cman219

Hey all, i was wondering if anyone knew how to adjust the timing chain tensioner on our cars. I did a search and even looked through the Helm's Manual but it was confusing to me. The reason why i wanna do this is because i noticed there is a constant ticking noise in my engine bay and i just want to see if the timing chain is okay.

curls

It is an auto-adjusting tensioner (ratchet-style). If you can inspect it - this is in the Helm's - you can replace it with a new one quite easily from there.

Ticking could be one of many many things (PCV valve, injectors, loose valvetrain (valve adjustment spec'd for around 100K miles!), etc). Least likely of them, IMO, would be a timing chain tensioner.

Miamicarfan

Curls:

When you say valve adjustment is spec'd for around 100k miles, is this something that is mentioned in owners manual or maintenance manual? I don't recall seeing this. Thanks

cman219

I was looking around my engine bay yesterday and couldn't even find where the timing chain would be =\. I looked near the serpentine belt area and under the intake hoses. @Miami, it says in the owner's manual that the valvetrain should be adjusted at 110k miles. I'm currently at 75k so i guess its not the valvetrain and just noisy injectors. The noise is definitely coming from the top of the engine though.

tsxykid105

you have to remove the head to see the valve train and the chain will be one the left side. check the 2 covers the one that covers the spark plugs(black top with acura symbol) and the silver one that has 2.4 vtec and see if the bolts are loose if not check the airbox make sure all the bolts are tight check things that can rattle but where is the noise coming from is it the top of the engine itself or is it the top by the battery and airbox or top by powersteering and washer fluid ?

Simba91102

I had the valve adjustment performed (at my dealer) at around 110K (it is in the owner's manual). They weren't particularly noisy, but had it done anyway. I can't see (hear actually) that it made any difference. My advice would be if they're noisy, have them adjusted. If the engine sounds OK (and/or if you're confident that any noise you do hear isn't valve clatter), I'd pass on it (it's not cheap; it was over $200).

cman219

Ohh so thats how you do it... yea its coming from the top of the engine itself. I'm gonna take it apart a little later and i'll see what happens.

curls

1st off... you're not removing the head, you're removing the head cover (aka valve cover).
2nd... you might want to ensure you have the service manual or specific instructions for the valve cover for the TSX (or any car). Like working with the head bolts, valve cover bolts need to be tightened in sequence and to a specific torque value. Guessing isn't good enough here - you can strip out the aluminum head (where the other half of the bolts holding the head cover are attached to).
Also, do you have some High-temp RTV sealant / Hondabond / appropriate sealant? You'll need it in a few discrete places when reinstalling the head cover. If your car is more than 3-4 years old, consider replacing the head cover gasket and spark plug grommets - they can get old and cracked and start to leak.

cman219

Oh snap, good thing i didn't do it yet. I guess it was more complicated than i thought... thanks for the heads up. I have the manual i'll try and read that up first.

cwh82

Quick question regarding the timing chain tensioner service. I'm right at 110k on my 06 and I've been reading on the forum that I should have this done. Does the tensioner itself need to be replaced or does it only need to be adjusted? Has anyone had this done by a shop? How much was the damage? Thanks!

nj2pa2nc

I am not 100% sure but aren't they self adjusting. I am going to ask the next time I take my car in for service. It is at 40% oil life with 110K+ miles.