exhaust Valve Clearance
Courage XT-6	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Courage XT-7	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Courage SV470	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Courage SV480	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Courage SV540	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Courage SV590	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Command CH11	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Command CH15	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Command CH18	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Command CH20	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Command CH23	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Command PRO CH740	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in

Kawasaki Small Engine Valve Clearance

Engine Model	Intake Valve Clearance	Exhaust Valve Clearance
FR541V	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
FR600V	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
FR651V	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
FR691V	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
FR730V	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
FS481V	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
FS541V	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
FS600V	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
FS651V	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
FX691V	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
FX730V	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
FX801V	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in

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Tecumseh Small Engine Valve Clearance

Engine Model	Intake Valve Clearance	Exhaust Valve Clearance
H30	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.008 – 0.010 in
H35	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.008 – 0.010 in
H50	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.008 – 0.010 in
H60	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.008 – 0.010 in
HM80	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.008 – 0.010 in
HM100	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.008 – 0.010 in
OHV110	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.008 – 0.010 in
OHV120	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.008 – 0.010 in
OHV130	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.008 – 0.010 in
OHV140	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.008 – 0.010 in

Predator Engine Valve Clearance

Engine Model	Intake Valve Clearance	Exhaust Valve Clearance
Predator 79cc	0.003 – 0.005 in	0.005 – 0.007 in
Predator 173cc	0.003 – 0.005 in	0.005 – 0.007 in
Predator 212cc	0.003 – 0.005 in	0.005 – 0.007 in
Predator 301cc	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Predator 420cc	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Predator 459cc	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in

Yamaha Small Engine Valve Clearance

Engine Model	Intake Valve Clearance	Exhaust Valve Clearance
Yamaha MZ175	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Yamaha MZ200	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Yamaha MZ250	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Yamaha MX175	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Yamaha MX200	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in

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Subaru / Robin Small Engine Valve Clearance

Engine Model	Intake Valve Clearance	Exhaust Valve Clearance
Robin EX13	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Robin EX17	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Robin EX21	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Robin EX27	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Robin EX30	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in

Lifan Small Engine Valve Clearance

Engine Model	Intake Valve Clearance	Exhaust Valve Clearance
Lifan LF152F	0.003 – 0.005 in	0.005 – 0.007 in
Lifan LF168F	0.003 – 0.005 in	0.005 – 0.007 in
Lifan LF168F-2	0.003 – 0.005 in	0.005 – 0.007 in
Lifan LF170F	0.003 – 0.005 in	0.005 – 0.007 in
Lifan LF177F	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Lifan LF182F	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in

Loncin Small Engine Valve Clearance

Engine Model	Intake Valve Clearance	Exhaust Valve Clearance
Loncin G160F	0.003 – 0.005 in	0.005 – 0.007 in
Loncin G200F	0.003 – 0.005 in	0.005 – 0.007 in
Loncin G210F	0.003 – 0.005 in	0.005 – 0.007 in
Loncin G270F	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Loncin G390F	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Loncin G420F	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in

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Champion Power Equipment Engine Valve Clearance

Engine Model	Intake Valve Clearance	Exhaust Valve Clearance
Champion 196cc	0.003 – 0.005 in	0.005 – 0.007 in
Champion 224cc	0.003 – 0.005 in	0.005 – 0.007 in
Champion 301cc	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Champion 389cc	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Champion 420cc	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in

Generac Small Engine Valve Clearance

Engine Model	Intake Valve Clearance	Exhaust Valve Clearance
Generac G-Force 420cc	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Generac OHVI 410cc	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Generac OHVI 530cc	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Generac OHVI 656cc	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in

Onan Small Engine Valve Clearance

Engine Model	Intake Valve Clearance	Exhaust Valve Clearance
Onan P216	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Onan P218	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Onan P220	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Onan B43G	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Onan B48G	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in

Kubota Small Engine Valve Clearance

Engine Model	Intake Valve Clearance	Exhaust Valve Clearance
Kubota D722	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Kubota D782	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Kubota D902	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Kubota Z482	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Kubota WG752	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in

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Yanmar Small Engine Valve Clearance

Engine Model	Intake Valve Clearance	Exhaust Valve Clearance
Yanmar L48N	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Yanmar L70N	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Yanmar L90N	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Yanmar L100N	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in
Yanmar L100V	0.005 – 0.007 in	0.007 – 0.009 in

Duromax Engine Valve Clearance

Engine Model	Intake Valve Clearance	Exhaust Valve Clearance
Duromax XP196	0.003 – 0.005 in	0.005 – 0.007 in
Duromax XP212	0.003 – 0.005 in	0.005 – 0.007 in
Duromax XP270	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in
Duromax XP440	0.004 – 0.006 in	0.006 – 0.008 in

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Why Valve Clearance Matters

Proper valve clearance allows the valves to open and close at the correct time during the engine cycle. Small engines operate at high RPM, and even a small difference in valve gap can significantly affect engine performance.

Correct valve lash helps ensure:

• Smooth engine operation
• Proper combustion timing
• Maximum engine power
• Reduced engine noise
• Longer valve and camshaft life

If valve clearance becomes incorrect, the engine may experience several issues.

Common symptoms include:

• Hard starting
• Loss of power
• Engine backfiring
• Excessive valve noise
• Poor fuel efficiency

Routine valve adjustments help prevent these problems.

When to Check Small Engine Valve Clearance

Most manufacturers recommend checking valve clearance after 100 to 300 hours of operation, depending on the engine type and usage conditions.

You should also inspect valve clearance if you notice:

• Difficulty starting the engine
• A tapping or clicking sound from the engine
• Reduced engine performance
• Engine overheating

For equipment like lawn mowers, it is often best to check the valve clearance once per season.

Tools Needed for Valve Clearance Adjustment

To measure and adjust valve clearance on a small engine, you typically need:

• Feeler gauge set
• Socket wrench set
• Screwdriver
• Torque wrench
• Service manual for the engine

A feeler gauge is used to measure the small gap between the valve stem and rocker arm.

Basic Steps to Check Valve Clearance

1. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool completely.
2. Remove the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
3. Remove the valve cover to access the rocker arms.
4. Rotate the engine to Top Dead Center (TDC) on the compression stroke.
5. Insert the correct feeler gauge between the valve stem and rocker arm.
6. Adjust the clearance until the feeler gauge slides with slight resistance.
7. Tighten the adjustment nut and recheck the measurement.
8. Reinstall the valve cover and spark plug.

Final Thoughts

The small engine valve clearance chart above provides a helpful reference for many common engines used in lawn mowers, generators, and outdoor equipment. While these values are widely used, always consult the manufacturer’s service manual for your specific engine model to ensure accurate adjustments.

Keeping valve clearance within the recommended range improves engine performance, prevents mechanical damage, and extends the life of your equipment.