Short theory (why valve adjustment matters)
- The cam opens a valve by pushing on a lifter/rocker; clearance (valve lash) is required so the valve fully closes at engine operating temperature. Clearance compensates for thermal expansion of metal and wear of cam/lifter/valve components.
- If clearance is too large you get mechanical noise (tapping), uneven valve timing, slower valve opening, weaker airflow, rough idle and loss of power. If clearance is too small the valve can be held partly open at temperature, causing poor compression, hot valves, burned seats and low power.
- Modern engines use either hydraulic lifters (self‑adjusting — no lash setting) or mechanical systems (adjustable rocker screw/nut or shims-under-bucket). The adjustment method depends on engine design; do not attempt manual lash adjustment if the engine has hydraulic lifters.
Determine valve train type (quick check)
- Remove valve cover: if you see screw‑type adjusters on the rocker arms the valvetrain is adjustable by screw. If you see bucket tappets sitting over valve stems with no screws, lash is set by shims or hydraulic lifters.
- If lifters look like hydraulic tappets (plungers with oil passages), the system is self‑adjusting and you do not set lash; service means replacing noisy hydraulic lifters or oil issues.
Tools & prep (theory + practical)
- Feeler gauges (fine metric/inch set). They measure the gap accurately.
- Ratchet + sockets, torque wrench, screwdrivers, small pry, magnetic tray for fasteners.
- Clean rags, brake cleaner or solvent for degreasing valve train.
- New valve cover gasket, gasket sealant as required.
- For shim systems: set of replacement shims, micrometer or digital caliper to measure shim thickness if needed.
- Engine cold: mechanical lash is measured on a cold engine unless manual specifies otherwise (thermal expansion changes clearance).
Ordered procedure (general — follow the correct method for your valvetrain)
1) Safety & access
- Park on level ground, set parking brake, remove negative battery terminal if you’ll be near ignition wiring.
- Remove air intake/hoses that block valve cover. Drain nothing. Remove electrical connectors as needed and unbolt valve cover(s). Keep debris out of engine.
2) Inspect and identify
- Clean visible oil/varnish so you can see parts. Identify cam orientation, rocker geometry, and whether lifters are hydraulic or mechanical.
- If hydraulic lifters are present, stop here: they are self‑adjusting. Diagnose noisy lifter by oil change, oil pressure, lifter replacement or cam inspection. Do not try to set lash.
3) Find TDC (compression stroke) for cylinder 1 and follow firing order
- Rotate engine by hand with a socket on crank pulley to bring cylinder 1 to Top Dead Center (TDC) on the compression stroke so both valves for that cylinder are closed and cam lobes for that cylinder are on the base circle (not lifting).
- Theory: with cam lobes on base circle the valve spring fully closes valve and the gap you measure is the true lash.
4) Measure lash with feeler gauge
- Insert proper feeler gauge between rocker (or bucket edge where specified) and valve stem/cup per manual. The gauge should have a slight drag when correct.
- Note which values are intake/exhaust and record measured clearance.
5) Adjust to spec — method A: screw‑and‑locknut rocker
- Hold the rocker steady, back off locknut, turn adjuster screw until feeler gauge has a slight drag, then tighten locknut while holding screw in position. Re‑check the gap after tightening to be sure it didn’t shift.
- Theory: altering screw changes rocker geometry and valve seating clearance.
6) Adjust to spec — method B: shim‑under‑bucket (OHC or DOHC bucket type)
- Remove the cam or lift cam lobe (if required) to expose the bucket; measure the current shim thickness and the existing gap. Calculate target shim thickness = current shim + (measured gap − desired gap). Replace shim with nearest available size.
- Reassemble carefully, rotate engine and re‑measure. Repeat until within spec.
- Theory: bucket shims change the resting height of the valve bucket relative to cam lobe, thus altering lash.
7) Adjust to spec — method C: shim‑behind-rocker (some pushrod designs)
- Loosen rocker bearing screw(s), swap shim(s) as required, retorque to spec. Measure to confirm.
8) Repeat sequence for all cylinders
- Use TDC and firing order or rotate crank 120°/180° as needed to put each cylinder’s cam lobes on the base circle when you measure/adjust. Work methodically so you don’t skip valves.
9) Final checks and reassembly
- With all valves adjusted, rotate engine two full turns by hand and spot‑check a few valve gaps again at TDC to ensure nothing shifted.
- Clean valve cover sealing surfaces, replace gasket, reinstall valve cover with proper torque sequence and torque values per manual.
- Reinstall intake/air plumbing, reconnect battery, start engine and listen. A quiet engine with steady idle indicates correct adjustment.
How the repair fixes the fault (simple theory)
- Correcting large clearances removes excessive mechanical lash that causes tapping noise and delayed valve opening. That improves valve timing/overlap, restores proper airflow, smooths idle and recovers low‑end torque.
- Correcting too‑tight clearances ensures valves fully seat at operating temperature; this restores compression, prevents burnt valve faces/seats, reduces misfire and prevents power loss.
