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Honda Acura Timing Belt Service & Crank Pulley Tool
By Dennis Bandy Copyright © 2006 DenLorsTools.com
As you may know, Honda engines are vulnerable to damage if the timing belt breaks. If the timing belt fails, the valves can interfere with the pistons causing severe engine damage. If you are not sure if the car you are working on has an "interference" engine or is "freewheeling" refer to a Timing Belt Reference Book. As a technician you can increase your shops income and provide a valuable service for your customer by suggesting a new timing belt at the recommended service interval. Once your customer understands the risk of postponing this particular part of their maintenance schedule, you will usually meet with little resistance. However the resistance you may face could be loosening the crank pulley bolt, to perform the timing belt service. The crank pulley bolt on a Honda engine is very difficult to loosen. Most 1/2" impacts just are not strong enough to loosen it. The choice is yours to either use a 3/4" impact gun such as the CP 772H or a Honda/Acura crank pulley tool like the Powerbuilt 648796 crankshaft pulley holder and the KD 3970, either approach will work. If you are working on a double over head cam engine you may consider getting a cam lock tool like the KD3840 to keep the cams from springing out of alignment while the belt is off. The Powerbuilt Honda crank pulley tool is also available in a kit "Honda Tool Deal" that includes a 10mm valve adjustment tool, feeler gauge and add the KD 3840 cam clamp tool to the check out cart if you have a DOHC. Honda Crank Pulley Tool Q: I want to install an under drive pulley on my Honda. How does this crank pulley tool hold onto the pulley? How do I know it will work?
A: Since 1990, there is only one size to fit Honda crank pulley's with the hexagon slot. Look at the picture and you will see the tool has 6 flat sides - a hexagon shape. Remove the splash shield and look directly at your crank pulley, If it has a hexagon female slot in it, this crank pulley tool will work. You insert the tool, use a breaker bar to hold it and put a socket through the middle of the hole of the tool, onto the crank pulley bolt. You are now able to keep the crank pulley stationary while you turn the crank bolt to loosen it. Q: Help! Is there a special tool used to hold the crank pulley on Honda's? When I try to loosen the crank bolt the engine just turns. A: Yes, the Honda/Acura crank pulley holding tool I recommend is the 648796-Powerbuilt , it is in the "how to" video above. When the crank pulley holding tool is used the crank pulley (or damper) is held in place so you can loosen the crank pulley bolt. If the timing belt failed while driving, valve damage may have occurred. What are your options?
Option A: Replace the timing belt, if the car runs good you just got lucky, if the car idles rough valves are probably bent, a valve job may be required.
Option B: First inspect the top of the pistons with a fiber optic bore scope; see Fiber Optic Bore Scope uses Tech Article on our website.
How To Tips
1. While working on engine only rotate it in the direction it turns while it is running (counter clockwise on most Honda engines), valve damage may occur if turned in wrong direction
2. You will need two 1/2" breaker bars, one to use with the crank pulley tool & one to loosen the crank pulley bolt
3. Start disassembly with the engine at top dead center. In addition to using the factory marks you may find it helpful to make your own marks with white touch up paint or white out (especially if the belt you are changing is for maintenance)
4. The crank bolt is right hand thread (you may question this when you see how tight it is). Do not apply heat, this may damage seals
5. When removing the pulley be careful not to allow the line up key to fall and get lost (some fall out easily)
6. While you have the timing covers off it is a great time to check for oil leaks from the cam and crank seals
7. Turn the water pump and tensioner pulleys to check for roughness and run out (either of these could cause your new timing belt to fail)
8. If there are rubber seals on the timing covers, make sure they stay in place. You can glue the seals to the covers if needed to prevent them from falling inside the cover and interfering with the timing belt (if the seal rub the new belt it can cause premature failure)
9. Look at the new belt closely; one extra cog can ruin the job. I once put a belt on a Honda that had one extra cog and realized it only after putting it on. Always count the cogs, then after installing turn the engine several revolutions after installation to insure marks still line up properly at top dead center
10. On some models the crank sensor wiring can rub accessory belts if not properly routed, pay close attention to this for quality control
Typical 4 cyl. Honda Timing Belt Replacement
1. If radio is an anti theft type, make sure you have the code and then disconnect the battery. Disconnecting the battery will prevent tools from shorting out on electrical connections while working under the hood.
2. Jack up vehicle and support with jack stand. Remove the wheel and splash shield to allow access to the lower front of engine. Rotate engine with breaker bar on crank bolt counter clock-wise to top dead center, loosen crankshaft pulley bolt.
3. Remove accessory belts, dipstick tube and power steering pump (leave the p.s. hoses attached) . Pull the pump to the side and bungee it out of the work area.
4. Place a block of wood on a floor jack and support the engine on the oil pan, then remove engine mount to allow access to timing belt cover.
5. Remove the valve cover, timing covers and crankshaft position sensor.
6. Find timing marks for the specific engine, look for "UP" stamped in camshaft pulley.
7. Install replacement timing belt and recheck timing marks to verify marks are still lined up. Reverse the removal instructions, refer to how to tips listed above.
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