This procedure covers the replacement of the timing chain guide on the 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo engine, which requires removal of the timing cover and proper timing alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain guide × 1 — 14520-RWK-A00 or aftermarket equivalent
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover spark plug tube seals × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft pulley bolt (if reuse not recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Honda Genuine 0W-20 — 4 qt
• Honda Type 2 Coolant (Blue) — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool (at least 2 hours after last operation)
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and isolate cable
3. Raise and secure vehicle on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove engine cover and plastic engine bay covers
5. Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter
6. Drain cooling system partially (approximately 1 quart to drop level below water pump)
7. Remove front right wheel and inner fender liner for crankshaft pulley access
8. Install engine support bar across engine bay or attach hoist to lifting eyes
9. Remove air intake assembly and air filter housing for access
10. Label and photograph all vacuum lines and electrical connections before removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove accessory drive belt and crankshaft pulley
   Release tension on accessory drive belt by rotating tensioner clockwise and remove belt. Using crankshaft holding tool to prevent rotation, remove crankshaft pulley bolt (counterclockwise). Remove crankshaft pulley by pulling straight off crankshaft nose. Inspect pulley and harmonic balancer for wear or damage.
   ⚠Crankshaft pulley bolt is very tight. Use breaker bar and ensure holding tool is properly secured before applying force.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft pulley bolt117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove valve cover
   Disconnect ignition coil connectors and remove all four ignition coils. Disconnect PCV hose, breather hose, and any vacuum lines attached to valve cover. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (work from outside toward center). Carefully lift valve cover straight up to avoid damaging gasket mating surfaces. Inspect camshaft lobes and rockers for wear while exposed.
3. 3

   Support engine and remove right side motor mount
   Verify engine support bar or hoist is properly supporting engine weight. Remove right side engine mount bracket bolts from engine block and frame. Carefully lower or remove motor mount assembly to provide clearance for timing cover removal. Ensure engine is stable and fully supported before proceeding.
   ⚠️Engine must be fully supported before removing motor mount. Verify support is secure and engine cannot shift.
4. 4

   Rotate engine to TDC cylinder #1
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise using socket on crankshaft bolt location until timing marks align: crankshaft sprocket mark aligned with pointer on block, camshaft sprocket marks aligned with cylinder head upper edge marks. Use timing light or TDC indicator to confirm cylinder #1 is at top dead center compression stroke. Take detailed photos of all timing mark positions.
   ℹ️Timing marks must be precisely aligned. If unsure, rotate engine two complete revolutions and recheck alignment.
5. 5

   Remove timing cover
   Remove all timing cover bolts, noting locations of different length bolts (8mm bolts are larger). There are approximately 14-16 bolts of varying sizes securing the timing cover. Carefully separate timing cover from engine block, using plastic pry tools only if needed at designated pry points. Do not damage aluminum sealing surfaces. Remove and discard old timing cover gasket.
   ⚠Do not use metal tools to pry timing cover. Damaged sealing surfaces will cause oil leaks.
6. 6

   Install camshaft timing pins
   With engine at TDC and timing marks aligned, install camshaft timing pins through designated holes in cylinder head into camshaft ends. This locks camshafts in correct position. Verify crankshaft sprocket timing mark is still aligned. Do not proceed if timing pins do not fit easily, as timing may not be correct.
   ⚠️Timing pins must install smoothly without force. Forcing pins indicates incorrect timing position and can break camshafts.
7. 7

   Remove timing chain tensioner
   Remove timing chain tensioner mounting bolt. Carefully extract tensioner assembly from engine block. Inspect tensioner mechanism for proper operation and wear. Compress tensioner plunger and lock it in compressed position using retaining pin or appropriate size drill bit through locking holes for reinstallation.
8. 8

   Remove camshaft sprockets and timing chain
   Hold camshaft hex section with wrench and remove both camshaft sprocket bolts. Remove intake and exhaust camshaft sprockets. Carefully lift timing chain off crankshaft sprocket. Note timing chain routing around all guides and tensioner blade before removal. Keep camshaft timing pins installed throughout this process.
   ⚠Do not allow camshafts to rotate once sprockets are removed. Keep timing pins installed at all times.
9. 9

