Complete replacement of the timing chain, tensioner, guides, and related components on the 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L turbo engine, requiring engine support and partial disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain kit (chain, tensioner, guides, idler sprocket) × 1 — Use OEM Honda kit
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket and grommets × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — 94109-14000
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft pulley bolt (if TTY) × 1 — Verify reusability per service manual
• RTV silicone sealant (Honda Bond HT) × 1 — Use OEM Honda Bond HT

Fluids

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

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
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 remove oil filter.
5. Drain coolant from radiator and engine block drain plugs.
6. Remove front wheels and lower splash shields to access crankshaft pulley.
7. Remove accessory drive belt by releasing spring-loaded tensioner.
8. Support engine weight with proper engine support fixture from above, securing to chassis.
9. Jack up engine slightly to relieve weight from right-side motor mount.
10. Label and disconnect all electrical connectors, vacuum hoses, and PCV connections from valve cover area.
11. Remove ignition coils and spark plugs to ease crankshaft rotation.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover assembly
   Unbolt valve cover in reverse sequence of tightening pattern (work from outside bolts inward). Carefully lift valve cover away, being cautious not to damage gasket mating surfaces. Inspect camshaft lobes and journals for wear while exposed.
2. 2

   Remove right engine mount and bracket
   With engine properly supported, remove right-side engine mount bolts from frame. Remove mount bracket bolts from engine block. Carefully remove bracket to access timing cover area. Verify engine support is stable before proceeding.
   ⚠️Verify engine support is secure. Engine movement during this step can cause injury or damage.
3. 3

   Remove crankshaft pulley
   Install crankshaft holder tool to prevent rotation. Using breaker bar or impact wrench, remove crankshaft pulley bolt (counterclockwise). Remove pulley from crankshaft snout. If pulley is stuck, use harmonic balancer puller - do not pry against timing cover. Inspect pulley for keyway damage.
   ⚠Crankshaft bolt is extremely tight. Ensure holder tool is secure to prevent crank rotation damage.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft pulley bolt117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove timing cover
   Remove all timing cover bolts in reverse sequence, noting different sizes (6mm, 8mm, 10mm bolts). Carefully pry timing cover away from engine block using plastic pry tools at designated pry points only. Clean all RTV residue from timing cover and block mating surfaces using gasket scraper and solvent. Do not gouge aluminum surfaces.
5. 5

   Set engine to TDC and verify timing marks
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise (viewing from front) until No. 1 piston is at top dead center on compression stroke. Align colored link or mark on timing chain with marks on both camshaft sprockets and crankshaft sprocket. Insert camshaft timing pins through holes in camshaft sprockets into cylinder head to lock camshafts. Verify all timing marks align precisely before proceeding.
   ⚠Timing marks must align exactly. Photograph alignment before removal for reference during reassembly.
6. 6

   Remove timing chain tensioner
   Remove timing chain tensioner mounting bolt. Carefully extract tensioner assembly from engine. Inspect tensioner for proper operation - plunger should not be collapsed or seized. Note tensioner orientation for installation.
7. 7

   Remove timing chain guides and idler sprocket
   Remove timing chain guide bolts and extract upper and lower chain guides. Remove idler sprocket bolt and remove idler sprocket. Keep all components organized and inspect guides for excessive wear, cracking, or grooving. Replace if wear exceeds 1mm depth or cracks are visible.
   Torque spec

   Chain guide bolts12 Nm (8.9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove camshaft sprockets and VTC actuator
   Using camshaft holding wrench on hex section of each camshaft, remove intake and exhaust camshaft sprocket bolts. Remove sprockets from camshafts. Remove VTC actuator (cam phaser) from intake camshaft. Mark sprocket orientation before removal. Inspect camshaft journals and sprocket teeth for wear.
   ⚠Hold camshaft securely on hex section only. Do not allow camshaft to rotate or valve damage may occur.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft sprocket bolt (VTC actuator)56 Nm (41 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove timing chain and crankshaft sprocket
   Remove timing chain from crankshaft sprocket by lifting upward. Remove crankshaft sprocket from crankshaft. Inspect crankshaft woodruff key for damage or looseness. Clean all chain debris from oil pump area and chain case.
10. 10

    Install new crankshaft sprocket and timing chain
    Install new crankshaft sprocket onto crankshaft, aligning with woodruff key. Verify sprocket is fully seated. Route new timing chain around crankshaft sprocket, ensuring colored link or timing mark aligns with mark on crankshaft sprocket. Support chain to prevent dropping into case.
11. 11

