How to replace Honda CRV timing chain DIY  

I just did this job using this video as a guide. I want to share my insight and what I learned. I'm a total amateur and the most I've done before was change oil and sparkplugs. Not only was the cost for this job exorbitant, but I was rejected by 10 garages before I found one that would do it and they wanted 2k. I couldn't justify it on an 1800 dollar vehicle. I did it and it runs great. Better than it has since I've had it. So, here we go. 2002 CRV 2.4 btw. 1. Uncle Tinman made a fantastic video. A 5 star instructional video that could be shown at UTI or any mechanic school. I watched it 3 or 4 times before I started and knew the entire job exactly what I was supposed to do. 2. Find another way to prop up your hood. It will constantly be in your way. Same goes for the PS resevoir. Just take it out. Unattach the pressure line. You'll be glad you did. 3. You will need a Lisle 77080 weighted socket and a huge Milwaukee or Dewalt XR (my choice) impact driver to break that crank bolt loose. This held up my job by a few days waiting for the socket. Even with the socket and that huge Dewalt it wasn't instant. It had to hammer for a few seconds. 4. My 18 inch extension came in handy several times. Mainly to loosen the engine mount bolt closest to the rear. Stuck it right down through the ABS lines. I loosened it with a breaker bar first. 5. You need a 1/4 inch cordless ratchet with a shallow 10mm socket. You'll save so much time and energy getting all of those bolts out of the timing cover. I didn't have one. I had already spent too much on the Dewalt. 6. I bought a 14mm Capri 0 degree offset extra long wrench to relieve the tension of the serpentine belt. It was a good purchase. I used it several times on the bracket that mounts the engine mount through the timing cover. 7. I didn't have an extra deep 17mm socket that would clear the stud on the mounting bracket. I had to file it down to fit a regular 17mm deep socket 1/2 inch drive. I filed about 1/4 of an inch off of it. Do this before you take the valve cover off. 8. Setting the timing is easy with the colored links and markings on the sprockets. After you get the chain set, put the top guide back on before you spin it around. This will keep your chain in place. 9. The three bolts on the bottom of the timing cover are hard to reach. I would recommend a thin wall 10mm with a 1/4 low profile ratchet. 10. Before you put the silicone on the cover, do a few dry runs getting the cover in place. This will help you avoid making a sticky mess. 11. Get the brake cleaner. It's a miracle solution. Thank you very much for taking the time to do this video. I feel like I could do this job again well within the 3.8 hours alloted in the labor guide. Having the right tools is essential. I have medium size hands, but if I had huge mitts and arms like some guys I know I don't know how they could do this job. It's a tight fit. Thanks again, Uncle Tinman. A+, top notch work for nothing but the greater good.

I am so grateful for people like you that make these videos! Your guys make it look easy. I watched a 30 minute video on how to replace wheel hubs and bearings. It took me 12 hours to do the job.

Wonderful video!!!!!!!!! I just bought a Honda CRV and didn't have too much oil on the engine (I know, I was impulsive!) but I took the risk and I will look after the engine now. 140K miles and I am here to see what can I do for the engine.

You are a FABULOUS mechanic. And I agree with your other viewers. You’re something special man. To take the time to not only show us all how you did this beautiful work, but you left no stone unturned. I’m considering doing this myself now. I have lack of power and acceleration. I can audibly hear the chain clanging around like it’s NOT happy. It’s got many miles 225,000. But she’s worth keeping because I love Honda and I love this CRV

Mechanic of 38 years here, Great vid you make this job look easy! Thanks !!

Bro, you just don't know how much I appreciate you right now. Currently dealing with this. Have searched quite a few videos and some give plenty of detail but skip a bunch of steps. Thank you some much for showing the stuff none of the other people are showing.

Very thorough how-to. Nice work. Recording the whole job was obviously pretty tough, but you did a great job. Kinda disappointed about how many parts need to be replaced to do the job properly. Oh well, at least it's a great engine and worthy of repair. Long live the K Series!

