Cylinder Head R&R

This procedure covers the removal and reinstallation of the cylinder head on the 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L turbocharged engine, including timing chain removal, camshaft removal, and proper torque-to-yield head bolt installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cylinder head gasket × 1 — Use OEM Honda part
• Cylinder head bolts × 10 — Use OEM Honda torque-to-yield bolts
• Exhaust manifold gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Intake manifold gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spark plug tube seals × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Timing chain tensioner gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Water outlet gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil control valve seals × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

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

Preparation

1. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes for SRS system to discharge
2. Drain engine coolant completely into appropriate container and dispose properly
3. Drain engine oil and remove oil filter
4. Remove engine cover and air intake system from throttle body to air filter box
5. Remove intercooler piping and charge air cooler if equipped
6. Label and disconnect all vacuum lines, electrical connectors, and fuel lines from cylinder head and intake manifold
7. Relieve fuel system pressure by removing fuel pump fuse and cranking engine until it stalls
8. Support engine from above using engine hoist with load leveler or install engine support fixture across fender rails
9. Remove right-side engine mount to provide access to timing chain cover

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove exhaust manifold and turbocharger assembly
   Disconnect oxygen sensors and unbolt turbocharger oil feed and return lines. Remove heat shields. Remove exhaust manifold-to-turbocharger nuts and turbo-to-downpipe connection. Remove exhaust manifold and turbocharger as an assembly. Keep fasteners organized for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Remove intake manifold
   Disconnect throttle body electrical connector and all vacuum lines. Remove fuel rail with injectors attached (cap fuel lines to prevent contamination). Unbolt intake manifold using reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Lift intake manifold away from cylinder head.
3. 3

   Remove valve cover and ignition coils
   Disconnect ignition coil connectors and PCV hose. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse sequence (outside to inside). Carefully lift valve cover to avoid damaging gasket mating surface. Remove ignition coils and spark plugs. Store spark plugs in order to assess cylinder condition.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove accessory drive belt and crankshaft pulley
   Rotate tensioner clockwise to release tension and remove accessory drive belt. Remove crankshaft pulley bolt while holding crankshaft with appropriate holding tool or by placing transmission in gear with parking brake applied. Remove crankshaft pulley using pulley puller if necessary.
   ⚠Crankshaft pulley bolt is very tight (approximately 130 lb-ft). Use breaker bar and ensure socket is fully seated to avoid rounding bolt head.
5. 5

   Remove timing chain cover
   Remove all timing chain cover bolts noting their different lengths and locations. Carefully pry timing cover away from engine block using plastic pry tool at designated pry points only. Clean all gasket material from cover and block mating surfaces.
   ⚠Do not pry against machined sealing surfaces. Use only designated pry points to avoid damaging cover or block.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Align timing marks and lock timing chain tensioner
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise to TDC on cylinder #1 (compression stroke). Verify camshaft timing marks align with marks on timing chain guide. Colored chain links should align with marks on cam sprockets and crank sprocket. Compress timing chain tensioner and insert lock pin or 3mm drill bit to hold tensioner compressed.
   ⚠️Take multiple reference photos of timing marks. Incorrect timing reassembly will cause immediate engine damage upon startup.
7. 7

   Remove camshaft sprockets and timing chain
   Hold camshafts with holding tool or wrench on hex portion. Remove camshaft sprocket bolts. Mark timing chain direction of rotation with paint marker. Remove camshaft sprockets with chain attached. If reusing chain, hang chain to prevent it from falling into engine. Remove timing chain guide and tensioner.
8. 8

   Remove camshaft holders and camshafts
   Loosen camshaft holder bolts in sequence (inside to outside, 1/4 turn at a time) to gradually release valve spring pressure. Remove camshaft holders keeping them in order. Carefully lift camshafts from cylinder head. Mark intake and exhaust camshafts and orientation (they are not interchangeable). Inspect cam lobes and journals for wear.
   ⚠Loosen camshaft holder bolts gradually and evenly. Uneven loosening can warp holders or bind camshafts causing damage.
9. 9

   Remove cylinder head bolts
   Loosen cylinder head bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern) in 1/3 turn increments. Once all bolts are loose, remove them completely. Keep bolts in order for inspection. Verify all bolts show stretched necking indicating they are torque-to-yield type and must be replaced.
   ⚠️These are torque-to-yield bolts and MUST NOT be reused. Measure bolt length if uncertain - stretched bolts will be longer than specification.
   Torque spec

   Cylinder Head Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft) + 130°
10. 10

