Thank you. It worked for me for Honda 2.4 engine with vtc in place. The only thing I would recommend for those who is planning to work on 2.4 Honda, to get a TS-30H (5 point star bit), you going need it to remove 5 bolts on vtc gear to get to the spring.
@094340 Don’t forget to use medium thread lock on all 5 vtc bolts when you put it back together, otherwise it will come apart. I used original spring just pulled it a little, original valve cover gasket ( use some black gasket maker on corners, same as you can see it’s done from manufacturer). Good luck to you if you doing this project.
Dude i almost didnt watch the video because i thought it was gonna be bullshit but this is quite impressive man i actually did it on my FG2 and the cold start rattle is gone dude thank you so much!!! The best thing was how easy it was all you gotta do is take the valve cover off and thats it took me 45 mins bro thank you again. Im still going to install a new VTC cam gear when i do my cams but this is a great intirim.
Just did this today on my 2012 CRV. Easy enough to do if you have the right tools (1.5hrs). It did not completely stop the rattle, but significantly reduced how loud it was. I just bought a variety pack of compression springs and found one that fit and was longer/stiffer as stretching the spring didn't work for me. Maybe with a new oil change and some liqui-moly mos2 will stop it altogether. No check engine lights, still able to engage VTEC. Timing Chain looked fine and tight as well. Note: For the CRV, you need a 5 point T30 bit, not a 6 point like in Civics. Thank you man!
Thanks Tony, great to know info - it’s commonly thought that the vtc gear is defective, no matter which brand you get, people replace many times, even replacing a stretched timing chain - good thinking, $ saving 👍
Let us know how it goes bro, I'm trying to gather some confidence to do this myself. One thing that I heard though, is that the spring kit (from Spring Start) comes with instructions that also recommends replacing the chain tensioner as well, but you don't find out about it until you get the kit. The tensioner isn't the hardest job, but it's not the easiest either.
Thank you so much. I have just done the same on my 2003 Toyota Caldina with the 1.8 litre 1ZZ FE engine. The VVTI cam rattle is gone, couldn't believe it.
Wow! What a relief to know that this could fix the rattle when I start my car. I thought it was oil starvation so I quit using Honda oil filter and switched to K&N filter but noise remained. I just adjusted valve lash on my 2013 Honda CRV so I am quite expert at removing valve cover. I am also thinking maybe I could go to a hardware store and purchase a new similar spring. Thank you for making this awesome video!
Hey @dateg18 I Have A Code P2647 “A” Rocker Arm Actuator System Stuck On Bank 1……Is It The VTec Spool Valve Solenoid?……Because I Do Have That Rattle When I Cold Start My Accord 2005 2.4L Gas……
Wished i watched this video earlier, i just recently changed this part because of the rattle. I could’ve saved myself $700 dollas 😢. Oh well thanks for posting either way, if the rattle comes back i will now know what to do. Saving this video for reference. Thanks for the clear instructions.
Tim Boylan from Nova Scotia Canada. I really appreciate what you're showing me I could never understand why you had to replace the whole gear if it was only a spring problem which everybody was telling me or the information looked like that's what it was thank you very much I really appreciate this it will save me a pile of money
@timboylen7239 To be honest, just basic maintenance like spark, plugs I know. You can replace the fuel filter in the fuel tank. But I suggest you replace it if it's never a been place. A vavle job if the car has high mileage
@@dateg18 crvtbnsc- I thank you for that reply my CRV has 180,000 km on it I was wondering what you would recommend for me to put back in it for spark plugs I've looked in there so many different kinds I realize in GK is probably the best bet but which type I respect your advice and wish to thank you very much at this time
If you stretch it, it'll just lose its tension again. Your best bet is to find a heavier spring. If you can't find that, place some washers under the spring to take up space, and restore the spring tension.
Terrible advice. The spring needs to be replaced, not shimmed or stretched. Also, the locking pin needs to be removed and worked over with some abrasives until it moves freely in and out of the detent that it locates into under the spring tension.