Did one about the same time as you , customer had EML on for a while with cam crank sychronisation error. But kept on driving ,in the end it would crank and start then stall straight away. The chain adjuster was out well past the 16mm limit and the stretch in the chain compared to the new one was immense. I think the reason it did not jump a tooth is because the owner was a gentle driver and it was automatic transmission. Very lucky !! this engine had annual oil changes with fully synthetic oil and lowish mileage for its age. A very satisfying job to do ,could alway do with a smaller pair if hands tho. Very good video 👍👍👍👍👍 If you don't have air tools the crank holding tool is the best option and a strong helper the crank bolt...IS VERY VERY TIGHT if you slip there are lots of sharp bits around for your hands to hit. WATCH THIS VIDEO IF YOU NEED TO DO THIS JOB.

You make it look easy but as for us enthusiast, it’s one thing after another. Lol. Thank you for making this very knowledgeable video!

Hey. Thanks. This is great stuff. I am at the point where I have the timing chain cover off and was struggling a bit to locate the timing marks and understand how everything is supposed to line up. This makes it all crystal clear. Thank you!

thanks for the vid. i plan to replace timing chain on my crv 2009 with 208000 miles this coming summer ❤

If I still had a Honda I would Definitely watch this video before changing a timing belt! EXCELLENT rreference!!

Excellent video. Well done! I am an advocate of synthetic oil, and I am glad in watching this, that I feel confident my CRV will hopefully be as clean inside as this one was. This video seems to be a labor of love. Thank you!

This is unbelievably helpful! I have a very badly leaking timing cover and thought I was going to have to pull the engine because all the crv forums said that’s what shops are trying to charge people to do. I’m not scared to do this myself now.

There is a special place in heaven for people like you! Great video, really helpful! I enjoyed the extra clarification 31:59 Yours sincerely, Comment Guy

Hey I don't think you have enough subscribers. I really think you do an amazing job with your videos and I'm very impressed. The exact amount of details needed.

So greatful theres a detailed tutorial video like this. Thank you

Hey man looks like you got a lot of praise for this video and I'm here for it. I'm about to tackle this job on my own and it'll be the biggest job I've done alone. Thank you for making this, it's giving me a lot of confidence

This is perfect video…. It shows so much detail. Thanks!

Thank you amigo you saved my daughter money when I was able to do it with your help

2023 i wil used ur video for repair my car thanks 🙏 🎉

This was the perfect level of detail for me. Thanks for the video and little tips along the way.

Very detailed video. Some people give too much information on how to. you just get lost on the video but you Sir are on point.

About to do this starting tomorrow, I'm hopeful it can be done in one day. 2013 Honda CR-V. Thank you for this video, very detailed.

You're the bomb for taking the time to show this. Setting the timing had me a bit nervous. Thanks!

Thank you very much for taking the time to video the R&R of the timing chain. Much appreciated.

Man I’m only 10 minutes in and I feel confident enough to knock this shit out today. Awesome video man. Seriously Kudos!

Dude, your just awesome posting this video for every DIY guys out there, thanks heaps.

I have this job to do tomorrow morning. This video gives me some before hand knowledge. I have never performed this on a Honda engine but have done many Mitsubishi engines in the Dodge vehicles in the past.

Nice job! Looking at your video, I just removed the timing chain of my CRV 2002. The worst... The Bolt of the Camshaft pulley, the rest, fast and easy. Thanks 🙏

The best video I faund, you explain in real life what happened step by step thanks my friend

Fantastic video well done I really like the humerus noises you thrown in I love the detail it's very thorough thank you

Very good vid. I was about to just pull the engine to do it. So this will save time.

I appreciate you posting this video you did a great job no it wasn't to long. Very informative and will help me with my Element timing chain replacement.