    Install idler sprocket and chain guides
    Install new idler sprocket and torque bolt to specification. Install new upper and lower timing chain guides, ensuring they seat properly in locating pins. Torque guide bolts to specification. Verify chain routes correctly through guides with no binding.
    Torque spec

    Chain guide bolts12 Nm (8.9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install VTC actuator and camshaft sprockets
    Apply medium-strength thread locker to VTC actuator bolt threads. Install VTC actuator to intake camshaft, aligning pin. While holding intake camshaft on hex section with wrench, torque actuator bolt to specification. Install exhaust camshaft sprocket and torque bolt while holding camshaft. Verify timing chain colored links align with marks on both sprockets and crankshaft sprocket. Install camshaft timing pins to verify alignment.
    ⚠Thread locker is critical on VTC actuator bolt. Bolt loosening will cause catastrophic engine damage.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft sprocket bolt (VTC actuator)56 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Prepare and install timing chain tensioner
    Compress new tensioner plunger completely and insert tensioner pin or 2mm drill bit through hole to lock plunger in compressed position. Install tensioner into engine and torque bolt to specification. Verify tensioner is secure before removing pin. Carefully remove pin - tensioner will automatically tension chain. Verify chain has proper tension and no slack.
    ⚠Do not remove tensioner pin until tensioner is fully installed and torqued. Premature release may cause improper chain tension.
14. 14

    Verify timing and rotate engine
    Remove camshaft timing pins. Carefully rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise. Reinstall timing pins - they should insert easily if timing is correct. Verify all timing marks align. If pins do not insert or timing marks are off, remove chain and repeat installation. Rotate engine several more times to verify smooth operation with no binding.
    ⚠️Do not proceed if timing verification fails. Starting engine with incorrect timing will cause immediate catastrophic damage.
15. 15

    Install timing cover with new gasket
    Apply thin bead of Honda Bond HT RTV silicone to timing cover mating surface per factory specifications (specific points only, not continuous bead). Install new timing cover gasket. Position timing cover and install all bolts finger-tight. Torque bolts in proper sequence: 10mm bolts first, then 8mm bolts, then 6mm bolts, working from center outward. Allow RTV to cure per manufacturer instructions before adding oil.
16. 16

    Install crankshaft pulley
    Clean crankshaft snout and pulley bore thoroughly. Install pulley onto crankshaft, aligning keyway. Install new crankshaft bolt if original is TTY (torque-to-yield). Using holder tool to prevent rotation, torque crankshaft bolt to specification using torque wrench or impact wrench calibrated to proper torque.
    Torque spec

    Crankshaft pulley bolt117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Reinstall valve cover
    Install new valve cover gasket and grommets. Clean valve cover and cylinder head mating surfaces thoroughly. Position valve cover and install bolts finger-tight. Torque valve cover bolts in proper sequence (center outward) to specification. Reconnect all electrical connectors, PCV hoses, and vacuum lines.
    Torque spec

    Valve cover bolts10 Nm (7.4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine mount bracket and right-side motor mount, torquing to factory specifications.
2. Remove engine support fixture once mount is secure.
3. Install spark plugs and ignition coils, torquing to specification.
4. Install accessory drive belt onto all pulleys and verify proper routing.
5. Install lower splash shields and wheels, torquing lug nuts to specification.
6. Install new oil filter and refill engine with 4 quarts Honda Genuine 0W-20 oil.
7. Refill cooling system with Honda Type 2 coolant, bleeding air from system.
8. Reconnect negative battery terminal.
9. Install engine cover.

Verification

• Before starting engine, rotate crankshaft by hand two complete revolutions to verify no binding or interference.
• Check that camshaft timing pins can still be inserted after rotation, confirming timing accuracy.
• Prime oil system by cranking engine with fuel pump fuse removed until oil pressure light extinguishes (5-10 seconds).
• Start engine and immediately verify oil pressure. Engine should start normally without abnormal noises.
• Listen carefully for timing chain noise, rattling, or ticking that would indicate improper installation or tension.
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no coolant or oil leaks from timing cover or valve cover.
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes related to camshaft timing or VTC system using scan tool.
• Road test vehicle to verify normal operation, acceleration, and no misfires or timing-related issues.
• Recheck oil level after test drive and top off if needed. Inspect for leaks once more after cool-down.

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