Hi there.. so I just replaced the VTC actuator following the TSB instructions and specs on my 2012 CR-V. I also changed the chain tensioner and the VTC oil control solenoid.. However, when turning the engine over by hand, I hear a click noise from the timing chain. It happens right before TDC of cylinder 1 I believe and I think at each 360 rotation. The chain between the cam shaft gears develops just a bit of slack and then slaps up against the plastic guide covering the cam shaft gears. I don’t know if this is a problem, or if it’s normal? I had spark plugs out so it was easier to turn over for the valve adjustment.. also watching the chain tensioner, the little lock bar moves significantly when it clicks. At first I thought it was the tensioner. But after several rotations, it appears to be the slight amount of slack that appears just as the crankshaft is coming around to TDC (and then slapping up against the guide). I can’t fathom what this slack would be from, it’s only at the one point.. maybe the tensioner needs to adjust out one more click, that’s my best guess.. I’m not sure.. any thoughts? It’s all back together but I haven’t gotten up the nerve to turn the key yet.. lol. Thanks in advance…

 

Sounds like the cam being pushed ahead by lobe ramps. That is pretty normal.

Timing chain tensioner will also have oil pressure backing it when the engine is running eliminating that little bit of backlash.

 

Thanks Ryan.. I’m debating pulling it down and replacing the chain.. but when I pulled the old tensioner and measured the piston, it was well under the 14mm indicating a stretched chain. I should have noted the measurement, I think it was 4-5 clicks out so maybe 10mm. But if it doesn’t need replacement right now, I’d like to wait because of the expense. I have read that people trying to fix the “rattle on cold startup” TSB 09-10 VTC actuator are not all having success with just changing the actuator. Some say you should change the chain, guides, tensioner, and VTC oil control solenoid all at the same time.. I guess if I were to wait on the chain, I just don’t want to have to replace any of the other stuff again. Also, I had some light scarring on the end of the tensioner piston.. presumably normal, from rubbing against the chain guide? Do you think the chain should be replaced now or from my description (tensioner measurement) does it sound like it could wait? 118,000 miles regular oil changes I believe at 5K intervals.. although it does use a bit of oil between changes, maybe half a quart.

 

Probably fine. The timing chain issues are from extended oil change intervals. You will get a cam crank correlation error when the chain really starts stretching and nearing the end.

I have a couple K series on the original chains well beyond 200k. One is just over 300k.

 

Thanks Ryan.. much appreciated.. I ended up pulling the valve cover again and checking that the phaser lock holes lined up on both cams when at TDC and they both allowed a good size Allen wrench in. Also checked clearance between chain and guide at back side of exhaust cam gear, had 4mm there, then the tensioner not being more than 10mm, all gave me a little better peace of mind.. So I started it up, sounded good, no more VTC rattle.. Thanks for your explanation of the cam being pushed ahead by the lobe ramps.. that made total sense and I hadn’t thought about that.. it was also probably made more pronounced by the lack of compression with the spark plugs out. So, thanks for your time.. and sorry for the lengthy posts..

 

This is the problem I am having with my 2018 FIT. The dealership is telling me it's a $2000 repair for the VTC actuator and the timing kit. Honda Corp tells me it's covered under the drivetrain warranty. My local mechanic is telling me it's a nuisance noise. The inter webs tell me replacing the VTC only helps for a few months.
I'm ready to trade it in if I don't find out who knows what's going on.

 

If it is covered under warranty then have it repaired. The cost of repair sounds about right for the price of the components and the labor involved.

Also we have a Fit specific forum here on H-T.

 

Thank you very much!

 

Hey there folks, I work at an auto shop in north west WA. We do a large amount of Honda work.

big side note. We had this exact problem on a 2010 Acura tsx k24, the chain was slapping the upper timing chain guide in between exhaust cam and intake cam.
The first thing we found (after a massive headache) was the local parts store timing chain was 1 mm too thick. The OEM Honda T chain is 10.5 mm, and the aftermarket parts store T chain is 11.5 mm thick.

It’s worthwhile while your organizing your tools/ parts to mike your chain!! Thanks for the information here guys.