Lifters/Tappets - All

Complete removal and replacement of all hydraulic lifters/tappets on the 1.5L turbo engine, requiring camshaft removal and precise valve train reassembly with critical torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Hydraulic valve lifters/tappets × 16 — 14731-5AA-A01 (Use OEM Honda)
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — 12030-5AA-A01
• Valve cover spark plug tube seals × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft bearing cap seals × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Timing chain tensioner gasket × 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 to touch (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 clips
4. Drain engine oil completely and install drain plug with new washer
5. Remove intake air duct and air cleaner assembly
6. Label and photograph all vacuum lines, electrical connectors, and hose routing before disconnection
7. Support engine from above using engine support fixture or hoist with load leveler
8. Prepare clean, organized workspace with labeled containers numbered 1-16 for lifter position tracking

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 valve cover in reverse of tightening sequence (start from outer bolts, work toward center). Carefully lift valve cover straight up to avoid damaging gasket surfaces. Inspect for oil contamination or debris.
   Torque spec

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

   Position engine to TDC cylinder 1
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise using 19mm socket on crankshaft pulley bolt until timing marks align: camshaft timing marks (stamped on camshaft gears) should point upward and align with cylinder head surface. Crankshaft timing mark should align with pointer on timing cover. Verify piston 1 is at top dead center compression stroke (both intake and exhaust valves closed/rockers loose). Take multiple photos of timing mark positions.
   ⚠️Incorrect TDC positioning will result in catastrophic timing errors. Verify all marks align precisely before proceeding.
3. 3

   Remove timing chain and camshaft gears
   Remove upper timing chain cover bolts. Mark timing chain position relative to camshaft gears with paint pen. Remove camshaft position sensor. Hold camshaft with holding tool and remove camshaft gear bolts (one per camshaft). Carefully release timing chain tensioner. Remove camshaft gears and secure timing chain to prevent it from falling into timing cover. Do NOT rotate crankshaft from this point forward.
   ⚠️Once timing chain is removed, absolutely do not rotate crankshaft or camshafts. Severe engine damage will occur.
   ⚠Support timing chain with wire or zip-tie to prevent it from dropping into lower timing cover.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove camshaft bearing caps - intake side
   Loosen intake camshaft bearing cap bolts in multiple passes in reverse sequence (outer bolts first, working toward center) to gradually release valve spring pressure. Remove bolts completely and carefully lift bearing caps straight up. Mark each cap with its position number (1-5, intake side). Place camshaft holding tool on intake camshaft or secure in clean location. Do not allow camshaft to drop or impact any surface.
   ⚠Bearing caps are machined matched sets and cannot be interchanged. Keep in exact order and orientation.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove camshaft bearing caps - exhaust side
   Repeat bearing cap removal process for exhaust camshaft, loosening bolts in multiple passes from outer to center positions. Remove caps and mark positions (1-5, exhaust side). Remove exhaust camshaft carefully and place in clean, protected area. Inspect all bearing surfaces for scoring or damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rocker arms and shafts (if equipped)
   Depending on specific engine configuration, remove rocker arm assemblies if present. Loosen rocker arm shaft bolts evenly in sequence. Keep all rocker arms in order with labeled containers. Inspect rocker arm contact surfaces and roller followers for wear or scoring.
   Torque spec

   Rocker Arm Shaft Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

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

   Remove and catalog all lifters
   Using magnetic pickup tool, carefully remove each hydraulic lifter from its bore. Immediately place each lifter in its numbered container (1-16, corresponding to cylinder and valve position). Mark intake vs exhaust clearly. Inspect each lifter bottom contact surface for wear, pitting, or flat spots. Inspect lifter bores in cylinder head for scoring or debris. Clean bores thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free cloth.
   ⚠Lifters MUST be returned to exact original positions if reusing. New lifters can go in any position but document installation locations.
   ℹ️If any lifter shows wear or damage, replace entire set to ensure uniform performance.
8. 8

   Clean and inspect cylinder head surfaces
   Thoroughly clean all camshaft bearing surfaces, lifter bores, and valve cover mating surface using brake cleaner. Inspect camshaft bearing surfaces in cylinder head for scoring, discoloration, or wear. Inspect camshaft lobes for wear patterns - they should be smooth with no pitting or flat spots. Check valve cover mating surface for warping using straight edge. Clean all oil passages with brake cleaner to remove sludge or debris.
   ℹ️Any scoring or damage to bearing surfaces requires cylinder head machining or replacement. Do not proceed if damage is present.
9. 9

   Install new lifters with lubrication
   Coat each new lifter completely with fresh Honda 0W-20 engine oil, paying special attention to contact surfaces. Install lifters into their designated bores, ensuring they sit fully seated and move freely with light pressure. If reusing lifters, install each in its exact original position from documentation. Verify all 16 lifters are installed before proceeding. Add small amount of assembly lube or engine oil to top of each lifter.
   ⚠Never install dry lifters. Lack of lubrication will cause immediate damage on first startup.
10. 10

