Valve Springs - All

Complete replacement of all valve springs on the 1.5L turbocharged engine, requiring removal of camshafts and valve train components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve springs (set of 16) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve spring retainers (set of 16) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve stem seals (set of 16) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spark plug tube seals × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft oil seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Honda Genuine 0W-20

Fluids

• Honda Genuine 0W-20 — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (minimum 4 hours after last operation)
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes for system discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front edge
4. Drain engine oil completely and reinstall drain plug
5. Remove air intake duct and air cleaner assembly
6. Disconnect all electrical connectors from ignition coils and sensors on valve cover
7. Label and photograph all vacuum hoses and PCV connections before removal
8. Set cylinder #1 to TDC on compression stroke and photograph all timing marks on timing chain and gears

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ignition coils and spark plugs
   Remove the four 10mm bolts securing ignition coils. Lift coils straight up to clear spark plug tubes. Use compressed air to blow out debris from spark plug wells. Remove all four spark plugs and store in order.
   Torque spec

   Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove valve cover assembly
   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 off, breaking gasket seal with plastic scraper if necessary. Do not pry against sealing surfaces.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove timing chain access components
   Remove the upper timing chain cover by removing cover bolts. Support engine from below if removing engine mount. Verify timing marks are still aligned at TDC #1. Take additional reference photos of chain positioning on camshaft gears.
   ⚠If timing marks move during this procedure, engine timing must be completely reset before starting.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove camshaft gears
   Hold camshafts with holding tool to prevent rotation. Remove intake and exhaust camshaft gear bolts (these are typically high torque, 45 Nm mounting bolts). Mark gear positions relative to chain with paint pen. Carefully slide gears off camshafts without allowing chain to drop into engine. Secure chain with wire to prevent dropping.
   ⚠️If timing chain falls into engine, complete timing cover removal and chain reset will be required.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove camshaft caps and camshafts
   Using a permanent marker, label each camshaft cap with position number and orientation arrow. Loosen camshaft cap bolts in reverse sequence (outside to inside, multiple passes) in 1/4 turn increments to gradually release valve spring pressure. Remove all cap bolts and caps, keeping in exact order. Carefully lift camshafts straight up and place on clean padded surface with journals supported.
   ⚠Uneven loosening of cam caps can warp cylinder head. Follow multiple-pass loosening pattern strictly.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove rocker arms and shafts (if equipped)
   If engine uses rocker arm configuration, label each rocker arm position. Remove rocker arm shaft bolts evenly in sequence. Lift rocker arm assembly and store components in order. If engine uses direct valve actuation, remove individual rocker arms and label positions.
   Torque spec

   Rocker Arm Shaft Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Rocker Arm Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Compress and remove valve springs
   Install valve spring compressor on first valve spring (begin with cylinder #1 intake). Compress spring until retainer keepers are accessible. Use magnetic tool to remove both valve keepers. Slowly release compressor tension and remove retainer and spring. Remove valve stem seal with seal puller or pliers. Repeat for all 16 valves, organizing components by cylinder and valve position.
   ⚠️Ensure valve spring compressor is fully seated and aligned before applying pressure. Slippage can cause violent spring release.
   ⚠Do not allow valves to drop into cylinders. Stuff clean rags into cylinder if valve is loose.
8. 8

   Inspect valve train components
   Inspect each valve stem tip for wear or mushrooming. Check valve spring free length against service manual specifications (typical spec 43-45mm). Inspect camshaft lobes and journals for scoring or wear. Measure camshaft lobe height if specifications available. Inspect rocker arm contact surfaces for pitting or excessive wear.
   ℹ️Any valve stems with damaged tips should be replaced or machined. Springs below minimum free length must be replaced.
9. 9

   Install new valve stem seals
   Lightly oil new valve stem seals with clean engine oil. Using seal installation tool or appropriate sized socket, carefully drive new seals onto valve guides until fully seated. Seal should be square and bottomed on guide. Install seal on all 16 valves before proceeding to spring installation.
   ⚠Do not damage seal lips on valve stem keeper grooves during installation. Use plastic sleeve if available.
10. 10

    Install new valve springs and retainers
    Install new valve spring over valve stem with tightly wound coils toward cylinder head (check service manual for correct orientation). Place new retainer on top of spring. Compress spring with compressor tool and install both valve keepers in stem groove. Slowly release compressor while ensuring keepers remain seated. Tap valve stem tip lightly with plastic hammer to verify keeper lock. Repeat for all 16 valves.
    ⚠️Verify both keepers are fully seated before releasing compressor. Partially seated keepers will fail during engine operation causing catastrophic damage.
11. 11

    Reinstall rocker arms and shafts
    If equipped with rocker arm shafts, ensure all rocker arms are in original positions. Install shaft assembly and start all bolts finger tight. Verify rocker arms move freely on shaft. Tighten rocker arm shaft bolts evenly in sequence to specification. If using individual rocker arms, install each in original position with cam lobe pointing away from rocker during installation.
    Torque spec

    Rocker Arm Shaft Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

    Rocker Arm Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall camshafts and caps
    Lubricate all camshaft journals and lobes with clean engine oil. Carefully lower camshafts into position, ensuring they seat properly in cam towers. Verify cam position relative to timing marks. Install camshaft caps in exact original positions with orientation arrows pointing forward. Install all cap bolts finger tight, then tighten in sequence from center outward in multiple passes (1/4 turn increments) to final specification.
    ⚠Camshaft caps are machined matched sets. Installing caps in wrong positions will cause immediate engine failure.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall camshaft gears and timing chain
    Verify timing chain is still positioned correctly on crankshaft gear. Align camshaft gears with painted timing marks on chain. Slide gears onto camshafts. Hold camshafts with holding tool and install gear bolts. Torque camshaft gear bolts to specification. Verify all timing marks are correctly aligned before proceeding.
    ⚠️Incorrect valve timing will cause piston-to-valve contact when engine is started. Triple-check all timing marks.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install timing chain cover and valve cover
    Clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly with plastic scraper and solvent. Install new timing chain cover with new gasket or sealant per service manual. Torque cover bolts to specification. Install new valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals. Position valve cover and install bolts finger tight. Tighten valve cover bolts in sequence from center outward to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install spark plugs and ignition coils
    Apply small amount of anti-seize compound to spark plug threads (avoiding electrode end). Install spark plugs and torque to specification using torque wrench. Install ignition coils into spark plug tubes, ensuring they seat fully. Torque coil bolts to specification. Reconnect all electrical connectors.
    Torque spec

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

    Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect all vacuum hoses and PCV connections per photos taken during disassembly
2. Reinstall air cleaner assembly and intake duct
3. Reinstall engine cover
4. Refill engine with 4.0 quarts Honda Genuine 0W-20 engine oil
5. Reconnect negative battery cable

Verification

• Before starting engine, manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions by hand and verify no resistance or binding occurs
• Verify all timing marks realign correctly after two crankshaft rotations
• Check that all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
• Start engine and verify no unusual noises from valve train (ticking, clicking, or knocking)
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and check for oil leaks around valve cover and timing cover
• Monitor oil pressure gauge to ensure normal pressure is achieved within 5 seconds of starting
• Perform test drive and verify normal engine performance with no misfires or hesitation
• Recheck valve cover bolt torque after engine has cooled completely
• Check engine oil level after test drive and top off if necessary

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