Thanks Man very informative video. I thought I was going to have to replace the whole from an earlier video I was watching. I’m glad I checked you out. I’m now subscribed to you. Thanks for taking time and explaining it. I just wish you had a video of you removing everything else from start to finish. I need to perform on my 2011 Honda Accord, Bless you!
Thanks man, this was very helpful. I recently installed a JDM engine with supposedly 55k miles in my 13crv and it has been making that annoying rattle at startup ifbit sat for more than a couple hours. I did this spring trick last night, took maybe about an hour, car has been sitting for 16 hours and i just started it in 30F degree weather, i was super happy as it made no noise. Not sure if it will be a permanent fix but it was super easy to do and may at least buy me some time. :-). Ended up replacing vtc as rattle returned rather quickly. Also did the chain tensioner while i was in there.
WOW! The fact you did that with one hand holding a phone is REMARKABLE!!!!! Do you play guitar, bass or keyboards? Because you'd be good at that, too!! God bless you!!!
I'll have to try this, I replaced the cam phaser on my 2011 Accord 7 years ago and within the past year it's started clattering every time I start it. The parts guy at Honda assured me that the phaser they sold me was the "updated" version even though it has the same part number.....BS. Being a mechanic I have absolutely no desire to work on my own vehicle so this will make my life a little easier if it works. I'm about due for my 200k valve adjustment and plug replacement (early) so I will try this instead of replacing the whole thing again. BTW, you have a white, Canadian cousin selling tools for Snap-on here in Texas, seriously, the similarities between you two are eerie.
i just did in my 16 ILX and it worked perfectly, the only difference that i saw was when i separated the plate from the cam it did not have the plastic piece that hold the spring. not sure if my motor does not use it but it didn’t have it. i took the spring, stretched it and put everything back together. started the engine and behold the rattle is gone. if anyone can confirm this info please let me know. regardless you saved me a ton of money, really appreciate it.
Thanks for this video, much simpler fix than replacing vtc gear and risking throwing off timing and having to loosen tensioner and mess with timing chain etc.!!!
Tony, Thanks for this video and your replies! My 2014 CRV only has 132k miles and rattles only after 2 days parked (oil drawdown) so i tried a few cautious pre-cranks to pre-lube the VTC and i cut my rattle durations significantly. Some even zero = eliminated rattle. I am going to buy a 10 second delay relay to try in my fuel pump relay function so my 1st 10 seconds of starter cranking is to spinup my oil pump and THEN switch on fuel to start. In my years in mine machinery we used an entire kit called “pre-lube” which pre spun oil pumps on 2,000hp Cummins and such TDI’s so that when cranked over all oil galleries were full and at oil psi. Comments ? Thanks in advance!
Well, you will be draining your battery and also wearing out your starter. That's a complex work-around for something that can just be fixed by addressing the root cause.
Useful video, thanks. One thing: if stretching the spring doesn't work, and then you order the kit from Spring Start, it comes with a recommendation that you also replace the chain tensioner, in addition to swapping out the spring on the VTC. So, depending on your mechanical skills, you may or may not have a hard time with that. What bothers me is that apparently there is no mention of this 'prior' to buying the kit, so Spring Start is giving you the impression that just changing the spring will fix the problem. I wouldn't exactly call that shady, but I do think it's a pretty big omission.
When posting the video at the time, there was no replacement vtc spring available to buy, and yes, there is still a startup rattle. You should consider replacing the timming chain tensioner because they are faulty too and ppl I'm not a Professional mechanic. I have just been Fortunate enough to have friends that have worked for honda over the years I've been doing this since the early 90s.
@@dateg18 NP bro, I get that you are just trying to help...much appreciated. So, are you saying that you replaced the spring and still got the rattle? I'm about to order the spring kit and the tensioner, and give this thing a go. But first I want to see if my chain is stretched, if it is then I'll have to get that too. What a PITA, and Honda still doesn't have an official fix for this issue. By the way, I'm no mechanic either, but what I think I can do I'll try to do, and hope I don't F it up.
