Hey everyone—I've spent a lot of time searching the forum before posting this, so I’m hoping not to repeat anything that’s already been beat to death.

I have a 2010 TSX (2nd gen). I’m the second owner and have had it since about 16k miles—now sitting at 227k.

Around 160k I started getting the classic VTC actuator rattle and eventually some timing chain noise. Recently I decided to go ahead and replace the timing chain, VTC actuator, guides, tensioner, and oil control valve.

After putting everything back together:

• The actuator rattle is gone
  
• But I still have a slight chain noise
  
• And now I’m getting a P0341 (camshaft position sensor range/performance)
  

The noise isn’t loud, but it’s enough to make me nervous. I’m wondering if the chain might be off a tooth or if there’s something else I should be checking first.

Before I throw in the towel and take it to Acura, I wanted to ask:

• What would you check first in this situation?
  
• Any common mistakes that cause P0341 after a timing job?
  
• Anything specific I should re-verify before tearing it back apart?
  

With 227k miles, I’m trying to be smart about how much money I sink into it, so any guidance is appreciated. Thanks in advance. Im located in Northern VA, if someone has any recommendations let me know.

 

p0341 is definitely related to timing chain not being in time. you get that code typically when the chain is stretched enough that the computer detects it.

 

that was my fear, how hard is it to get it back on time? felt like I may have jumped a tooth when I was trying to break the crank loose not sure.

 

ive never done the job myself but ive done a lot of research on timing chains when i got p1009 and p0011 which i have thankfully solved, but in the process read a lot of people suffering with p0341 and having to get a timing chain job after. i would say check the timing marks on both cams first before undoing anything and see exactly which cam is off because by your post it seems like the engine isnt running too rough so maybe just one tooth is off?

 

I also read that the system may need to “learn” the new VTC actuator and oil control valve. Is that actually a thing, or is this more likely just a timing issue?

I’m also wondering if I didn’t fully extend the tensioner when I installed it, which could mean the chain isn’t as tight as it should be. Could a slightly loose chain cause a P0341 or trigger a cam timing issue like this?

 

i dont think there is any learn procedure since the actuator cam is purely mechanical. my issue was with the vtc solenoid that controls oil flow to that, which i was able to swap in from a honda crv. the actual cause of the p0341 code is the computer detecting crankshaft and camshaft A not being in time. there are timing marks that can be verified with the valve cover off.

 

Well I decided to take it back apart and try it again. I do believe the noise is coming from the lower chain since I’ll admittedly say I didn’t do it because I didn’t want to pull the oil pan but now here we are again. But I am worried about the timing. I put an aftermarket vtc cam gear on and I don’t think they are lining up. I do have both cams pegged with the cam plugs but as you can see the timing marks are off a bit. Also on the bottom it’s not lined up either. Can I turn the bottom so it lines up and be ok? Any other suggestions while I got the chain off to ensure I have the timing right.

 

I bet your engine doesn't like that dorman VTC actuator... try replacing with a Honda OEM part.