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

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.

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!!

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.

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

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

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!

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!!!

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

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!

Once again I just have to say ... you nailed it. You definitely have a certain knock-on these types of jobs, and explaining and videotaping the whole job. You are good and I have been an aircraft mechanic/engineer for 37 years! and worked on a ton of different aircraft, and my different vehicles over the years. Getting your head around the fact that you can do this and a lot of other jobs done without major expenses is the first step to it all.

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

"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: “Well we can’t just leave just one spot clean” Super cleans whole engine bay

I have watched numerous of reference videos on YouTube, and hands down, you are did an excellent job in this one. Thank you for taking the time to be detailed and organized from beginning to end and helping hard-working people save a lot of money. I'm a licensed aircraft mechanic and much respect for a job well done sir.

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

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."

This may be the most comprehensive, detailed video of EXACTLY what to do. My daughter has this issue with her CRV (very common) and this video will be a DEFINITE help! 👍