- For hydraulic lifter faults, replacing lifters or restoring oil pressure fixes collapse of the lifter plunger that causes ticking and lost valve motion.
Notes, cautions and practical tips (short)
- Always use the exact lash specs and procedures from the factory workshop manual for your specific WJ/WG engine and model year.
- Never adjust lash on an engine designed for hydraulic lifters — you’ll damage components or it simply won’t work.
- Keep dirt out — any debris in the head/runners is bad. Replace valve cover gasket.
- Recheck adjust after initial run (cold) and after a short break‑in period if new shims/lifters were fitted.
Typical symptoms that indicate valve adjustment is needed
- Loud tapping/ticking from top end, poor idle, loss of power, popping/roughness on decel, misfires on affected cylinders. If symptoms are intermittent and oil pressure low, suspect hydraulic lifter collapse.
That’s the ordered theory + procedure. Use the factory manual for your exact engine to get the correct lash values, shim sizes and torque specs. rteeqp73
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Safety first
- wear safety glasses, gloves, and closed-toe shoes
- work on a cool engine and in a well-ventilated, flat area
- disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting to prevent electrical shorting
- relieve fuel system pressure before opening fuel lines to avoid spray and fire risk
- support the vehicle with jack stands if you must get under it — never rely on a jack alone
Tools (basic set you said you have) — detailed descriptions and how to use them
- 3/8" and 1/2" drive ratchets: sockets attach to the square drive to turn fasteners. Use the 3/8" for smaller bolts and the 1/2" for larger manifold bolts. Use extensions to reach recessed bolts; swivel/ universal joints let you access awkward angles.
- Socket set (metric and SAE): cups that fit onto ratchets. Choose the socket that fits snugly on the bolt head to avoid rounding. Use deep sockets for studs and shallow for flush bolts.
- Combination wrench set (open-end and box-end): useful where a socket cannot fit. Box end gives better grip; open end is useful for quick turn in tight spaces.
- Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips): for hose clamps, sensors, and plastic fasteners. Use the correct tip to avoid stripping screws.
- Pliers (standard and needle-nose): for hose clamps, pulling vacuum lines, and gripping connectors. Use needle-nose for small clips and hard-to-reach parts.
- Adjustable pliers / channel-locks: for larger hose clamps and to hold items while loosening fasteners.
- Torx/Allen keys and sockets: many Jeep components use Torx or Allen fasteners. Use the correct size to avoid stripping heads.
- Shop rags and drip pans: catch coolant and fuel; clean surfaces before reassembly.
- Flashlight or work light: illuminates tight engine-bay areas so you can see connectors and gasket surfaces.
- Funnel and coolant container: to catch and later refill coolant; prevents spills.
- Pen and masking tape or labeling stickers and a camera/phone: label hoses, vacuum lines, connectors and take photos to aid reassembly.
Extra/recommended tools (why they are required)
- Torque wrench: required to tighten intake bolts to manufacturer specification and avoid warping or leaks. Use a torque wrench for final tightening in the specified sequence and to the specified torque.
- Fuel pressure relief method (fuel pressure gauge with Schrader or procedure knowledge): some Jeep fuel rails don’t have an easy Schrader valve; you will need to remove the fuel pump fuse and crank the engine to relieve pressure. A gauge or correct procedure lowers risk of fuel spray.
- Fuel line quick-disconnect tool (if applicable): some lines have quick-disconnect fittings that require a special plastic or metal tool to release the collar without damage.
- Flat gasket scraper or plastic razor: to remove old gasket material without gouging mating surfaces.
- Vacuum/pressure gauge or basic scan tool (optional): to test vacuum hoses and sensors after reassembly or to read/check codes if engine runs poorly afterward.
- Jack and jack stands: if you need extra room and must remove underbody components or support the engine from below during removal.
- Intake manifold alignment dowels / guide pins (optional cheap workaround: long bolts used as guides): helps align manifold to head when reinstalling without damaging gaskets.
Parts likely required and why
- Intake manifold gasket(s): always replace gaskets when removing the manifold. Old gaskets compress and deteriorate; reusing them risks coolant/air/vacuum leaks.
- Throttle body gasket and/or O-rings: these seal the throttle body and sensors to the manifold; replace to ensure no vacuum leaks.
- PCV valve and small vacuum hose O-rings: inexpensive and often replaced while access is open.
- Coolant (antifreeze): you will drain some coolant; you must refill and properly bleed the cooling system.
- Replacement intake manifold (condition-dependent): many Jeep Grand Cherokee engines differ:
- 4.7L V8 and some models use plastic/plenum-style manifolds that are prone to cracking and coolant leaks — if there is a visible crack, coolant in intake, or consistent internal coolant loss, replacement is required.
- 4.0L inline-6 manifolds are generally metal/sturdier but gaskets still fail — usually only the gaskets need replacement unless the manifold is physically damaged.
