Replace the timing chain guide on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L turbo engine, requiring removal of timing cover and precise timing alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain guide × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Crankshaft front seal × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Valve cover grommets/seals × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Honda Genuine 0W-20
• Engine coolant × 1 — Honda Type 2 Blue

Fluids

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

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system discharge
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands
4. Remove engine splash shield and undercover panels
5. Drain engine oil completely and drain coolant from radiator and engine block
6. Remove front wheels if needed for access
7. Install engine support fixture across engine bay or attach hoist to lifting eyes
8. Position vehicle at comfortable working height with access to top and bottom of engine

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove accessory drive components
   Remove the serpentine belt by releasing the automatic tensioner. Remove the drive belt auto-tensioner. Disconnect the engine ground cables. Remove the engine mount control solenoid valve if equipped.
2. 2

   Remove valve cover
   Disconnect ignition coil connectors and remove all four ignition coils. Disconnect PCV hose and breather hose from valve cover. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Carefully lift valve cover away and remove gasket.
   ℹ️Keep valve cover bolts organized as they may be different lengths in different positions.
3. 3

   Remove crankshaft pulley
   Remove the crankshaft pulley bolt while holding crankshaft with holding tool. Use harmonic balancer puller to remove crankshaft pulley from crankshaft nose. Do not pry or hammer on pulley.
   ⚠Crankshaft pulley bolt is extremely tight. Ensure proper holding tool engagement to prevent crankshaft rotation damage.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft pulley bolt117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove right side engine mount
   Support engine weight with support fixture. Remove the upper engine mount bracket. Remove the right side engine mount and mounting bracket to access timing cover fully.
5. 5

   Remove timing cover
   Disconnect any remaining sensors or hoses attached to timing cover area. Remove all timing cover bolts (note different sizes - 8mm and 10mm bolts). Carefully separate timing cover from engine block. Remove old gasket material and clean all mating surfaces with plastic scraper.
   ⚠Do not damage aluminum mating surfaces. Use only plastic scrapers for gasket removal.
6. 6

   Set engine to TDC and verify timing marks
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise to bring cylinder #1 to Top Dead Center on compression stroke. Verify timing marks on crankshaft sprocket and camshaft sprockets align with marks on engine block and head. Mark chain-to-sprocket relationship with paint marker on both cam sprockets for reference.
   ⚠️All timing marks must be perfectly aligned before proceeding. Take photos for reference during reassembly.
7. 7

   Install camshaft timing pins
   Insert camshaft timing pins through the holes in the camshaft sprockets to lock them in TDC position. Pins should slide in smoothly when properly aligned. Install crankshaft holding pin if available.
8. 8

   Remove timing chain tensioner
   Remove the tensioner bolt and carefully extract the automatic timing chain tensioner. The tensioner is spring-loaded. Inspect tensioner for proper operation and wear.
   ⚠Tensioner is spring-loaded and may release suddenly. Control removal carefully.
9. 9

   Remove and replace timing chain guide
   Remove the timing chain guide bolts. Carefully extract the worn timing chain guide. Inspect chain for wear, stretch, or damage - replace if needed. Install new timing chain guide and secure with new or inspected bolts. Verify guide is properly seated and does not interfere with chain movement.
   ℹ️Inspect timing chain for excessive wear or stretch. If chain shows wear, replace chain assembly as well.
   Torque spec

   Chain guide bolts12 Nm (8.9 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall timing chain tensioner
    Reset the timing chain tensioner by compressing the plunger and locking it with the pin or mechanism. Install tensioner and tighten bolt to specification. Release tensioner lock to apply tension to chain. Verify chain has proper tension.
11. 11

    Verify timing alignment
    Remove camshaft timing pins. Slowly rotate crankshaft clockwise two complete revolutions by hand. Reinstall timing pins - they should slide in easily at TDC. Verify all timing marks align perfectly. If marks do not align, repeat timing procedure.
    ⚠️If timing pins do not install easily or timing marks do not align after rotation, do NOT proceed. Recheck entire timing procedure.
12. 12

    Install timing cover with new seal
    Install new crankshaft front seal into timing cover. Apply Honda Bond HT sealant to timing cover mating surface in specified bead pattern (typically 2-3mm bead). Install new timing cover gasket. Install timing cover and hand-tighten all bolts. Torque timing cover bolts in sequence from center outward - 10mm bolts first, then 8mm bolts.
    ℹ️Timing cover must be installed within 5 minutes of sealant application. Work quickly but carefully.
13. 13

    Reinstall crankshaft pulley
    Clean crankshaft nose and pulley bore. Install crankshaft pulley and align keyway. Install crankshaft pulley bolt and tighten to specification while holding crankshaft with holding tool.
    Torque spec

    Crankshaft pulley bolt117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall valve cover and accessories
    Install new valve cover gasket and grommets. Clean valve cover mating surface on cylinder head. Install valve cover and tighten bolts in sequence from center outward to specification. Reinstall ignition coils and connect all electrical connectors. Reconnect PCV and breather hoses.
15. 15

    Complete reassembly
    Reinstall right side engine mount and bracket. Remove engine support fixture. Reinstall serpentine belt tensioner and belt. Reinstall all remaining components in reverse order of removal. Refill engine with Honda Genuine 0W-20 oil to proper level. Refill cooling system with Honda Type 2 coolant. Reconnect battery.

Reassembly

1. Double-check all bolts are torqued to specification, especially timing-critical fasteners
2. Verify no tools or parts are left in engine bay
3. Confirm all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
4. Verify coolant system is properly filled and bled of air
5. Check engine oil level on dipstick after filling

Verification

• Before first start, rotate engine by hand two complete revolutions to ensure no interference
• Start engine and listen for unusual noises from timing chain area
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no coolant or oil leaks from timing cover or valve cover
• Check for proper engine idle quality and smooth operation
• Scan for any diagnostic trouble codes
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal engine performance under load
• Recheck engine oil and coolant levels after test drive
• Inspect timing cover and valve cover areas for leaks after engine cools

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