i have a 2003 accord that seems to have jumped a tooth on the timing chain, i took the valve cover gasket off and my question is how is the best way to reset the timing on the chain with the motor in the car. i know that it has to be at top dead center with the timing marks lined up, i'm wondering if the timing cover needs to be removed to loosen the tensioner or if prying on the chain would work since the tensioner is hydraulic. if the cover does need to be removed, what is the best way to do this with the motor in the car. thanks in advance

 

I'm going to recommend replacing the chain and the tensioner about 150 from honda also some honda bond.

Also while your at honda order the special tool to hold the cams in place

You have to take off 3 oil pan bolt that bolt to the cover and remove the other bolts also to get the cover off

Option 2 try to adjust timing... there is a black cover on the timing cover held in with 3 bolts that's where the tensioner is, you'll need a push pin to lock it into place to loosen the chain

Normally the chain has stretched or tensioner has failed and that's what caused it to jump time, Hope you caught it early!

This may help also:
http://www.k20a.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6521

 

i would rec replacing the chain and the tensioner. i have done a few at the dealer. hopefully it only jumped 1 tooth and didnt bend any valves.

good luck

 

i agree with mike. i have only had one tensioner grenade on me, but it has happened. to reset the timing, you're going to have to disassemble the whole side of the motor, since you're going to have to replace the chain anyways. i would seriously NOT just pry on the chain to try to reset the tensioner. you have a pretty good chance of bending something else if you do this. with what you've already asked, i'd go buy the chilton's book, or try to find the factory manual for sale to do this. not trying to be an ***, but this isn't just replacing a timing belt and throwing it back together.

hope it all works out for you

...skeeter...