To unlock actuator off cam, i either have another set of hands or LIGHTLY have gear in vise, across the teeth. Take a big screwdriver into front bolt hole and slotted into keyway. With compressed air, i use a blowgun into the big hole close to where the locking pin is on the back of the gear. The hole is rectangular in shape, inside the hole the cam goes in, the hole is bigger than all others. While blowing air into the hole, twist screwdriver and unlock gear. Install on cam, torque, get on with life.
you can just take it apart quite easily....there is only one spring so open slowly. When you have it open you can take the little piston out that locks it in place. Lube everything up and slide it over to the unlock position. Then replace the piston which will not fall into the locked position until the teeth are rotated. It takes less than 5 min. I'm wondering if I should keep the 'bad VTC' since i now know how easily they are taken apart and reassembled.
You are very welcome! I was going through the same shit and I had to make a UA-cam video to help others out. It really pisses me off how the SVC. manual doesn't have any information on how to unlock and lock your VTC actuator. It's very vague. I was struggling at first, but I did find an awesome write up on how to do it on an 08 Accord 2.4L and it is the same as the K20z3. If you ever want to read it just search on google images "how to unlock vtc actuator honda accord" and it will be the first image.
Hi there, so I'm wanting to put a new vtc onto some DC cams. Am I right in assuming that I have to put it onto the cams in the locked position, then unlock it and install? I'm assuming this as it's in the locked position and can't unlock it unless it's first on the cam... Thanks for any help
Hello! Yes you put the new VTC actuator on the intake cam and do what I did in the video. While the VTC actuator is in the unlocked position you then swap it from the OEM cam to the Drag Cartel and torque it while it's unlocked. I don't think it matters if it is torqued with the cam in the head or outside of the car. The svc. manual does specify to do it in the car, but i've seen others torque it with the cam out. You might be able to do it with the aftermarket cam like how I did it in the video but I'm not sure. I ended up going with Drag Cartel 2.2s for my build .
Thank you for your help my friend. So, finger tight when the new 50° VTC goes onto the DC cam, unlock, then install and torque down. Got ya! I went with the stage 4 DC's and 12.5:1 Supertech slugs. Heads about to go in for a 3 angle valve job. When it's built I'll be slapping it into my 5g Prelude somehow.
@@kudzy11 You are welcome! Sounds like you are going to have some fun in your 5th gen lude. Thats sweet you are putting a K series in it. Everyone is K swapping eks, egs and intergras. I've always wanted a 4th or 5th gen prelude, but ended up just holding onto my 8th gen civic si.
I'm not quite sure how much this repair can cost, I ended up getting stage 2 cams and just wanted to show how to lock and unlock to VTC Actuator on a stock cam. Condition meaning climate? I'm in Northern NJ.
So, is it super bad that i was able to unlock mine simply by turning it? im in the midle of amajor teardown and inspection of my timing system because of a drivability issue, and i remember just one time thath mine made the cold start grinding noise many months ago. Perhaps my lock pin is rounded and therefor not locking when its suppposed to. My analysis of it with my eyes and brain suggests that the lock is there to stop it rotating until there is oil pressure, so as to stop the cold start rattle and also to stop it form moving out of time while there is no oil pressure to hold it in time. I was undoing the little torx bolts to inspect it, (without the chain) and it just slipped, then i realised i could lock it again by turning it back, thne give it a hit with my palm and i could unlock it. Now im wondering if this is happening randomly causing my stuttering at idle, and maybe even the reason for my lack of power and code p0341, which i thought was a stretched chain.
@@pyro23232 right, well thats what i thought but i had to ask someone whos actaulyl got a clue! thanks for that. looks like ill be pulling it apart and inspecting!
No you don't have to unlock the vtc actuator to un-bolt it from the cam. Only when torquing it back up as per svc manual (torque VTC gear unlocked) and then you lock it back after torqued. People on here say you don't have to unlock it when its getting torqued up, but the Svc manual states it risks damaging the internals of the gear if torqued locked.
Dc 5 the manual specifies to torque it in the car, but I don’t see why you can’t torque the bolt outside of the car (VTC unlocked which is very important). Once it is torqued then you can lock it.
