Timing chain cover — removal and installation
Warning: Wait until the engine is completely cool before beginning this procedure.
Removal
1. Disconnect the cable from the negativebattery terminal (see Engine electrical systems).
2. Remove the VTC oil control solenoidvalve from the timing chain cover.
3. On Civic models, remove the cowl panel (see Body).
4. Loosen the right front wheel lug nuts.Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the right front wheel.
5. Remove the splash shields from belowthe engine compartment (see Oil pan — removal and installation illustrations 3a and 3b).
6. Drain the engine oil and remove the drivebelt (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
7. Remove the mounting bolts and detachthe drivebelt tensioner from the timing chain cover.
8. Remove the crankshaft pulley (see Crankshaft pulley and front oil seal — removal and installation).
9. Disconnect the crankshaft position sensor harness and other electrical connectors that may interfere with timing chain cover removal.
10. Drain the cooling system (see Tune-up and routine maintenance). Remove the oil cooler joint pipe mounting bolt from the water pump (if equipped). Pull the joint pipe back and out, then remove the 0-ring.
11. Support the engine with a floor jack. Place a wood block between the jack head and the oil pan to avoid damaging the pan.
12. Remove the ground cable and the right-side engine mount and bracket assembly (see Engine mounts — check and replacement).
13. Remove the valve cover (see Valve cover — removal and installation).
14. Remove the mounting bolts and the timing chain cover.
15. Remove the cover-to-block gasket.
Installation
16. Inspect and clean all sealing surfaces of the timing chain cover and the block.
Caution: Be very careful when scraping on aluminum engine parts. Aluminum is soft and gouges easily. Severely gouged parts may require replacement.
17. If necessary, replace the crankshaft seal (see Crankshaft pulley and front oil seal — removal and installation).
18. Apply RTV sealant to the cylinder block mating surfaces on the cover, the upper surface contact areas and to the oil pan mating surfaces. Also, apply a small amount of RTVsealant to the inner thread holes.
19. Install a new timing chain cover 0-ring.
20. Install the timing chain cover and fasteners. Make sure the fasteners are in their original locations. Tighten the fasteners by hand until the cover is contacting the block around its entire periphery.
21. Tighten the bolts to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
22. Install a new 0-ring onto the oil cooler joint pipe and insert the pipe into the water pump. Tighten the bolt to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
23. Install the drivebelt tensioner, tightening the bolts to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
24. Install the crankshaft pulley (see Crankshaft pulley and front oil seal — removal and installation).
25. Connect the wiring harness connectors. Secure the wiring harnesses with the clamps.
26. Reinstall the remaining parts in the reverse order of removal.
27. Fill the crankcase with the recommended oil (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
28. Refill the cooling system (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
29. Reconnect the battery (see Engine electrical systems).
30. Start the engine and check for leaks. Check all fluid levels.