Rocker Arms - All

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of all rocker arms on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L turbocharged engine, including valve cover removal, rocker arm shaft disassembly, and proper timing verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rocker arms (16 total - 8 intake, 8 exhaust) × 16 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spark plug tube seals × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Rocker arm shaft O-rings (if applicable) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Honda Genuine 0W-20

Fluids

• Honda Genuine 0W-20 — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (allow minimum 2 hours after operation)
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes for airbag system discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front edge
4. Label and photograph all electrical connections and vacuum lines for reference
5. Place vehicle on level ground with parking brake engaged

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ignition coils and spark plugs
   Disconnect the four ignition coil electrical connectors. Remove the mounting bolts from each coil and pull coils straight up from spark plug tubes. Using a spark plug socket, remove all four spark plugs and set aside. Inspect spark plug tubes for oil accumulation indicating worn seals.
2. 2

   Disconnect PCV system and breather hoses
   Disconnect the PCV hose from the valve cover nipple. Remove the breather hose from the rear of the valve cover. Disconnect any electrical connectors mounted to the valve cover. On models with VTEC solenoid on the cover, disconnect the electrical connector.
3. 3

   Remove valve cover
   Remove the valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (work from outside toward center). Gently tap the valve cover with a rubber mallet if stuck - do not pry against the sealing surface. Lift cover straight up to avoid damaging spark plug tube seals. Inspect valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals for damage.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Rotate engine to TDC cylinder #1
   Using a 19mm socket on the crankshaft pulley bolt, rotate the engine clockwise until the timing marks on the camshaft sprockets align with the cylinder head surface (both camshaft lobes for cylinder #1 will point upward and outward). Verify the crankshaft is at TDC by checking the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley aligns with the pointer on the timing cover. This prevents valve-to-piston contact during disassembly.
   ⚠Always rotate engine in normal direction of rotation (clockwise from front). Never rotate backwards as this may affect timing chain tension.
5. 5

   Document rocker arm positions
   Take clear photographs of the rocker arm assembly from multiple angles. Mark the intake and exhaust rocker arm shafts with permanent marker to identify orientation. Note that rocker arms wear to their specific valve stem positions and should be marked if being reused. The 1.5T engine uses individual rocker arms on shaft assemblies.
6. 6

   Remove rocker arm shaft assemblies
   Loosen the rocker arm shaft bolts evenly in multiple passes, working from the ends toward the center. This prevents shaft warping. Once all bolts are removed, carefully lift the rocker arm shaft assemblies straight up. Keep intake and exhaust assemblies separate. Place assemblies on a clean workbench maintaining original orientation.
   ⚠Shaft bolts must be loosened gradually and evenly. Uneven loosening can warp the shaft or damage the cylinder head.
   Torque spec

   Rocker Arm Shaft Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Disassemble rocker arm shafts
   Remove the retaining bolts or clips at the ends of each shaft. Slide rocker arms, springs, and spacers off the shaft in order. Place all components in a magnetic tray or labeled containers in the exact order removed. Inspect each rocker arm for scoring, cracks, or excessive wear on the cam contact surface and valve stem contact pad. Inspect shaft for scoring or out-of-round condition.
8. 8

   Install new rocker arms on shafts
   Clean all rocker arm shaft components thoroughly with clean engine oil. Liberally coat new rocker arms with fresh 0W-20 engine oil. Assemble rocker arms onto shafts in the correct order and orientation, ensuring oil holes in shaft align properly. Install springs and spacers in original positions. Secure shaft end retainers. Verify all rocker arms move freely on the shaft without binding.
9. 9

   Clean cylinder head and inspect cam lobes
   Using a plastic scraper, carefully remove any old gasket material from the cylinder head sealing surface. Inspect camshaft lobes for wear, scoring, or damage. Wipe all surfaces clean with lint-free rags. Ensure no debris has fallen into oil passages or between camshaft journals. Check that all valve stems are clean and undamaged.
10. 10

    Install rocker arm shaft assemblies
    Apply fresh engine oil to all camshaft lobes and rocker arm contact surfaces. Position each rocker arm shaft assembly onto the cylinder head, ensuring rocker arms properly seat on valve stems and cam lobes. Install all shaft bolts finger-tight first. Verify correct positioning of intake versus exhaust assemblies. Tighten rocker arm shaft bolts evenly in sequence from center outward in at least three progressive steps to final torque specification.
    ⚠Rocker arm shafts must be tightened in proper sequence and progressively. Refer to service manual for specific tightening sequence diagram.
    Torque spec

    Rocker Arm Shaft Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Verify valve timing and rotate engine
    Manually rotate the crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise using the crankshaft pulley bolt. Verify timing marks realign correctly at TDC cylinder #1. Check that all rocker arms operate smoothly without binding or unusual noise. Resistance should be smooth and consistent throughout rotation. If binding occurs, remove rocker assemblies and investigate cause.
12. 12

    Install new valve cover gasket and seals
    Install new spark plug tube seals into the valve cover (press fully seated). Position the new valve cover gasket into the groove in the valve cover, ensuring it seats properly at all points with no twisting or overlap at corners. Do not use any sealant unless specifically required by manufacturer.
13. 13

    Install valve cover
    Carefully position the valve cover onto the cylinder head, aligning spark plug tubes with their bores. Install all valve cover bolts finger-tight. Tighten bolts in proper sequence (typically from center outward in a crossing pattern) to specified torque. Do not overtighten as this can crack the cover or damage the gasket.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall ignition system and accessories
    Install spark plugs and torque to specification (typically 18-22 Nm - verify in service manual). Apply dielectric grease to spark plug boot interiors. Install ignition coils and secure with mounting bolts. Reconnect all ignition coil electrical connectors. Reconnect PCV hose, breather hose, and any other vacuum lines or electrical connections removed earlier.
15. 15

    Perform oil change and initial start
    Drain engine oil and replace oil filter as rocker arm debris may have contaminated oil. Refill with 4.0 quarts of Honda Genuine 0W-20 oil. Reconnect negative battery cable. Start engine and allow to idle. Listen carefully for any unusual valve train noise, ticking, or knocking. Monitor for oil leaks around valve cover gasket. Allow engine to reach operating temperature while monitoring.
    ⚠Some valve train noise for the first 10-30 seconds after initial start is normal as oil pressure builds. Loud or persistent noise indicates a problem - shut down immediately and investigate.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning clips and pressing firmly until seated
2. Reset any applicable maintenance indicators or learning procedures per Honda service procedures
3. Test drive vehicle and verify smooth operation with no unusual noises or warning lights

Verification

• Engine should idle smoothly with no valve train noise after initial 30 seconds of operation
• No oil leaks visible around valve cover perimeter or spark plug tubes
• Engine operates normally through full RPM range without misfires or hesitation
• Oil pressure gauge shows normal operating pressure (if equipped)
• No check engine light or fault codes related to camshaft position or VTEC system

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