Camshaft R&R

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the intake and exhaust camshafts on the 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L turbocharged engine, including timing chain removal and reinstallation with proper timing alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Intake camshaft × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Exhaust camshaft × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover spark plug tube seals × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Timing chain cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing chain (if worn or damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing chain tensioner × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft pulley bolt (if TTY) × 1 — Check service manual for TTY specification

Fluids

• Honda Genuine 0W-20 — 4 qt
• Honda Type 2 Coolant (Blue) — 1 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 clips
4. Drain engine oil completely and replace drain plug with new crush washer
5. Position vehicle on level ground with parking brake engaged
6. Remove front engine mount to provide access (support engine with fixture)
7. Have timing diagrams and camshaft bearing cap sequence readily available

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover and accessories
   Disconnect ignition coil connectors and remove all four ignition coils. Remove PCV hose and breather hose from valve cover. Unbolt and remove valve cover in sequence (outside bolts first, then center). Inspect valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals for replacement.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove accessory drive belt and crankshaft pulley
   Rotate tensioner clockwise to release tension and remove accessory drive belt. Using harmonic balancer holding tool, remove crankshaft pulley bolt. Remove crankshaft pulley/harmonic balancer. This bolt is often torque-to-yield; inspect and replace if necessary.
   ⚠Use proper holding tool to prevent crankshaft rotation. Do not use impact tools without verifying bolt type.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)

   Harmonic Balancer Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove timing chain cover
   Disconnect crankshaft position sensor connector. Remove CKP sensor mounting bolt and sensor. Remove all timing chain cover bolts, noting different lengths and locations (10mm bolts: 45 Nm, 8mm bolts: 25 Nm). Carefully separate timing cover from engine block using plastic scraper if necessary. Remove old gasket material.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

   Crankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Rotate engine to TDC and verify timing marks
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise (viewing from front) until cylinder #1 is at TDC compression stroke. Verify timing marks: crankshaft keyway should point upward, camshaft timing marks should align with cylinder head surface, and colored chain links should align with marks on camshaft sprockets. Install timing pins if available to lock position.
   ⚠️Document timing mark positions with photos before proceeding. Incorrect timing will destroy engine on startup.
5. 5

   Remove timing chain tensioner and guides
   Remove timing chain tensioner mounting bolt and tensioner assembly. Remove upper timing chain guide bolts and guide. Remove timing chain idler sprocket bolt while holding sprocket stationary. Note that tensioner should be installed with compression pin/clip engaged.
   ⚠Tensioner may be under spring tension. Control removal carefully.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

   Timing Chain Idler Sprocket25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove camshaft sprockets and timing chain
   Hold each camshaft on the hex section with wrench to prevent rotation. Remove intake camshaft sprocket bolt, then exhaust camshaft sprocket bolt. Remove both camshaft sprockets and timing chain as an assembly. Disconnect VVT solenoid connectors and remove solenoids. Remove camshaft position sensor.
   ⚠Do not allow camshafts to rotate once sprockets are removed. Mark cam orientation relative to head.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Sprocket Bolt80 Nm (59 lb-ft)

   VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

   Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove cam phasers (VTC actuators)
   Hold each camshaft stationary using wrench on hex section. Apply penetrating oil to cam phaser bolts if necessary. Remove cam phaser bolt from intake cam, then exhaust cam. Remove both cam phaser assemblies. Inspect phaser condition and replace if damaged.
   ℹ️Cam phasers contain oil and should not be disassembled. Keep upright during removal.
   Torque spec

   Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove camshaft bearing caps
   Mark each camshaft bearing cap with permanent marker showing position, orientation, and which camshaft (intake/exhaust). Loosen bearing cap bolts in reverse order of tightening sequence (outside to inside, 1/4 turn at a time in multiple passes) to prevent warping. Remove all bearing caps and store in order. DO NOT mix bearing caps between positions.
   ⚠️Bearing caps are machined matched sets. Installing caps in wrong positions will cause immediate engine failure.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

   Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove camshafts
   Carefully lift intake camshaft straight up from cylinder head. Lift exhaust camshaft straight up from cylinder head. Inspect camshaft lobes, journals, and bearing surfaces for scoring, wear, or damage. Inspect rocker arms and valve stem contact surfaces. Store old camshafts in clean area for comparison.
   ⚠Support camshafts during removal to prevent dropping. Camshafts are heavy and precisely machined.
10. 10

    Prepare and install new camshafts
    Clean all bearing surfaces in cylinder head with clean, lint-free cloth and fresh engine oil. Lubricate new camshaft journals liberally with fresh 0W-20 engine oil. Lubricate camshaft lobes with assembly lube or engine oil. Install exhaust camshaft first, then intake camshaft, ensuring they are positioned with timing marks accessible and lobes in neutral position (not pressing valves).
11. 11

