Cylinder Head R&R

Complete removal and reinstallation of the cylinder head on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo engine, including timing chain, camshafts, and all related components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cylinder head gasket × 1 — Use OEM Honda part
• Cylinder head bolts (set of 10) × 1 — Use OEM Honda part - single use only
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spark plug tube seals × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Exhaust manifold gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Intake manifold gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Thermostat housing gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing chain cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Honda Genuine 0W-20
• Oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Honda Type 2 Coolant (Blue) — 6 qt
• Honda Genuine 0W-20 — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front edge
4. Drain engine coolant by opening radiator drain plug and removing radiator cap
5. Drain engine oil and replace drain plug with new washer
6. Relieve fuel system pressure by removing fuel pump fuse and cranking engine until it stalls
7. Remove intake air duct and air cleaner assembly
8. Label and photograph all electrical connectors, vacuum lines, and coolant hoses for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Ignition Coils and Spark Plugs
   Disconnect ignition coil connectors. Remove the ignition coil mounting bolts and pull coils straight out from valve cover. Remove all four spark plugs using a spark plug socket. Inspect plugs for abnormal wear patterns that may indicate engine problems.
2. 2

   Remove Valve Cover
   Disconnect PCV hose and breather hose from valve cover. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse order from center outward. Carefully lift valve cover away from cylinder head. Remove old gasket material and inspect valve cover for warpage or damage.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove Accessory Drive Belt and Components
   Rotate belt tensioner clockwise to release tension and remove accessory drive belt. Remove power steering pump mounting bolts and secure pump aside without disconnecting hydraulic lines (note: this vehicle uses electric steering, may have engine-mounted bracket only). Remove alternator mounting bolts and disconnect electrical connector. Secure alternator aside.
   ⚠Do not let alternator or power steering pump hang by their electrical or hydraulic connections.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove Exhaust Manifold and Turbocharger
   Disconnect oxygen sensor connectors. Remove heat shield bolts. Support turbocharger and remove exhaust manifold/turbocharger mounting nuts from cylinder head and downpipe connection. Carefully lower turbo assembly and exhaust manifold as a unit. Plug open exhaust ports to prevent debris entry.
   ⚠️Exhaust components may still be hot even after extended cooling period. Verify temperature before contact.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove Intake Manifold and Fuel System Components
   Disconnect throttle body connector and remove throttle body bolts. Disconnect fuel injector connectors. Remove fuel rail mounting bolts and carefully lift fuel rail with injectors attached. Disconnect vacuum lines, brake booster hose, and EVAP lines from intake manifold. Remove intake manifold mounting bolts and lift manifold away from cylinder head.
   Torque spec

   Gasket Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Set Engine to TDC and Lock Timing
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise using crankshaft pulley bolt until No. 1 piston is at Top Dead Center on compression stroke. Verify TDC marks on crankshaft pulley align with timing pointer and camshaft timing marks are visible at top of camshaft sprockets. Install timing chain holder tool to prevent chain from jumping time. Mark chain-to-sprocket relationship with paint marker.
   ⚠️Losing timing chain position will require complete engine timing procedure and may cause valve-to-piston contact.
7. 7

   Remove Timing Chain Cover and Components
   Remove crankshaft pulley bolt using breaker bar while holding crankshaft. Remove crankshaft pulley. Remove timing chain cover bolts and carefully pry cover away from engine block. Remove timing chain tensioner by compressing and inserting retaining pin. Use camshaft holder tool to prevent rotation and remove camshaft sprocket bolts. Remove camshaft sprockets while keeping chain engaged on crankshaft sprocket.
   ⚠Keep timing chain under tension to prevent it from falling into crankcase. Use wire to support if necessary.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove Camshaft Bearing Caps and Camshafts
   Loosen camshaft bearing cap bolts in multiple passes, working from outside bolts toward center, in reverse numerical order. Remove bearing caps and keep in order for reinstallation. Carefully lift camshafts straight up and away from cylinder head. Inspect cam lobes and journals for wear or scoring.
   ⚠Camshaft bearing caps must be reinstalled in original positions and orientation. Mark or photograph before removal.
9. 9