    Install and lubricate camshafts
    Generously coat all camshaft bearing journals and lobes with fresh engine oil. Carefully place intake camshaft into position, ensuring it sits squarely in bearing saddles. Verify timing mark on camshaft points upward. Repeat for exhaust camshaft. Double-check both camshafts are oriented with timing marks pointing up and aligned with head surface as noted during disassembly. Apply thin bead of engine oil to bearing cap contact surfaces.
    ⚠️Camshaft orientation is critical. Timing marks must point upward. Incorrect installation will cause immediate valve-to-piston contact.
11. 11

    Install camshaft bearing caps in sequence
    Install bearing caps in correct positions and orientation (markings should face forward/front of engine). Hand-start all bolts first. Tighten bearing cap bolts in THREE progressive passes from center caps outward: Pass 1 to 5 Nm, Pass 2 to 10 Nm, Pass 3 to final 14 Nm. Use proper sequence starting from center bearing cap (#3) moving outward to #1 and #5 alternately. Verify camshafts rotate freely by hand after installation.
    ⚠️Improper torque sequence or over-torquing will crack bearing caps or cylinder head, causing catastrophic failure. Use torque wrench and follow sequence exactly.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall timing chain and camshaft gears
    Verify crankshaft has NOT moved from TDC position. Install camshaft gears onto camshafts with timing chain, aligning paint marks made during disassembly. Ensure timing marks on gears align with cylinder head surface pointing upward. Hold camshafts with holding tool and install gear bolts to specification. Install timing chain tensioner with new gasket. Rotate engine two complete revolutions clockwise and recheck timing mark alignment - all marks must realign exactly at TDC.
    ⚠️Timing verification is critical. If marks do not realign after two rotations, timing is incorrect. Do NOT start engine - disassemble and correct timing immediately.
13. 13

    Install valve cover with new gasket
    Install new spark plug tube seals into valve cover. Install new valve cover gasket, ensuring it seats properly in groove. Clean valve cover bolt threads and apply light oil. Place valve cover onto cylinder head, ensuring gasket remains properly positioned. Install bolts and tighten in proper sequence (center outward, alternating side to side) to specified torque of 10 Nm. Install ignition coils and reconnect electrical connectors.
    ⚠Over-torquing valve cover bolts will crack the cover. Use torque wrench and follow sequence.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Complete reassembly and fill fluids
    Reinstall intake air system, hoses, and vacuum lines per photos and labels. Reconnect all electrical connectors. Remove engine support fixture. Fill engine with 4.0 quarts Honda Genuine 0W-20 engine oil. Reconnect negative battery cable. Do not start engine yet.
    ℹ️Use only Honda Genuine 0W-20 oil. Other weights or brands may not provide proper protection for this turbo engine.
15. 15

    Prime oil system and perform initial start
    Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) for 10 seconds, then OFF for 10 seconds. Repeat 3 times to prime fuel system. Crank engine for 5-second bursts without starting (disable ignition if possible) to build oil pressure. Start engine and immediately verify oil pressure light extinguishes within 2-3 seconds. Listen carefully for abnormal noises - ticking, knocking, or rattling indicates improper assembly. Allow engine to idle for 5 minutes, monitoring for oil leaks, unusual noises, and smooth operation.
    ⚠️If oil pressure light remains on or any knocking/rattling occurs, shut down immediately. These indicate critical assembly errors requiring disassembly and inspection.
    ⚠Some lifter ticking is normal for first 30-60 seconds as lifters prime with oil. Noise should decrease rapidly.

Reassembly

1. Torque specifications are critical - camshaft bearing caps MUST be torqued in sequence in three passes from center outward
2. All bearing surfaces and lifters must be thoroughly lubricated with engine oil before assembly
3. Timing marks must be verified multiple times before and after reassembly - incorrect timing causes catastrophic damage
4. Use only genuine Honda gaskets and seals - aftermarket parts may not seal properly on turbo engines
5. Lifter position tracking is essential if reusing old lifters - document carefully during removal

Verification

• Engine starts immediately and oil pressure light extinguishes within 2-3 seconds
• No oil leaks visible around valve cover, timing cover, or camshaft position sensor after 10-minute idle
• Engine idles smoothly with no misfires, rough running, or hesitation
• No abnormal mechanical noises - ticking should be minimal after 1-2 minutes of operation
• Timing marks still align correctly at TDC after test run (verify by rotating engine by hand with spark plugs removed)
• Test drive vehicle under light load - engine should accelerate smoothly without hesitation or knocking
• Recheck valve cover bolt torque after engine reaches operating temperature and cools
• Monitor oil consumption and pressure over next 100 miles - abnormal consumption indicates assembly error

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