Crankshaft R&R

Complete removal and replacement of the crankshaft, requiring engine removal from vehicle, full disassembly of bottom end, and precision reassembly with new bearings and seals.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Crankshaft (if replacement needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Main bearing set (standard or oversize) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Connecting rod bearing set × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Thrust washer set × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front crankshaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear main seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cylinder head gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil pump O-rings × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Connecting rod bolts (TTY) × 8 — Use OEM specification
• Main bearing cap bolts (TTY) × 10 — Use OEM specification
• Cylinder head bolts (TTY) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — 94109-14000
• Engine oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone sealant (Honda Bond HT) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes for airbag system discharge
3. Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter
4. Drain engine coolant from radiator and engine block drain plugs
5. Remove engine cover and air intake system completely
6. Remove front bumper cover for radiator access
7. Discharge A/C system using proper recovery equipment (if equipped)
8. Raise vehicle on lift or secure on jack stands rated for full vehicle weight
9. Remove front wheels and engine splash shields
10. Label and photograph all electrical connectors, vacuum lines, and hose routing before disconnection
11. Support transmission with transmission jack before engine removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine from vehicle
   Disconnect all electrical connectors including main engine harness, alternator, starter, and sensors. Disconnect fuel lines at quick-disconnects (release fuel pressure first). Remove radiator, A/C compressor (support aside without disconnecting if not already evacuated), power steering pump if applicable. Unbolt exhaust downpipe from turbocharger. Remove axle shafts from transmission. Unbolt transmission from engine using transmission jack for support, then remove transmission-to-engine bolts. Attach engine hoist with load leveler to engine lifting points. Remove engine mounts and carefully lift engine from vehicle. Transfer to engine stand.
   Torque spec

   Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove cylinder head
   With engine on stand, remove valve cover. Remove timing chain tensioner, timing chain guides, and timing chain. Mark timing chain orientation to camshaft and crankshaft sprockets if reusing. Remove camshafts following proper sequence. Remove cylinder head bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Lift cylinder head off engine block. Inspect head gasket surface for warpage.
   ⚠Cylinder head bolts are TTY and must be replaced. Mark removal sequence for reference.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

   Cylinder Head Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove oil pan and oil pickup
   Remove oil pan bolts in reverse sequence (typically outside to inside). Use plastic pry tool to separate oil pan from block if sealed with RTV. Remove oil pump pickup tube bolts and remove pickup. Inspect oil pump pickup screen for debris. Clean all RTV residue from block mating surface using plastic scraper.
   Torque spec

   Oil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

   Oil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove timing cover and oil pump
   Remove crankshaft pulley using crankshaft holding tool and impact wrench (or high-torque breaker bar). Remove timing cover bolts (both 10mm and 8mm sizes) in sequence. Remove timing cover and gasket. Remove oil pump mounting bolts and extract oil pump assembly. Remove front main seal from timing cover or front of block.
   ⚠Crankshaft pulley bolt is extremely tight. Use impact wrench or have assistant hold crankshaft with holding tool.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

   Oil Pump Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

   Front Main Seal Housing12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove pistons and connecting rods
   Rotate engine so crankshaft is accessible. Mark each connecting rod and cap with cylinder number using permanent marker (should already be marked from factory). Remove connecting rod bolts and caps, keeping each cap with its matching rod. Push piston and rod assemblies up and out through top of cylinder bore. Keep pistons organized by cylinder number. Inspect rod bearings for wear patterns.
   ⚠Do not mix connecting rod caps. Each cap must return to its original rod in correct orientation.
   Torque spec

   Connecting Rod Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove main bearing caps and crankshaft
   Mark main bearing caps with position and directional arrow (typically marked from factory with numbers 1-5 from front to back). Remove main bearing cap bolts in reverse of tightening sequence. Carefully remove each main bearing cap, keeping organized. Check for thrust washer location (typically on center main or #4 main on Honda engines). Carefully lift crankshaft out of engine block. Remove main bearing shells from caps and block, keeping upper and lower shells paired by journal.
   ⚠️Crankshaft weighs approximately 40-50 lbs. Use proper lifting technique or get assistance to avoid injury.
   ⚠Main bearing caps must be reinstalled in exact position and orientation. Reversing a cap will cause immediate engine failure.
   Torque spec