   Remove Coolant Passages and Remaining Components
   Disconnect upper radiator hose and heater hoses from cylinder head. Remove thermostat housing. Disconnect coolant temperature sensor and any remaining sensors from cylinder head. Remove any brackets or ground straps still attached to cylinder head.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Remove Cylinder Head Bolts and Head
    Loosen cylinder head bolts in reverse order (sequence is typically 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1, working from outside toward center). Loosen each bolt 1/3 turn in sequence, then repeat until all bolts are free. Remove bolts completely and set aside for disposal (do not reuse). Carefully lift cylinder head straight up from engine block. If head is stuck, tap gently with rubber mallet near casting bosses - never pry between mating surfaces.
    ⚠Cylinder head weighs approximately 40 lbs. Use proper lifting technique or have assistant help.
    Torque spec

    Cylinder Head Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft) + 130°
11. 11

    Inspect and Clean Mating Surfaces
    Cover open cylinders with clean shop towels to prevent debris entry. Carefully remove all old gasket material from engine block deck surface using plastic scraper - do not use metal tools that could scratch surface. Clean cylinder head mating surface at machine shop or carefully with plastic scraper. Inspect engine block deck for damage, scoring, or debris in oil passages. Wipe surfaces clean with lint-free cloth dampened with brake cleaner.
    ⚠Any scratches or gouges in block deck or head surface will cause gasket failure. Surface must be perfectly clean and smooth.
12. 12

    Install New Cylinder Head Gasket and Head
    Verify all cylinder head bolt holes are clean and dry. Install new cylinder head gasket on block with 'UP' mark facing cylinder head. Ensure all alignment dowels are in place. Carefully lower cylinder head onto block, aligning with dowel pins. Insert new cylinder head bolts finger-tight in numerical order (center outward).
    ⚠Never reuse old cylinder head bolts. Torque-to-yield bolts stretch permanently during installation.
13. 13

    Torque Cylinder Head Bolts
    Torque cylinder head bolts in two stages using proper sequence (typically center outward, 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10): First stage - torque all bolts to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) in sequence. Second stage - using torque angle gauge, rotate each bolt an additional 130 degrees in same sequence. Verify all bolts have been angle-torqued by checking that all witness marks are aligned.
    ⚠️Improper torque sequence or values will result in head gasket failure and potential engine damage. Follow sequence exactly.
    Torque spec

    Cylinder Head Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft) + 130°
14. 14

    Install Camshafts and Bearing Caps
    Lubricate camshaft journals and lobes with clean engine oil. Install camshafts in correct positions (intake and exhaust marked on cam ends). Install bearing caps in original positions with arrows pointing toward timing chain end. Tighten bearing cap bolts in multiple passes from center outward to specified torque.
    ⚠Camshafts must rotate freely after bearing cap installation. Binding indicates incorrect installation.
15. 15

    Reinstall Timing Components and Verify Timing
    Verify crankshaft is still at TDC. Install camshaft sprockets aligning timing marks with paint marks made during disassembly. Install and torque sprocket bolts using holder tool. Remove timing chain holder tool. Install new timing chain tensioner. Rotate engine two complete revolutions clockwise and verify all timing marks realign at TDC. Install timing chain cover with new gasket. Install crankshaft pulley and torque bolt to specification.
    ⚠️If timing marks do not realign after two revolutions, timing is incorrect. Do not start engine - repeat timing procedure.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all components in reverse order of removal, using new gaskets where specified
2. Install new valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals before installing valve cover
3. Torque all fasteners to specifications using proper sequence where applicable
4. Reconnect all electrical connectors, vacuum lines, and coolant hoses per photos/labels from disassembly
5. Install new oil filter and fill engine with 4 quarts Honda Genuine 0W-20 oil
6. Refill cooling system with Honda Type 2 Blue coolant, bleed air from system using bleeder valve
7. Double-check that all tools have been removed from engine bay
8. Reconnect negative battery terminal

Verification

• Perform visual inspection for any loose connections, missing hardware, or tools left in engine bay
• Check that all fluid levels are correct (oil and coolant)
• Start engine and listen for abnormal noises - timing chain rattle, ticking, or knocking indicates problem
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature while monitoring for coolant or oil leaks
• Verify cooling fans cycle on and temperature gauge reads normal
• Check for fault codes using OBD-II scanner - address any codes related to sensors or timing
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal power delivery and smooth operation through RPM range
• Recheck cylinder head bolt torque after engine has cooled (some manufacturers require retorque, verify in service manual)
• Recheck all fluid levels after test drive and inspect for any new leaks

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