This seems to be happening on the 2.4 from 2008 through 2017. You think Honda engineers would have figured this out by now. Put a thicker gauge spring which is a .50 part. Problem solved.
@@tpc3416 Honda clearly just wants this issue to go away, they haven't had a service bulletin since 2017 on it, so we are stuck. My 2009 Accord is solid in every way, except for this VCT actuator. Even Honda mechanics are split 50/50...some say replace all the timing components, others say just keep topping off the oil. It's frustrating and aggravating to say the least.
It would depend on the year and model of the vehicle as well as milage if the TCT replacement is recommended. Often, replacing the VTC actuator locking spring alone resolves the issue. Some vehicles need a higher rate spring others the OEM design spring for best results.
GOOD MAN ! Thank you ! This saved me a Ton of Cash & time. The fact that a slight increase in tension on a spring that might cost ( .30 cents ) Maybe ! that will completely fix a component that can cost ( $800+ ) is Ridiculous ! Honda should be better than this.
I have the exact problem on my wife's 2011. Did you use a particular video for pull the valve cover off? I've worked on other engines but always feel more comfortable having a video to reference for new-to-me engines. Thanks!
@@johnnixon I bought gasket kit on Amazon and it came with everything you need …just get good RTV silicon for the corners on top of head.There are videos and torque specs out there ..And like I said no surprises other than there was no plastic piece inside spring.
Just subbed to ya sir for this great video, thank you so much. My wife has a 2011 CRV that's had this rattle for years now. Honestly we've just dealt with it b/c we're in TX and it only shows up in the one month of cold we have. I'd like to fix it this winter, the engine has low mileage less than 90K. I've worked on older V6 and V8s but it's been awhile and I know these Honda is all aluminum. Any good videos on taking the cover off and torque specs? Thank you!
Greatly appreciate what you shared. Does thing also is the cause on my Honda civic produces grinding/rattle noise in the morning(overnight park) from park to reverse.
Wow ... Thanks for kind of easiest idea to try out. Looks Promising for brief sporadic noise I get when starting my 2008 4 cylinder Honda Accord with 125K miles on vehicle. ... I ordered a new cam chain tensioner thinking that could be source of noise to go after first; and will now try this spring fix first. Thanks. I will study your comments section next for the additional education. Thanks
@@RohitGeh I have not yet tackled this project. I will replace the spring first; see if spuractic noise goes away; and then replace cam chain tensioner if I still hear that noise. ... The results will be informative and interesting.
I have done this on my own si, and it's been 2 years now, and not working just fine no problem I posted a link in my bio to a company that sell replacement vtc springs hope it help sir
This is only a temporary fix. Here's why: From a metallurgical standpoint it has to do with the elasticity and resiliency properties of the metal in the spring. Elasticity is what makes it want to return to its original shape after being stressed (either stretched or compressed). Resiliency is how much the metal resists stress. Because of wear and heat, the spring still has elasticity but lost resiliency which is why it no longer pushes back with as much force under compression. Now here's the problem with your fix: If you stretch the spring as you have, you have stressed the spring past its elastic limit such that it will no longer return to its original shape. You have also weakened its resiliency and it will no longer want to resist compression. Once you put this spring under compression, it will very quickly lose its ability to push back with as much force, and you will be right back where you started. You also risk causing the spring to break. If you are going to rebuild this VTC the way you show, then you must REPLACE the spring.
Thanks for the comment but I have done this on my own car and friends cars as well it not a true fix but it works and I have not a had to replace the vtc gear to do so its been 2year seens I did the spring pull to my own car and I have not had the problem come back I never said this was a complete fix for the problem ppl are having but a free and effective way to get the noice to stop there no replacement parts available by honda other then buying a new vtc gear and most ppl don't have the extra money to spend 250-400.00 on a vtc gear brand new so if you have a part number for the spring a would gladly like to have it and a part number because honda does not sell a rebuild kit for it and I totally get everything your saying I'm just offering ppl a temporary fix help when there no other option
If you replace the spring with one from a hardware store, how careful do you have to be to get one with the right force? ...so it will lock when it should but not lock when it shouldn't?