   Remove and replace timing chain guide
   Remove timing chain guide mounting bolts (these may be labeled as Guide Bolts or Timing Chain Guide Bolts depending on specific guide position - primary guide uses 23 Nm spec, secondary guides use 12 Nm spec). Remove worn timing chain guide and inspect guide blade for wear, cracks, or damage. Clean mounting surfaces thoroughly. Install new timing chain guide and torque bolts to specification based on guide location. Verify guide is properly seated and secure.
   ℹ️Inspect all timing chain guides while accessible. Replace any showing wear grooves deeper than 1mm or cracking.
   Torque spec

   Chain guide bolts12 Nm (8.9 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install timing chain and camshaft sprockets
    Route new or existing timing chain around crankshaft sprocket with colored link or mark aligned with crankshaft timing mark. Route chain through guides following original routing path from photos. Install camshaft sprockets with timing marks aligned and colored chain links aligned with sprocket marks. Install camshaft sprocket bolts finger tight. Verify all timing marks are properly aligned before torquing.
    ⚠️Verify all timing marks are aligned before torquing sprocket bolts. Incorrect timing will destroy engine on startup.
11. 11

    Torque camshaft sprockets and install tensioner
    Hold camshaft hex section with wrench and torque both camshaft sprocket bolts to specification. Install compressed and locked timing chain tensioner into engine block and torque tensioner bolt. Remove tensioner locking pin to apply tension to chain. Verify chain has proper tension and is not excessively loose. Remove camshaft timing pins and slowly rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions by hand.
    ⚠Rotate engine slowly by hand and feel for any resistance. Stop immediately if resistance is felt as valve-to-piston contact may be occurring.
12. 12

    Verify timing and reinstall timing cover
    After rotating engine two complete revolutions, verify all timing marks realign at TDC cylinder #1. Camshaft timing pins should install smoothly again if timing is correct. Clean all gasket surfaces on engine block and timing cover with plastic scraper and brake cleaner. Install new timing cover gasket. Apply small bead of Honda Bond or equivalent RTV to corners where gasket meets. Install timing cover and torque bolts to specification in proper sequence (center outward, 8mm bolts first at 25 Nm, then 6mm bolts at 13 Nm).
    ℹ️Tighten timing cover bolts in multiple passes, working from center outward to ensure even sealing.
13. 13

    Reinstall crankshaft pulley and motor mount
    Clean crankshaft nose and inside of crankshaft pulley. Install crankshaft pulley onto crankshaft, ensuring keyway aligns properly. Install crankshaft pulley bolt and torque to specification using holding tool. Reinstall right side motor mount and bracket, then carefully remove engine support. Install accessory drive belt following routing diagram.
    Torque spec

    Crankshaft pulley bolt117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall valve cover
    Install new valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals. Clean valve cover and cylinder head mating surfaces thoroughly. Position valve cover carefully onto cylinder head. Install valve cover bolts and torque in proper sequence (center outward) to specification. Reconnect PCV hose, breather hose, and vacuum lines. Reinstall ignition coils and reconnect electrical connectors.
15. 15

    Refill fluids and final checks
    Install new oil filter and refill engine with 4 quarts of Honda Genuine 0W-20 oil. Top off coolant to proper level with Honda Type 2 Coolant. Reinstall inner fender liner and wheel. Reconnect battery negative terminal. Double-check all electrical connections, hoses, and bolts are properly secured. Start engine and listen for unusual noises, watching for warning lights. Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no oil or coolant leaks at timing cover or valve cover.
    ⚠Listen carefully on first startup for any abnormal timing chain noise. Stop engine immediately if rattling or unusual sounds occur.

Reassembly

1. Tighten all timing cover bolts in proper sequence to avoid leaks
2. Ensure valve cover bolts are torqued in sequence from center outward
3. Verify accessory drive belt is properly routed and seated on all pulleys
4. Double-check all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
5. Verify oil drain plug and filter are tight before starting engine

Verification

• Start engine and verify smooth idle with no unusual timing chain noise or rattling
• Check for oil leaks at timing cover, valve cover, and crankshaft pulley after engine reaches operating temperature
• Verify no check engine lights or fault codes are present
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal engine performance and power delivery
• Recheck oil level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Inspect timing cover and valve cover for leaks after 24-48 hours of operation

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