This video made my job load of the day easy as Sunday morning.thanx

Excellent video. One of the best tips pointed out here is counting the number of bolts holding the cover. The 2nd one down on left you can’t see and best way to remove it is from below reaching up. A couple of things he didn’t mention but I may add, on my 2011 Accord, there wasn’t enough room to pull out a larger bolt to the left of the motor mount bolts so I had to leave the bolt in the cover when I removed it so don’t forget to install this bolt before reinstalling the cover. There’s 2 shoulder bolts and they are line up bolts that go on the bottom corners of the cover. Install these first and the rest line up perfectly. This was an all day job but it’ll save you anywhere from $700-$1000 in labor alone not to mention the wait. Yes, there are some challenges but have patience it’s possible without engine removed. Taking my time it took me about 12 hours. I’d have no fears doing this again.

Great video, in depth coverage of entire job. Very good camera work and narration.

So much for show me how to change a timing chain it's a lot of work I appreciate this video thank you

This is one of the best videos I’ve watched doing this particular job. Thank you for posting this!

doing this soon on my K20 DC5 Integra. thank you for this video !

Great video, super helpful, just perfect for an averae joe trying to fix his car, thank you!

Good job ..i wished U were closer 2 me ..i'm 66 n this job will take me a bit longer ..thx again

Another Idea on keeping bolts organized. Use a piece of cardboard. Label top, bottom, right or left etc. Then push bolts through the cardboard in the direction of which they go. So you can always put the same bolt back into the same hole. Not very important but I tend to go a little over board in this manor. Someone that's a little picky like I may be happy to hear that aren't the only ones. Plus when they stick through, it's easy to add Never Sieze if so desired before putting back.

This is an awesome video. Thanks so much for taking the time to show us how to do this.

The greatest video ever! Perfect in every way.

That was one of the best DYI vids I’ve seen. A bit of torque guidance would have been helpful too but I guess if someone has the wherewithal to tackle this job they can ensure bolt torquing is done correctly. Thanks for your effort, I’ll subscribe to your channel.

Awesome video brother way more informative than anything else when I was looking when I initially got my 2005 Honda CRV which is exactly the same set up

Well explained n Best vid I’ve seen so far, I’ll be going down this route!! Massive thanks for film n upload

Sir Nice vedio and good tutorial it can help my job because I am auto technician in the philippines...sir thank you and god bless you always ...

Really good video very very educational of so it's a really good I'm glad that I see this video but I like to change the timing change in my 2003

Thnx man. Do another one for the oil pump/chain. Mine has 300k miles, and rattles/eng. noise a lot, I believe is the oil pump assy. Because the engine was started with low oil level...😖

Amazing video my brother In law has that gen crv that I work on from time to time and I maintain as well. Again great video and detail

Video was a huge help! This was my exact issue. Thank you!

Thank you, this is a huge help!

Looks straight forward. Nice vidéo

Some people (technicians) tell me don't change the timing chain if it's not broke. Honda does not seem to, or at least I have not found a mileage where it is recommended to change it out. What are your recommendations. Mine has 148k km (93k mi.) and I inquired but the guys in the dealership said keep driving but offered no further guidance. My concerns are more for the tensioners than the chain. Reason being the tensioner for my power steering pump is already failing so could others be far behind. I have the same CRV? Incidentally this is the most detailed and excellent presentation on car repair I have every watched. Amazing videography and given the right tools, perhaps most of us could tackle this job from your video alone.

This channel is awesome, should have over 200,000 subscribers

worth it to watch.. very detailed information..

Hello, thanks very much for all the effort putting this video together, it will be immensely helpful to me, as next week I will do exactly the same servicing on my Honda CRV 2002 Petrol Manual. I really appreciate your work, your style, your narration is excellent.

That control arm bushing is killing me inside lol

I Love the video! Thanks for the detailed information! Also Love the end!

Thank you for this in-depth video. Yeah that engine looks clean ! I'm always looking for these kind of videos You got a new subscriber :)

It’s been very educating...thanks a lot...

Good video. But not true that the colored links will line up after rotating the crank. The markings on the gears and the arrow on the crank will line up when rotating the crank but not the colored links.

Excellent video for tutorial thank you

You did a great work

Man I am about to attack this today. WISH ME LUCK!

When you replaced the chain did you have to do anything with the intake sprocket. Meaning having to lock or unlock the sprocket being that you didn't change the intake sprocket. Great job showing the chain replacement procedure.