   Main Bearing Cap Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)

   Rear Main Seal Housing12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect and measure crankshaft and block
   Clean crankshaft thoroughly with solvent and compressed air, paying special attention to oil passages. Inspect all journals for scoring, heat discoloration, or damage. Measure all main and rod journals with micrometer in multiple locations to check for taper and out-of-round. Specification is typically within 0.0002 inch. Measure main bearing bores in block with bore gauge. Check crankshaft runout by supporting on V-blocks and using dial indicator (max typically 0.002 inch). If journals are scored or out-of-specification, crankshaft must be reground or replaced. If bearing bores are out-of-spec, block must be align-honed.
   ℹ️Honda specifications for journal diameter: Main journals typically 2.1644-2.1654 inches, rod journals typically 1.8888-1.8898 inches. Consult service manual for exact tolerances.
8. 8

   Install crankshaft and verify bearing clearances
   Clean all bearing surfaces in block and caps with lint-free cloth and brake cleaner. Install upper main bearing shells in block, ensuring oil holes align. Install thrust washers in proper location (check service manual for exact position). Lubricate bearing surfaces with clean engine oil. Carefully lower crankshaft into block. Cut Plastigage to length and place on each main journal. Install main bearing caps in correct position and orientation with lower bearing shells installed. Install NEW main bearing cap bolts finger-tight only. Torque bolts to 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) in sequence from center outward, then proceed with angle tightening per specification. Remove caps and measure Plastigage width to verify clearance is within specification (typically 0.0008-0.0018 inches). If clearance is incorrect, select different bearing size.
   ⚠Do NOT rotate crankshaft with Plastigage installed or measurement will be invalid. Remove caps immediately after torquing.
   ⚠Main bearing cap bolts are torque-to-yield and this Plastigage check uses them once. You will need a second new set for final assembly.
   Torque spec

   Main Bearing Cap Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Final crankshaft installation
   After verifying bearing clearances are correct, remove main caps again. Clean off all Plastigage residue. Install upper bearings and thrust washers with generous coat of assembly lube or engine oil. Lower crankshaft into position. Lubricate lower bearing shells and install in caps. Install main bearing caps in correct sequence with NEW TTY bolts. Hand-tighten all bolts first. Torque main bearing cap bolts to 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) in sequence (center cap first, then alternating outward), then apply additional angle per Honda specification (typically 45-90 degrees, verify in service manual). Check crankshaft rotates freely by hand. Measure crankshaft endplay with dial indicator (specification typically 0.004-0.014 inches).
   ⚠After angle tightening TTY bolts, DO NOT loosen and retighten. If any error is made, remove and install new bolts.
   Torque spec

   Main Bearing Cap Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install pistons and connecting rods
    Verify connecting rod bearing clearances using Plastigage method similar to main bearings. Install rod bearings in rods and caps with assembly lube. Stagger piston ring end gaps per specification (typically 120 degrees apart). Use piston ring compressor to compress rings. Lubricate cylinder walls with engine oil. Install each piston/rod assembly into its original cylinder bore with connecting rod orientation correct (oil squirt hole typically faces exhaust side). Guide rod carefully onto crankshaft journal. Install rod cap in correct orientation with NEW connecting rod bolts. Torque connecting rod bolts to 45 Nm (33 lb-ft), then apply angle per specification (typically additional 60 degrees). Verify each rod has side clearance on crankshaft journal.
    ⚠Connecting rod bolts are TTY and must be replaced. Do not reuse old bolts.
    Torque spec