    Install camshaft bearing caps
    Ensure bearing cap mating surfaces are clean and oil-free. Install bearing caps in their original marked positions and orientations. Ensure cap alignment marks/numbers match cylinder head markings. Install bolts finger-tight initially. Tighten bearing cap bolts in sequence from center outward in THREE passes: first pass to 5 Nm, second pass to 10 Nm, final pass to 14 Nm. Verify camshafts rotate freely after installation.
    ⚠️Tighten in proper sequence and multiple passes. Uneven tightening will warp caps and seize camshafts.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

    Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install cam phasers (VTC actuators)
    Clean camshaft snout threads and apply medium-strength threadlocker to cam phaser bolts. Align cam phaser timing pin with camshaft slot. Install cam phasers onto camshafts. Hold each camshaft stationary with wrench on hex section. Install and torque cam phaser bolts to specification.
    ℹ️Ensure phaser timing pin properly engages camshaft slot before tightening bolt.
    Torque spec

    Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install timing chain and camshaft sprockets
    Verify crankshaft is still at TDC with keyway pointing up. Route timing chain around crankshaft sprocket. Install timing chain idler sprocket with chain and torque bolt. Align colored chain links with camshaft sprocket timing marks. Install both camshaft sprockets onto cam phasers simultaneously while maintaining timing chain alignment. Hold camshafts with wrench on hex and torque camshaft sprocket bolts.
    ⚠️Triple-check timing mark alignment before proceeding. Take photos for reference.
    Torque spec

    Timing Chain Idler Sprocket25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

    Camshaft Sprocket Bolt80 Nm (59 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install timing chain guides and tensioner
    Install upper timing chain guide and torque bolts. Compress timing chain tensioner fully and insert retaining pin or paper clip through holes to hold in compressed position. Install tensioner assembly and torque mounting bolt. Carefully remove retaining pin to allow tensioner to apply pressure to chain. Verify timing marks remain aligned after tensioner engages.
    ⚠Ensure tensioner compression pin is fully inserted before installation to prevent sudden release.
    Torque spec

    Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

    Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install timing cover and crankshaft pulley
    Install new timing cover gasket. Clean all sealing surfaces thoroughly. Apply thin bead of Honda Bond sealant to specified areas if required by service manual. Install timing cover and hand-tighten all bolts. Torque 10mm timing cover bolts to 45 Nm and 8mm bolts to 25 Nm in proper sequence (consult service manual). Install crankshaft position sensor with new O-ring if equipped. Install crankshaft pulley/harmonic balancer. Torque crankshaft pulley bolt to specification (replace if TTY type).
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

    Crankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

    Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)

    Harmonic Balancer Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Install VVT solenoids and sensors
    Install new O-rings on VVT solenoids if equipped. Install VVT solenoids and torque bolts. Install camshaft position sensor with new O-ring and torque to specification. Connect all electrical connectors for VVT solenoids, camshaft position sensor, and crankshaft position sensor.
    Torque spec

    VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

    Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Verify timing and rotate engine manually
    Remove timing pins if installed. Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise (720 degrees). Verify that all timing marks align correctly at TDC #1 compression stroke. Verify camshafts rotate smoothly without binding. Check that timing chain has proper tension with no slack.
    ⚠️If any resistance is felt or timing marks do not align, STOP immediately and diagnose before proceeding.
18. 18

    Install valve cover and accessories
    Install new spark plug tube seals into valve cover. Install new valve cover gasket onto valve cover. Clean cylinder head mating surface thoroughly. Position valve cover onto cylinder head and install bolts finger-tight. Torque valve cover bolts in sequence from center outward to specification. Install ignition coils and connect electrical connectors. Reconnect PCV hose and breather hose. Install accessory drive belt.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
19. 19

    Refill fluids and final checks
    Install new oil filter and fill engine with 4.0 quarts Honda Genuine 0W-20 engine oil. Top off coolant if any was lost during procedure. Reconnect negative battery terminal. Double-check all electrical connections, hoses, and bolts are secure. Verify no tools or parts are left in engine bay.
    Torque spec

    Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front engine mount if removed and torque mounting bolts to specification
2. Install engine cover by pressing down on clips until seated
3. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification and no steps were skipped
4. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes that may have been set during battery disconnect

Verification

• Start engine and verify it starts smoothly without unusual noises or misfires
• Allow engine to idle and listen for any ticking, rattling, or knocking sounds from valvetrain
• Monitor oil pressure gauge or light to ensure proper oil pressure within 5 seconds of startup
• Verify no oil leaks from valve cover, timing cover, or VVT solenoid areas
• Check for proper VVT operation by monitoring cam timing with scan tool (should show advance/retard capability)
• Test drive vehicle to verify normal performance and smooth power delivery throughout RPM range
• Monitor for check engine light or VVT-related fault codes using diagnostic scanner
• After first drive cycle, recheck oil level and top off if necessary
• Inspect for any leaks after engine reaches operating temperature and cools down

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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