- Bolts/studs and nuts (if damaged or torque-to-yield): inspect fasteners; replace any stretched, stripped, or corroded hardware. Some OEM bolts may be single-use.
- EGR, PCV, and vacuum hoses (as needed): brittle hoses should be replaced to prevent future vacuum leaks.
Removal procedure — main actions and tips (bullets only)
- prepare work area: park on a flat surface, set parking brake, disconnect negative battery cable
- drain coolant to a level below the intake manifold if coolant passages run through the manifold; catch coolant in a pan and dispose/recycle properly
- relieve fuel pressure using the vehicle-appropriate method (remove fuel pump fuse/relay and crank briefly, or use gauge) then disconnect fuel rail/lines following safety guidance
- label and photograph every electrical connector, vacuum hose, and coolant hose attached to the intake manifold so reassembly is exact; use masking tape + pen
- remove engine covers, air intake tubing, resonators, and intake snorkel to gain clear access to throttle body and manifold
- disconnect throttle cable/linkage (or electronic throttle connector), cruise control cable, and throttle position sensor connectors as needed; move components out of the way without stretching wires
- remove vacuum lines and PCV hose from the manifold; cap hoses if needed to prevent debris entry into intake ports
- unbolt and remove accessory brackets, EGR valve/pipes, and any sensors mounted on the manifold; keep bolts labeled with the part they belong to
- remove throttle body from the manifold (replace gasket) and set aside on a clean rag
- disconnect coolant hoses running to the manifold — expect some coolant drips; have a pan and rags ready
- disconnect fuel injectors/fuel rail if manifold design requires it — unbolt fuel rail, lift injectors out carefully (note injector O-rings often should be replaced)
- loosen intake manifold bolts in the reverse order of the tightening pattern (use gentle, progressive loosening) to avoid warping; remove bolts and lift manifold straight up taking care not to snag wires or hoses
- inspect gasket surfaces: scrape old gasket material clean with a plastic scraper and clean surface with a rag; avoid gouging aluminum or plastic surfaces
- inspect manifold for cracks, coolant residue inside the plenum, or carbon contamination; replace manifold if cracked, warped, or heavily corroded
- clean mating surfaces on cylinder head and manifold thoroughly; wipe with a lint-free rag and solvent if necessary
Installation procedure — main actions and tips
- install new intake manifold gaskets dry unless manufacturer specifies sealant; align using dowels or guide bolts to avoid misalignment
- place manifold carefully, ensuring no wires or hoses are trapped underneath
- start all manifold bolts by hand to ensure proper threading
- tighten bolts in an inward-to-outward criss-cross pattern in several stages (finger tight, then medium, then final) using the torque wrench for the final stage to factory torque spec
- reinstall fuel rail/injectors and replace injector O-rings if disturbed; reconnect fuel lines and check for proper seating
- reconnect throttle body with new gasket, reconnect throttle linkage/cables and sensors
- reattach vacuum hoses, PCV, EGR, sensors, and accessory brackets in the correct labeled positions
- reconnect coolant hoses and refill cooling system with correct coolant mixture; bleed air per factory procedure to avoid overheating
- reconnect negative battery cable, prime the fuel system (turn key to run without starting to pressurize fuel rails) and check for leaks (fuel, coolant, vacuum)
- start engine and idle; monitor for coolant leaks, fuel smell, rough idle or check-engine light — listen for vacuum leaks and watch temperature gauge
- after a short test drive, re-torque manifold bolts if the factory service manual specifies a re-torque after heat cycles
Common problems to watch for and remedies
- engine runs rough or check-engine light sets after reassembly: check vacuum hoses, electrical connectors, and sensors; scan for codes (MAF, MAP, TPS, misfires). Re-seat connectors and verify no vacuum leaks.
- coolant in the intake or leaking from manifold seams: indicates cracked manifold or failed gasket — replace manifold if cracked; always use new gaskets.
- fuel leaks at injectors or fuel rail: tighten fittings, replace O-rings, and recheck fuel pressure relief/connection procedure.
- warped or damaged mating surfaces: may require machining or replacement of parts if surfaces are not flat.
Parts to keep on hand before you start (recommended)
- new intake manifold gasket set (OEM or high-quality aftermarket)
- throttle body gasket
- injector O-rings (if you will remove injectors)
- sample set of replacement small bolts and hose clamps if originals are corroded
- replacement intake manifold if your model is known for cracks (commonly the 4.7L plastic intake)
Final notes
- always follow factory torque specs and bolt tightening sequence — these are critical for a reliable seal. Obtain the correct specs from a factory service manual or a reputable repair database before final torque steps.
- take photos during disassembly; they are the fastest way to reassemble correctly
- replace gaskets and small seals whenever you remove the intake — they are inexpensive insurance against leaks
The NV3550 is a medium-duty, 5-speed, constant mesh, fully synchronized manual transmission. The transmission is available in two and four-wheel drive configurations.