    Connecting Rod Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install rear main seal
    Clean rear main seal housing area on block. Install new rear main seal using seal installation tool to ensure it seats evenly and squarely. Seal should be flush or slightly recessed per specification. Apply small amount of RTV silicone to corners where seal housing meets block if specified by service manual. Install rear main seal housing bolts and torque to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft) in cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Rear Main Seal Housing12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install oil pump, timing cover, and front seal
    Install oil pump with new O-rings lubricated with engine oil. Align oil pump drive with crankshaft and install oil pump bolts, torquing to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft). Install new front crankshaft seal in timing cover using seal driver. Apply thin bead of RTV silicone to timing cover mating surface per service manual pattern. Install timing cover with new gasket, ensuring proper alignment with crankshaft and oil pump. Install timing cover bolts (8mm bolts to 25 Nm, 10mm bolts to 45 Nm) in specified sequence. Install crankshaft pulley with harmonic balancer bolt, torquing to 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) plus angle if TTY.
    Torque spec

    Oil Pump Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

    Front Main Seal Housing12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

    Harmonic Balancer Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install oil pickup and oil pan
    Install oil pump pickup tube with new O-ring, torquing bolts to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft). Clean oil pan and block mating surfaces thoroughly. Install new oil pan gasket or apply RTV silicone bead per service manual specification (typically 2-3mm bead). Install oil pan and torque bolts to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft) in sequence from center outward. Allow RTV to cure per manufacturer specification before filling with oil.
    Torque spec

    Oil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

    Oil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install cylinder head and timing components
    Clean cylinder head and block mating surfaces. Install new head gasket with proper orientation (TOP marking facing up). Carefully lower cylinder head onto block, ensuring dowel pins align. Install NEW cylinder head bolts finger-tight. Torque cylinder head bolts to 65 Nm (48 lb-ft) in proper sequence (typically center outward), then apply additional angle per specification (typically 90 degrees in stages). Install camshafts and set to TDC position. Install timing chain with marks aligned to camshaft and crankshaft sprockets. Install timing chain guides (12 Nm) and tensioner (25 Nm with tensioner compressed and pin installed). Remove tensioner pin to apply tension. Verify timing marks remain aligned after two full crankshaft rotations.
    ⚠Cylinder head bolts are TTY and must be replaced. Incorrect torque sequence or angle will cause head gasket failure.
    Torque spec

    Cylinder Head Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)

    Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

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

    Complete engine assembly and reinstall in vehicle
    Install valve cover with new gasket. Install all remaining external components (alternator, starter, sensors, etc.). Prime oil system by turning oil pump with drill and priming tool, or by cranking engine with fuel and ignition disabled until oil pressure registers. Install engine in vehicle in reverse of removal. Reconnect transmission with new transmission-to-engine bolts torqued to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). Reinstall axles, exhaust, cooling system components, A/C compressor, and all disconnected lines and hoses. Refill with Honda Type 2 coolant (6 quarts) and Honda 0W-20 oil (4 quarts). Install new oil filter. Install new oil drain plug crush washer and torque drain plug to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

    Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All torque-to-yield (TTY) fasteners including main bearing cap bolts, connecting rod bolts, cylinder head bolts, and crankshaft pulley bolt must be replaced with new parts
2. Follow all torque sequences exactly as specified - do not tighten bolts in random order
3. Apply assembly lube or clean engine oil to all bearing surfaces during installation
4. Verify timing chain alignment marks after installation and after rotating engine two complete revolutions
5. Allow RTV silicone to cure for recommended time before starting engine (typically 30 minutes minimum)
6. Double-check that all electrical connectors, vacuum lines, and hoses are reconnected per photos/labels from disassembly

Verification

• Before starting engine, remove spark plugs and crank engine to verify oil pressure builds on gauge within 10 seconds
• Reinstall spark plugs and start engine, checking for oil leaks at pan, timing cover, and rear main seal
• Verify no coolant leaks at head gasket or water passages
• Listen for abnormal engine noises including knocking, ticking, or rattling that could indicate bearing issues
• Allow engine to reach normal operating temperature and verify cooling system operates normally
• Check engine oil level after running and top off if needed - initial start may consume some oil priming passages
• Perform test drive and verify normal engine performance, smooth acceleration, and no warning lights
• After 500 miles, change engine oil and filter and inspect for metal particles that could indicate bearing wear
• Recheck all external fasteners for proper torque after engine has fully heat cycled

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