Im Re-Building my 1998 Acura CL 3.0 engine and I had to replace the rear cylinder head. The engine code is J30A1. Now I bought a rear J30A1 cylinder head off EBAY but I didn't see that it was for a 2001-2003 Acura CL J30 engine.

The cylinder heads look identical inside and out but have different casting code/numbers. I installed the head with my old camshaft and rocker arms but now Im trying to install the timing belt and I can't get the rear cylinder head camshaft pulley to line up with the mark on the backing plate for the TDC marks???

I have the Crank gear lined up TDC and the front cylinder head pulley at No.1 TDC but when I turn the rear camshaft pulley it won't line up with the backing plate... I turn the bolt on the pulley with a socket and it turns but as it comes down the camshaft lobe it spins right past the TDC mark??? Im a little confused... Thank you!

 

Your 98 CL has a J30A1....which was also transplanted into the 98-02 Accords.

The 01 - 03 Acura CL has the J32A2


-- Different heads --


You need a J30A1 head from 97-99 Acura or 98-02 Accord.