How to Replace a VTC Actuator (Complete DIY Guide)

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: advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/LPx09Y High Strength Removable Threadlocker: advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/ZdxVgk Quick Set Gasket Maker: advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/XxL4Jg Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner: amzn.to/3zPq6v1 VTC Actuator: advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/b3DkEk Honda 2.4l Valve Cover Gasket Set: advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/2rQRAQ Tools: tengtoolsusa.com/

Have to appreciate the way chris gets the absolute perfect camera angles to show everything

It’s crazy to see him do multiple things just to show us the difference, like taking the valve cover off two vehicles to show us clean vs sludge

This video helped me and my dad to replaced the VTC Actuator on our 2013 Honda CRV, we followed each step as Chris was explaining and all went good. Removing the actuator bolt was the hardest part of the process. Man, that bolt is hard. Thank you Chris.

Hey Chris, I had to comment simply because this is the finest "how to" video I've ever seen. Perfect instructions, perfectly edited, great camera angles, you didn't miss one thing. Thank you so much for taking the time to help us out here. And I know I'm speaking for many, many people. You are a blessing man!!!

VTEC!!!!! Killer job as always Chris.

As a Honda technician who has done this job (including the timing chain, guides, and tensioner) several times, I want to say, AWESOME job! You explained everything perfectly, exactly how it's supposed to be done according to the service manual, and well enough for anyone to DIY it. I agree, removing the camshaft is definitely extra work that isn't really necessary - we've done the same thing before when replacing ONLY the VTC actuator. Obviously, if you need to replace everything else, you may as well go ahead and remove the camshaft. Cracking the VTC actuator bolt loose while the chain is still on/tensioned is a good idea, because otherwise you'll have to clamp the cam in a vice with brass, wood, or plastic jaws (to avoid damaging it) in order to remove and install the actuator. Don't be afraid to use an impact to remove the bolt! My only recommendation is to NOT use thread locker on the bolt threads, and only use clean oil - Honda does not recommend this because oil does go through the camshaft and it does reach the bolt. As long as the new bolt is torqued to spec (85 ft lbs) you won't have to worry about it coming loose.

Sir ... this is one of the best repair videos I have seen. You are a natural educator. Well done!

Thank you, Chris fix !... I followed this video. Video paused it about a million , watched it about 100 times, but my parts installed in the car is running great. Great. Keep up the great work. Amazing video quality! And straightforward simple into the point. No fluff!

Chris, could you make a video in the future about how you learned the trade of fixing cars? I appreciate it!

"We're doing it ourselves so we know is done properly." I don't know about that Chris.. I can't even draw a circle.. 😅 let alone doing this..

Chris, this is way overdue but I had to comment. A friend of mine has this same car/engine and one day described the exact sound of a bad VTC actuator. Now I'm a pretty good DIY wrench generally and had seen your video so I was super confident we could get it done. He drove over from an hour away and we got to work. everything was going fine til we had to reassmble and get the chain back on. For the life of us the chain would not get back on, we tried pinning the tensioners all all. I think somehow wewe did manage to misalign or lose tension and I was afraid of having to get the whole front cover all. Ultimately we had to use my AAA tow to flatbed it to his mechanic almost 100 miles away. It always bothered me that we messed it up despite your great tutorial. The only way things could get worse is if we did get it together but with timing off so it grenaded the valves. I think if it were mine I would have been fine.I have a second car so I could walk away and come back later. Even if I had to take the front cover off it would take a long time but would get done. It underscores how different car repair is different if its your only car/only way to work in the morning. I think the pressure of rushing to get done in time might have played a part. Anyway i still appreciated the instructions and wanted to warn others of how unpleasant things can get if you jump a tooth somewhere. Be careful and take your time!

Many master mechanics YouTubers do videos on simple things like engine oil change, transmission oil change, differential fluid change, transfer box fluid change, etc., basic simple stuff. Chris does BEYOND any master mechanic on YouTube!

It’s like Christmas, been needing to do this on my wife’s car and no one has a good video. After watching this I’m not intimidated to do this job now! Thanks Chris!

everytime Chris supercleans his engine bay I run to my car and do the same. It's just so beautiful to see a clean engine

Thanks Chris, because of you I was brave enough to replace my timing chain and actuator on my Honda CRV. Super thankful for your step by step processes! Cheers and greetings from Australia :-)

Hands down a super helpful video for us, owners of this iconic engine with this common issue, I appreciate Chris !

I know I’m never going to do this, but I just love watching chris explain things so clearly!

Should've titled this, "How to put the 'kicked in yo' back in your VTEC."

One of the very best money saving mechanical videos I've ever seen. Very clear instructions! Great job!