How to: Remove and Re-Install Camshafts

In preparation for selling the XSi it's time to remove the CTR camshafts and re-install the standard cams. This time around I have taken some photos so I can eventually finish this write-up.

Removal

First remove the valve cover. There are 8 x 10mm nuts. You'll need to remove the spark plug wires, throttle cable bracket and grounding strap.

Carefully pry up the valve cover, be careful not to damage the head or valve cover gasket. Keep an eye on the plastic washers and the round gaskets which may fall out.

Set the motor at top dead centre (TDC) by turning it over with a 19mm socket wrench on the crank pulley bolt. The dots on the cam gears should line up with each other and the mark on the crank pulley should line up with the pointer on the cam belt cover.

Remove the cam holder plates by removing the 20 x 12mm bolts and 8 x 10mm end cap bolts. You'll need a ring spanner or long socket to remove some of them. Remove them in sequence starting from the middle and working outwards.

Carefully pry the cam plates and set them down somewhere in order to make sure they go back in the same places.

With the cam plates removed you can pull the timing belt off the cam gears and remove the cams from the head.

Remove the cam gear from the camshaft by removing the 14mm bolt, a rattle gun will help with this. Don't lose the key that may fall out.

Carefully remove the cam seals and check for wear. Replace if necessary.

If you want to check for proof of which cams you have you need to check the number of rings on the end of the camshaft. Check the camshaft identification page on this site

Installation

Reinstall the cam gears on the camshafts, make sure you install the key and cam seals properly.

Run a bead of assembly lube on each of the cam journals.

Slide the intake cam in distributor-end first. Note the slot is offset to one side so it will only go in one way.

Once both cams are installed, ensure the cam seals are sitting properly.

Run a bead of assembly lube on each of the cam caps when you install them. Be sure to match each cap to the correct location.

Torque the cam plates and end caps down to spec. Make sure the engine is still at TDC when you put the timing belt back over the cam gears.

It would be a good idea to do a valve adjustment at this stage.

Replace the valve cover and spark plug wires.

 

 

 

This website has been gradually growing since I started it in early 2002. Originally I was simply documenting modifications and repairs to my car but I decided to publish it when I began to discover others were interested in the information. If you need help or have a how-to relating to Honda B series VTEC engines, or DA or DC2R Integras you can
email me.

While all care is taken to provide correct information, mistakes are occasionally made and I cannot be responsible for any damage that occurs to readers vehicles.