The timing system is complex, and severe engine damage can occur if mistakes are made, so only highly experienced individuals should attempt this procedure. Begin by disconnecting the cable from the negative terminal of the battery, ensuring you have the correct activation code for the radio if it has an anti-theft system. Place blocks behind the rear wheels and set the parking brake, then loosen the lug nuts on the left front wheel and raise the front of the vehicle, supporting it securely on jack stands. Remove the left front wheel and the splash shield from under the engine, then support the engine with a floor jack using a wood block to avoid damaging the oil pan. Remove the upper left engine mount bracket, spark plugs, and engine drivebelts, then unbolt the power steering pump without disconnecting the hoses and set it aside. Remove the engine oil dipstick and position the number one piston at Top Dead Center, rotating the crankshaft counterclockwise to avoid incorrect timing belt adjustment. Remove the upper timing belt cover, drivebelt idler pulley and bracket, and loosen the crankshaft pulley bolt while holding the crankshaft pulley stationary. Slip the pulley off, remove the dipstick tube, and the lower timing belt cover. If reusing the timing belt, make match marks for alignment and indicate the direction of rotation. Loosen the timing belt tensioner bolt, release the tension, and remove the crankshaft fluctuation sensor before slipping off the belt. If replacing the camshaft or camshaft oil seal, use a large screwdriver to prevent rotation while removing the bolt and sprocket. Inspect the belt tensioner pulley for rough operation and play, replacing it if necessary, and check the timing belt for wear, cracks, or oil contamination, replacing it if any issues are found. Before starting the engine, rotate the crankshaft by hand through at least two full revolutions, stopping if any resistance is felt, indicating a potential issue. Reinstall the sprockets, ensuring the Woodruff key and inner belt guide are in place, and tighten the camshaft sprocket bolt. Before installing the timing belt, ensure the camshaft sprocket's dot or "UP" mark is at the top and the index marks align with the cylinder head surface. Temporarily reinstall the crankshaft pulley and bolt, turning the crankshaft until the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket aligns with the pointer on the oil pump. Install the timing belt around the crankshaft sprocket, tensioner pulley, water pump pulley, and camshaft sprocket in sequence, then loosen the tensioner bolt to allow it to tension the belt before temporarily tightening it. Turn the crankshaft counterclockwise six revolutions and recheck the timing marks for proper alignment, ensuring no binding occurs. To properly tension the timing belt, loosen the tensioner bolt half a turn, rotate the crankshaft until the camshaft pulley is three teeth past TDC, and tighten the tensioner bolt. Reinstall the remaining parts in reverse order, adjust the drive belts, and run the engine to check for proper operation.
Posted by AcuraPartsWarehouse Specialist 
