Does your engine rattle on startup? A bad variable valve timing VTC actuator or bad cam phasers can cause a rattling noise on a cold start. This is a common problem in Honda 2.4 engines including the Accord and CRV among others. This is also a common problem in Ford Ecoboost engines. In this video I show you how to diagnose a bad VVT actuator which can cause a P1009 check engine code. Then I show you the entire process on how to replace the VTC actuator without removing the camshafts and using only common hand tools. I show you how to set the engine to top dead center, remove the timing chain, replace the VTC actuator and install new gaskets in the valve cover to prevent oil leaks.
Extendable Ratchet Set: https://amzn.to/3h8gw2q
Spray Nine Degreaser: https://advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/LPx09Y
High Strength Removable Threadlocker: https://advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/ZdxVgk
Quick Set Gasket Maker: https://advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/XxL4Jg
Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner: https://amzn.to/3zPq6v1
VTC Actuator: https://advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/b3DkEk
Honda 2.4l Valve Cover Gasket Set: https://advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/2rQRAQ
Tools: https://tengtoolsusa.com/
0:00 Intro How to diagnose a bad cam phaser
3:18 Tools and products
4:24 How to remove old cam phaser (vtc actuator)
10:06 How to set engine to top dead center
14:14 How to remove timing chain tensioner
14:52 Removing old vtc actuator
18:14 How to install new vtc actuator
25:32 How to replace valve cover gasket
28:30 How to change the engine oil
29:36 Starting the car to test it
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.
I hope this helps the millions of people affected by bad variable valve timing actuators and even if you dont have this issue, there is a lot to learn about setting an engine to top dead center!
Thank you Spray Nine for hooking me up so I can SuperClean my engine bay! If you buy a bottle of their degreaser from Advance Auto Parts (or anything else) use "ChrisFix25" for 25% off your ENTIRE order! I make no money from you guys using the code, it was negotiated to help you guys. I use it myself whenever I buy parts haha. Hope this helps!
Spray Nine Degreaser: https://advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/LPx09Y
High Strength Removable Threadlocker: https://advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/ZdxVgk
Quick Set Gasket Maker: https://advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/XxL4Jg
Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner: https://amzn.to/3zPq6v1
VTC Actuator: https://advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/b3DkEk
Honda 2.4l Valve Cover Gasket Set: https://advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/2rQRAQ
Tools: https://tengtoolsusa.com/
Great video
If you're in Upstate ny I can do this for you at a good price. Just did mine 1 month ago and no noise.
Could a bad VTEC actuator cause oil pressure to be super high?
Had to fix a timing spindle on a Volkswagen, only shit what a pain in the ass, magnet has to be replaced, yes a magnet 🧲 thanks Volkswagen! Other things went on this money pit but honda is so much easier.
That’s a clean engine bay. Way to go Chrisfix
You should do a timing chain & tensioner cause I was doing this but I need to do my chain & tensioner now I can’t continue & finding somewhere going into depth on this is hard
Going to be doing the chain on my k series soon, everyone send prayers for me to the car gods that I do everything right 😂🙏
Probably just a faulty timing tensioner not the vtc gear.
Would it hurt the car if you don’t replace the actuator ??
coule i do this to my 2012 acura tsx 2.4?
Oh man I drop my 10mm
This is the MORE expensive fix for a rattle. Start with replacing the cam chain auto-tensioner first.
Great video. I have a 2012 TSX Wagon and it has been making the VTEC Actuator rattle for a couple of years. No check engine codes though. It's getting pretty much all the time after overnight and getting louder. So time to fix it. The OEM actuator is $224+ S&H. The aftermarket ones are about $100 cheaper. Looks like you made this video about 4 years ago. How is the fix holding up?
PS: Where you at? Come over and help me do mine? $$$ :o)
If my timing tensioner is stuff in the up position? What should I do?
Thread locker defineitly not required or recommended. Pre-fill of oil filter not recommended or required! You also didn't replace the drain plug washer i defineitly wouldn't want you working on my car let alone anyones car
GREAT !
I have this noise when I coldstart and when I accelerate sometimes, but I don’t have a check engine light. Should I go ahead and replace?
Have 2013 Honda CRV with the same problem dealer said the chain was stretched as well as VTC actuator, cost of job quoted as $2,868 in Aug 2024. Is that a fair price? Also ChrisFix can you do a video to show change of VTC Actuator AND the Chain to show the difference in cost of parts and labor/effort?
Great video. Really well done.
20:06 you did not show how to align CVT into the cam shaft properly as it's free spinning
Amazing video Chris, i have Crv 2014 but she have the same problem.
Followed this to the letter while swapping my VTC this weekend. Thanks x1000, Chris.
Tip to getting the exhaust sprocket back on (it was a PITA at first): There's a dowel pin in the end of the cam that needs to align with a hole in the sprocket. I put a wrench on the exhaust cam and wriggled it back and forth and then the sprocket went right on.
Chris, I can't thank you enough!!
How good and reliable is that Dorman VTC actuator??? Worth it? or better off with the OEM?
Thanks! I have a 2013 Honda Accord 2.4 it rattles at cold start but many are saying it the camshaft tensioner also I notice a whining noise any suggest is appreciated