1. This Chapter is devoted to in-vehicle repair procedures for the 1.8L four-cylinder engine. This engine utilizes a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), with 4 valves per cylinder (16V). The 1.8L engine incorporates the VTEC (Variable valve Timing and lift Electronic Control) system, which electronically alters valve timing to enhance engine performance. For more information on the VTEC system, see VTEC system — description and component checks of this Chapter.
2. The SOHC engines are lightweight in design with an aluminum alloy block (with steel cylinder liners) and an aluminum alloy cylinder head. The crankshaft rides in a single carriage unit that houses the renewable insert-type main bearings, with separate thrust bearings at the number four position to control crankshaft endplay.
3. The pistons have two compression rings and one oil control ring. The semi-floating piston pins are press fitted into the small end of the connecting rod. The connecting rod big ends are also equipped with renewable insert-type plain bearings.
4. The engine is liquid-cooled, utilizing a centrifugal impeller-type pump (driven by the drivebelt) to circulate coolant around the cylinders and combustion chambers and through the intake manifold.
5. Lubrication is handled by a rotor-type oil pump mounted on the front of the engine (in the timing chain cover). It is driven directly by the crankshaft. The oil is filtered continuously by a cartridge-type filter mounted on the rear of the oil pan.
6. Information concerning engine removal and installation can be found in Part C of this Chapter.
7. The following repair procedures are based on the assumption that the engine is installed in the vehicle. If the engine has been removed from the vehicle and mounted on a stand, many of the steps outlined in this Part of Chapter will not apply.