    Remove cylinder head
    Check that all hoses, wires, and fasteners are disconnected. Carefully lift cylinder head straight up off engine block. If head is stuck, tap gently with dead blow hammer on reinforced areas only - never pry between head and block. Place cylinder head on clean padded surface with combustion chambers facing up.
    ⚠Do not pry between cylinder head and block gasket surfaces. This will damage critical sealing surfaces.
11. 11

    Clean and inspect mating surfaces
    Remove all gasket material from cylinder head and engine block using plastic gasket scraper. Clean surfaces with brake cleaner and lint-free towels. Inspect cylinder head and block surfaces for warpage using precision straightedge and feeler gauges. Maximum allowable warpage is 0.002 inches. Check cylinder head for cracks especially between valve seats and in combustion chambers.
    ℹ️If cylinder head warpage exceeds specification, head must be resurfaced by machine shop. Maximum material removal and minimum head height specifications must be observed.
12. 12

    Install new cylinder head gasket and position cylinder head
    Ensure block surface is completely clean and dry. Install new cylinder head gasket with markings facing up. Verify dowel pins are in place in engine block. Carefully lower cylinder head onto block, aligning dowel pins. Ensure gasket does not shift during installation.
    ⚠Do not apply any sealant to cylinder head gasket. Gasket must be installed dry per Honda specifications.
13. 13

    Install and torque cylinder head bolts
    Lightly oil threads and underside of head bolt heads with clean engine oil. Install NEW cylinder head bolts finger tight. Using proper sequence (inside to outside pattern), torque all bolts to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft). Then, using torque angle gauge, tighten each bolt an additional 130 degrees in same sequence. Mark bolts with paint to verify rotation.
    ⚠️Must use NEW cylinder head bolts. Angle torque must be applied in one continuous motion per bolt - do not stop mid-rotation.
    Torque spec

    Cylinder Head Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft) + 130°
14. 14

    Install camshafts and camshaft holders
    Lubricate camshaft journals and lobes with fresh engine oil. Install camshafts in correct positions (intake and exhaust marked earlier). Install camshaft holders in correct positions. Tighten camshaft holder bolts in sequence (inside to outside) gradually in 1/4 turn increments to specified torque. Verify camshafts rotate smoothly by hand.
    ⚠Tighten camshaft holder bolts gradually and evenly. Uneven tightening can bind camshafts or warp holders.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install timing chain, guides, and camshaft sprockets
    Install timing chain guide and new tensioner with gasket. Install timing chain over crankshaft sprocket ensuring colored link aligns with crank mark. Route chain over camshaft area. Install camshaft sprockets with chain, aligning colored links with cam marks. Verify all timing marks are aligned. Install sprocket bolts and torque while holding camshafts. Remove tensioner lock pin. Rotate engine 2 complete revolutions and verify timing marks realign exactly.
    ⚠️Verify timing marks alignment THREE times before proceeding. Rotate engine by hand 2 full turns and recheck all marks align perfectly at TDC.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Install timing chain cover
    Apply thin bead of Honda Bond or equivalent silicone sealant to timing cover mating surface at specified locations per service manual. Install new cover gasket if used. Install timing cover and torque bolts to specification in proper sequence (inside to outside). Allow sealant to cure per manufacturer instructions before adding oil.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Install remaining components
    Install crankshaft pulley and torque bolt to specification. Install accessory drive belt. Install new valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals. Install valve cover and torque bolts in sequence. Install spark plugs and ignition coils. Install intake manifold with new gasket and torque fasteners in sequence. Install exhaust manifold/turbo assembly with new gaskets. Reconnect all electrical connectors, vacuum lines, and fuel lines. Reinstall engine mount.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

    Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)

    Gasket Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall air intake system and intercooler piping
2. Reinstall engine cover
3. Fill engine with Honda Genuine 0W-20 oil to proper level (4.0 quarts)
4. Fill cooling system with Honda Type 2 Blue coolant (6.0 quarts total capacity)
5. Bleed cooling system by running engine with heater on high until thermostat opens and air purges from system
6. Reconnect negative battery cable
7. Prime fuel system by cycling ignition on/off 3 times before first start attempt

Verification

• Start engine and verify it runs smoothly without unusual noises, misfires, or rough idle
• Check for coolant, oil, or fuel leaks around all disturbed connections and gaskets
• Verify proper engine oil pressure on instrument cluster
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify cooling fan operation
• Check coolant level after cooling system is fully bled and top off as necessary
• Road test vehicle under light load and verify proper power delivery and no check engine light
• Recheck all fluid levels after test drive and inspect for any new leaks
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes and verify no timing or sensor-related codes present

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