This is good information. I'm at 107,00 on our CRV and it also has the rattle on cold start up. I know you recommended replacing the timing chain tensioner, do you think the timing chain itself would be stretched and need replacement at this point also? Thanks!
If you take the 4 screws out while it’s on the cam the back won’t come apart because the cam bolt is holding pressure against the cam and the back of the vtc actuator
Could be, i think on mine the front and rear plate as well as outter gear housing are not connected to inner part of phaser that is bolted to cam. i just took a piece of corrugated cardboard and folded it in half, it made a perfect wedge to hold back plate from possibly moving
That's a fair assessment, but to be sure, use a folded piece of cardboard as a shim and in the middle of the fold cut out a semi-circle to go around the end of the camshaft.
@@tysonmirka7652 No ticking sound until engine is completely warmed up? Im asking because I did that spring thing and I don't know if that ticking sound was a coincidence, but it came out. It was the chain tensioner. I don't see how that spring could have any relation with the chain tensioner, but... It was a clapping sound until engine was hot and the sound was gone... But sadly my engine jumped many teeth and I had to swap it for a JDM engine, (more power). But that JDM also has that VTC rattle, so I'm a little stressed doing the spring thing again.
The newer actuators (read: R5A) have five-point Torx Plus screws instead. (Note that the R5A actuator can also rattle. It's not a panacea as they claim it to be.) If I find that to be incorrect I will update this comment.
What have your results been like now, two years after this post? Was it a one time fix or you have to consistently replace or fix the spring? If so, how often (miles) do you find yourself doing it?
So I have a 2018 fit that had that rattle a few times a week on cold starts. Is this a "this needs fixed immediately" kinda issue or a "it can wait within reason" It just started doing it, but it's not often. Some people on the honda fit reddit said it could be fine for years until it finally stretches the timing belt. I just don't have the know how or the money to have somone go in there and replace the spring.
I’m going to order the part but I’m no timing expert so I’m requesting quotes from local shops. The problem is, Al the shops are up selling recommending to replace the entire timing chain, tensioner, etc. it’s ridiculous.
So i had same problem on a 2015 crv & accord i own. Found a mechanic who said to replace chain tensioner and it completely fixed problem he even said theres a TSB written about it. Fyi
Hola Gustavo, sabes de que medida es el torx plus (punta estrella) de los tornillos? Necesito comprarlo para poder desarmar ya que no es torx no multiestria no se que medida es...
Thank you for such an interesting video... I have a 2014 Honda crv with this problem, I want to know what number of 5-point tork key I need to remove the screws, thanks
What sort of miles does the spring go bad at. I'm picking up an Accord on Saturday with 90k miles on it. It's the kz24 and been serviced all its life. It's a lady owner in mint condition. Are these good engines?
Great video but the problem I run into is those torx bolts are a bitch to crack open. One of them stripped so now I gotta figure out what to do. Have you run into this?
My 06 GMC envoy got a rattle I'm not sure if it's the vvt solenoid or my timing chain or the spring but it lost a little power and it's got camshaft codes and crankshaft codes what could it be
My 2014 crv is just starting to do this, it was replaced around 50k under warranty, I’m now at 118K. So, if doing this, you would replace the timing chain tensioner, would you also need a valve cover gasket and the spark plug tube gasket set? Would i need to also check valve lash also? It’s never been done yet. Thanks for any info.
I would replace the timing chain tensioner there no need to do a valve lash on the motor with the mileage it has but yes u can do new spark plug and a gasket
You dont have to remove chain just be super careful dont put preload on the tensioner so the sprockets dont slip as they are under spring tension and bungie cord them, also honda sells a camshaft gear holder its two pins connected by a link that locks both camshafts in place its like 10 bucks just type in honda camshaft holder and youtube a video on it youll see what im talking about i had to change my chain and tensioner when i did mine so i didnt have to worry about the chain slipping as it was coming off anyways[thats where the camshaft holder tool realllllly shines]