Very informative - great job on including tips!

Excellent work. Enjoyed the video.

Excelente vídeo, muy buen explicado, tienes un nuevo suscriptor 🙌🏻 Saludos desde Panamá 🇵🇦

Such a great video, you are awesome! Thanks

Thank you for this well presented video well done

Thanks for your excellent video! I've learned a lot.

Awesome job. Thank you very much!

i just purchased a crv 2013 and discovered it has the belt timing a little wrong when starts after 1 minute no more sounds. am no mechanic I wish more confident to try this

Well done! Very detailed.😎

I'm in the middle of replacing one on a 2006 crv. Same code but also had no power. Felt like a plugged exhaust. When I pulled the valve cover, the cam marks were a full 2 teeth out. The tensioner was maxed out, and when I pulled the chain off and compared it, it was a full link longer. Stretched like crazy

Tremendous resource.

Very good video, almost makes it look easy!

Great video man!

Good work there mate!

Nice keeping it so simple! Great job and camera work!

Finally finished changing my 03 CRV timing chain. Had I known how tight the crank bolt gets I would've get in advance the special socket for it. Ended up buying a Milwaukee impact (plus batteries and charger, which came with a free little impact driver). That was the hardest part of the whole job until I got those 1400 ft/lb.. of breakaway torque to it.

Incredibly helpful video! Definitely a daunting task (P0341), but I've finally started this project on my CRV solely thanks to your video. Cam timing check was off, so I went with timing chain (was pretty stretched compared to new one!) I've run into a snag at (21:50) putting the new chain on - mine does not line up with the coloured links on the chain (2 teeth off). My chain looks the same as yours (two coloured links for each tooth). It seems like both the intake & exhaust camshafts are out of alignment by 1 tooth each in opposite directions. If I use a wrench to manually rotate each camshaft (slightly) and hold it against pressure, the two horizontal markers are lined up (TDC) and the chain fits just barely. However, as soon as I let go of either wrench, the camshaft just pops back into that "off" position and the chain jumps. I've rotated the camshafts and put a 3/16 drill bit into the pulse plate hole (lines up the camshafts in TDC) and the links line up (albeit with no slack whatsoever). I'm worried that the chain will jump out when i remove the 3/16 bits, even after the timing chain tensioner is applied. Spark plugs are out. Crankshaft is lined up with the marker for TDC. Am I missing something? Not sure what to do. Any input would be very appreciated! You can also PM me at brokendowndrone@gmail.com Thanks for the awesome CRV video!

very good video, but I think I am not going to try this myself, I just hope the mechanic I pay pays close attention.

Very helpful video. Thanks.

Very informative!!!! great video

Jesus dude your camera quality and camera angling is on point made the process look incredibly easy and even put it back together unlike most haha was looking specific for an rsx but this vid was enough props! But about how many man hours would you say this took? Also did you have to drain the oil?

Well done, I feel like I could do that job now

great vid... you the man kenny!!

One I'm doing on diagnostics it said cam sensor and crank. Replaced all still it's starting and run good for some minutes before it cuts off. At time misfires with a bang from the exhaust. Some advised me to check my timing it looks very OK. Now don't know where this problem is coming from

It looks so easy that it took me 3 days to get to the step of removing the pulley 😅

Excellent video and enough detail to do this job with confidence! I was wondering why the engine sounded like that after start up at the end of the video?

It's a very good job but sometimes was dark hard to see it if you make more lighting is perfect to see what you do ❤❤

Great video, I was just about to pull the engine to do this so you saved me a ton of headache!! How many turns do you think you had to do to get the chain and marks lined up? Felt like 50 but I lost count

Good Job Tinman!

So it’s not only the timing chain you need to change but the tensioner and other parts too. I’m not complaining but it’s my sons ride

Gotta do mine on my 06 civic si. Also has 400+ kms, hopefully my bottom ends will take another 100+ kms and maybe some bolt-ons.

Just wondering, is that steel piece at cranck case, check plate to check out youre tensioner?