Replace a single valve spring on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L turbo engine, requiring removal of the valve cover, camshaft, and rocker assembly to access the valve train components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve spring × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Valve cover bolt grommets × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Spark plug tube seals × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Valve keepers (collets) × 2 — Use OEM Honda specification

Fluids

• Honda Genuine 0W-20 engine oil — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on all four corners
4. Remove ignition coils from all four cylinders
5. Label and photograph all wiring harness connections and vacuum lines before removal
6. Position a clean work surface nearby for organizing removed components

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove spark plugs
   Remove all four spark plugs using a 14mm spark plug socket with extension. Keep spark plugs organized by cylinder number for inspection. This allows the engine to rotate freely and prevents compression interference.
2. 2

   Remove valve cover
   Disconnect PCV hoses and breather tube from valve cover. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (start from outside, work inward). Carefully lift valve cover off, breaking the gasket seal if necessary with a plastic pry tool. Do not pry between sealing surfaces.
3. 3

   Rotate engine to TDC for affected cylinder
   Rotate the crankshaft clockwise using a 19mm socket on the crankshaft pulley bolt until the cam lobe for the affected valve points away from the rocker arm (base circle position). This reduces spring tension and allows rocker arm removal. Verify piston is not at TDC compression to prevent valve contact.
4. 4

   Remove rocker arm assembly
   Remove the rocker arm bolts for the affected cylinder in a crisscross pattern to prevent warping. Keep rocker arm bridge and shaft together as an assembly. Note the orientation and position of oil feed holes. Mark components with permanent marker or store in labeled bags.
5. 5

   Install valve spring compressor
   Position the valve spring compressor tool over the affected valve spring. Ensure the tool is centered on the spring retainer and sitting squarely. For this engine, you may need an adapter that fits through the camshaft area. Verify the valve is still in the closed position before compressing.
   ⚠Ensure compressor tool is properly seated before applying pressure to prevent tool slippage and valve keeper ejection.
6. 6

   Compress spring and remove keepers
   Slowly compress the valve spring until the keepers (collets) are free from the valve stem retainer groove. Use a magnetic pick-up tool or small screwdriver to carefully remove both valve keepers. Place keepers in a secure container immediately. Do not over-compress the spring.
   ⚠Valve keepers are under spring tension and can launch when released. Work carefully and keep your face away from the spring area.
7. 7

   Release spring tension and remove components
   Slowly release the valve spring compressor tool tension. Remove the spring retainer, valve spring, and spring seat (if present). Inspect the valve stem seal - if replacing the spring due to failure, consider replacing the seal as well. Keep all components organized for reassembly comparison.
8. 8

   Inspect valve and cylinder head
   Examine the valve stem for scoring, wear, or mushrooming at the keeper groove area. Check the valve seat contact area in the cylinder head for carbon buildup or damage. Inspect the valve spring seat area in the head for damage. Clean any carbon deposits with appropriate cleaner and plastic brush.
9. 9

   Install new valve spring
   Install the spring seat onto the valve (if equipped). Place the new valve spring over the valve stem with the close-wound coils (tighter pitch) toward the cylinder head. Install the spring retainer. Compare the new spring height and appearance to the old spring to ensure correct part.
10. 10

    Compress spring and install keepers
    Use the valve spring compressor to compress the new spring until the keeper groove on the valve stem is fully exposed. Apply a small amount of clean engine oil to the valve stem. Carefully position both valve keepers into the groove using magnetic pick-up tool. Ensure keepers are fully seated in the groove on both sides.
    ⚠Keepers must be fully seated in the valve stem groove. Improper seating will cause valve failure and catastrophic engine damage.
11. 11

    Release compressor and verify keeper installation
    Slowly release the valve spring compressor while watching the keepers to ensure they stay seated. Once fully released, tap the spring retainer gently with a plastic mallet to verify keepers are locked in place. The retainer should not move up the valve stem. Attempt to pull the retainer upward with your fingers - it should be solid.
12. 12

    Reinstall rocker arm assembly
    Apply fresh engine oil to the rocker arm shaft and cam contact surfaces. Position the rocker arm assembly in its original location, ensuring proper alignment with the valve stem. Verify the cam lobe is still pointing away from the rocker arm. Install rocker arm bolts and tighten in a crisscross pattern to the specified torque.
    Torque spec

    Rocker Arm Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Rotate engine and verify operation
    Slowly rotate the engine by hand through at least two complete revolutions while feeling for any abnormal resistance or binding. Listen for any clicking or unusual sounds. Verify the valve opens and closes smoothly. If using a dial indicator, check valve lift specification matches factory specifications.
    ⚠️If any binding or resistance is felt while rotating the engine, STOP immediately and investigate. This indicates improper assembly and will cause severe engine damage if started.
14. 14

    Clean and prepare valve cover
    Remove all old gasket material from valve cover and cylinder head mating surfaces using a plastic scraper. Clean surfaces with brake cleaner and lint-free shop rags. Install new valve cover gasket and bolt grommets. Replace spark plug tube seals by carefully prying out old seals and pressing in new ones until fully seated.
15. 15

    Install valve cover
    Position valve cover onto cylinder head, ensuring gasket is properly seated and all bolt holes align. Install valve cover bolts with new grommets. Tighten bolts in the proper sequence (starting from center, working outward in a spiral pattern) to the specified torque. Reconnect PCV hoses and breather tube.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Install spark plugs and ignition coils
    Apply anti-seize compound sparingly to spark plug threads. Install all four spark plugs and torque to specification using a torque wrench. Reinstall ignition coils and secure with bolts. Reconnect all coil connectors ensuring they click into place.
    Torque spec

    Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning clips and pressing down until all four corners click into place
2. Reconnect negative battery terminal
3. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes that may have set during the repair

Verification

• Start engine and listen for abnormal valve train noise, ticking, or rattling
• Allow engine to idle for 5 minutes while monitoring for oil leaks around valve cover
• Rev engine gently to 3000 RPM and verify smooth operation without misfires
• Check for proper oil pressure on instrument cluster
• Perform a test drive and monitor engine performance under load
• Re-check valve cover bolts for proper torque after engine reaches operating temperature and cools
• Verify no oil leaks are present after test drive

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