BoaConstrictor

Hi I have a 2003 accord coupe 3.0 vtec V6 automatic.

I have plenty of tools and time and am a good learner and have done a lot of work on cars before but I have not tackled the timing belt job and I plan to.

I was hoping I could get some pointers on the specific parts I need along with a link to or and explanation of the step by step process.

94vtecmn

#1 recommendation is to buy/rent the crank pulley holder tool from your local auto parts store.

#1.1 is to get the service manual for that car and follow it.

BLKFLSH

The crank pulley bolt can be VERY difficult to remove. The best way, IMO, is to use a BIG impact gun. You still need the pulley holding tool to torque the pulley bolt back on. I did the timing belt in my driveway, using the factory service manual, and after watching a few videos on the net. A very good tip is to mark the old belt and each sprocket (at bottom of crank and top of cams), then transfer the marks to the new belt. This will reduce the chances of installing the belt one tooth off on any of the sprockets.

BoaConstrictor

Ok thank you.

BoaConstrictor

Do you have the same car as me? If so, where can I get the factory service manual?
Also, I've had a hard time finding YouTube videos for my specific car..

cafrog

I've never done the V6 model. How many cam gears? 4? Im guessing the marking for cams may be different than what I've experienced. But I do know a few good thoughts that will aplly.

1. Make sure #1 piston is all the way to the top (TDC). I like to take #1 spark plug out and gently place a long screwdriver inside the cylinder. I rotate the motor and watch the screwdriver fall/rise....stopping at its highest point (TDC). This may be different for your car but that info should be easily available. If you want a good manual....Helm Manual for you motor is my personal choice. They have electronic versions too. Look into it. But....the needed tech info for your timing belt is available for free if you investigate things more.

2. Then look at the cam gears to verify how they are oriented and relate to one another. An example would be markings pointed at one another before you disassemble (maybe even take a pic with your phone)

3. I've struggled with the crank bolt and 1/2" impact. The tool is awesome. Should have someone help so you can get that bolt off with a breaker bar. Sadly, I know nothing about the V6. You should look into that.

4. Don't lose the key for the crank bolt....it's tiny.

5. Keep bottom end and top end of motor lined up just like it was before you started. In my experience, keeping track of that has made things easier/faster when installing the belt.

6. New water pump and tensioner is always a smart thing to do while you're doing the timing belt. And I always buy OEM for these but to each their own. Honda bond.

7. I always start putting on the belt on the opposite side of the tensioner (in relation to the crank) and work my way to the tensioner last. I put constant tension on the belt as I work my way around. Especially around the cam gears.

8. After tension is applied on the belt, rotate the motor (manually on crank bolt) one full cycle and recheck marks on cam gears when bottom end is TDC. Then do it again. I do the long spark plug method here too.


9. And other stuff I cannot think of right now.

Good luck. With some research and patience, you'll save some decent cash.

BLKFLSH

I have an 03 EX V6 Sedan Automatic. I bought my "Helm" manual from an online Honda dealership soon after buying the car. It was $114.00 total. You can get them much cheaper now I'm sure. You need the regular service manual, and the V6 supplement (two books). I think ericthecarguy.com has a video of him doing an Acura V6 engine, which is basically the same engine as far as the timing belt is concerned. Search for J series Honda V6 timing belt, and you should get plenty of responses. Good luck

cafrog

I forgot to mention the cam gears need to be in a certain orientation before you begin. I knew I was forgetting stuff.

I found this video. Different Honda V6 but still J series. I just skimmed it but it seems to be step by step. It even shows a part number for the crank holding tool.

Lost Again

You can get a pretty good version of the service manual from: automanualsource dot com

As "BLKFLSH" - but the car is blue now? - said, making marks on the old belt to the gears in a few spots....crank and cam(s)...then transfer the marks from the old belt to the new one.......that will save you all kinds of trouble.

Of course "since you are there" be sure to change the WP, check or replace the idler/tensioners. Many places sell timing "kits" that come with most everything you will need. Inspect the seals while you are there and replace if needed.

BoaConstrictor

Thanks everyone!
I will look into the info you provided.

mjkanejd

Don't know if you're still looking for some pointers but I just replaced the belt and water pump on my '05 Accord V-6. It was pretty easy to do (I have the Helm Service Manual) except for getting the front pulley bolt out. I watched videos and used the crank shaft holder tool but nothing would budge it. Even with a big breaker bar and a 2 foot piece of 1.5 inch black pipe on it for leverage. I even bought a new high end IR impact gun but it didn't budge.

I finally got it off by spraying R-134 refrigerant directly on the bolt for about 5 seconds. Don't spray the pully, just the bolt. The cold blast contracted the bolt enough that it came out pretty easily after that with the breaker bar.

BLKFLSH

IMO you need something larger than a 1/2" impact to get that crank pulley bolt off. I wasted a couple hours trying with a brand new ingersol rand 550ftlb gun, and it didn't budge. Luckily, I could borrow the 1" drive gun from where I work, and it laughed at the little bolt. Trying to loosen the bolt with a breaker-bar, I almost destroyed the pulley holding tool. I can't stress enough how helpful it is to mark the belt and sprockets before removing the old belt, and transferring those marks to the new belt. It makes things fool-proof (almost). Good luck.

BoaConstrictor

Hey yes, thank you that was very helpful. I will keep that in mind. I'm actually looking to do it soon but I've wanted to make sure I studied hard and have it down as much as possible. I would really hate to make a mistake.

On a side note, could you recommend any videos (you tube or whatever) that I could watch for pointers?
All the videos I've found don't seem to help me out.

Thanks.

BoaConstrictor

Ok so it's all taken care of.
I actually got help from a friend of mine but everything you guys have told me was helpful.

We used an impact gun and that didn't help getting the crank bolt off.

We had to put a breaker bar on it (also used the crank tool) and it took both of us stepping on it to loosen the bolt.. After that it was pretty much smooth sailing.

We looked at the sprockets before taking the belt off and could see the front cam needed to have #1 at the top and the back cam already had a marking.

It was a tedious job. But it wasn't as hard as I thought. I think if I didn't have his help, getting the crank bolt loose would have been nearly impossible.

We changed the water pump and belt.. Totally forgot to buy the tensioner. It was inspected though. Seems to look alright. I guess if it will need replacing then I should know what to do.

Thanks everyone!

Oh also, we had to hold the engine up with a jack to take the engine mount off to get some good access.

And there was a trick that you can do... If you get one of the bars that hold the battery in place, you can screw the threaded end into the tensioner and it will relieve tension from the timing belt. Nice little trick.