@@pyro23232 Hey dude idk if you're around still but just wanted to get some clarification on this. So essentially when reinstalling it onto the cam you would make sure the VTC is unlocked -> mount it to the cam -> torque the bolt -> than lock the VTC? How do you lock it? Thanks.
@@dTheHammerb Yes that is correct, torque it when the VTC is unlocked and then you turn it clockwise until it locks. Peep the video one more time where I show the difference between it locked and unlocked. You'll know the VTC is locked, itll have no play in it.
@@pyro23232 yes I got a 8th gen and I’m the second owner. My car was doing the rattle on start up but now it won’t crank at all. Almost like the car jumped timing. I’m sure the chain is stretched from never being changed
So what will happen if you install the cam without doing this procedure? Will it start chattering? Cause that's what mine is doing. Only charters when cam is being advanced
To be honest I can't tell you what would happen. According to a write up i've read about the VTC if you do not unlock it and torque that bolt you risk damaging the internals of the actuator. Does it only do it on start up?
@@pyro23232 no it doesn't do it on start up but only when reviving the car when the cam is advancing and it's brand new actuator because my last one was doing it
@@jmont124 If your last one was doing it you didnt fix the problem. You cant just throw parts on and expect results. I know you all feel like every mechanics shop will rip you off. I promise you that is just not true. They have the answers to all these questions and thats why they charge a fair price to fix your car =) Good luck.
@@baddaxx7852 a mechanic was the nope I don't think that at all, in fact a mechanic was the one that changed and recommend to change the actuator to New one and yet it's still doing it, so I've already tried a mechanic. So time for the next step.
Hello. Just set eyes on this vid. Does this method work for code p2646? I got my 8th gen civic that throws that code whenever I’m on the freeway popping V switching from 4th to 5th. Says VCT actuator stuck off.
Jameson Kelly you risk damaging the internals of the VTC actuator if you torque it locked. It has to be torqued on the CAM unlocked, then you lock the VTC once it is torqued to spec.
You have to torque the bolt first and then you lock the VTC actuator by turning it clockwise by hand. You'll notice when the VTC is locked again. Very important to torque that bolt with the VTC unlock or you risk damaging the internals of the actuator.
@@pyro23232 many people have claimed to lock it first before installing, i am so confused. 1. Unlock with bolt snug. 2. Lock it and then tighten? I am asking because I am in the process of doing a K swap and all I did was take my 25 VTC off my cam gear and then torqued the 50 VTC onto the camshaft, did I do it wrong? I never unlocked the VTC :(
@@Dee-EH2 1. Do not listen to what other people have claimed or what I claim. Always read and read. I cannot tell you if keeping the VTC locked and torquing it back on the cam will be okay. From what I've research if you torque that bolt with the VTC lock you risk damaging the internals of it. I'm not a honda technician nor do I know any master techs from honda that can confirm if it is okay to torque it with the VTC locked. I'm getting my information from a write up. (I did find an awesome write up on how to do it on an 08 Accord 2.4L and it is the same as the K20z3. If you ever want to read it just search on google images "how to unlock vtc actuator honda accord" and it will be the first image.) Read that write up.
@@pyro23232 I believe your right Toyota is the same way wants you to torque down vtc while unlocked once torqued rotate engine by gear and vtc should.lock.
Thats Odd I found the service information to correctly re use or replace the vvt. Where did you get your information from? Read more to find it. 3. If the VTC actuator will be reused, do these steps. 1. Remove the intake camshaft, and seal the retard holes in the No. 1 camshaft journal with tape and a wire tie See: Cylinder Head Assembly > Overhaul > VTC Actuator Inspection (PZEV Models). 2. Seal one of the advance holes with tape See: Cylinder Head Assembly > Overhaul > VTC Actuator Inspection (PZEV Models). 3. Apply air to the unsealed advance hole to release the lock See: Cylinder Head Assembly > Overhaul > VTC Actuator Inspection (PZEV Models). 4. Remove the tape and adhesive residue from the No. 1 camshaft journal. 4. Remove the VTC actuator and the exhaust camshaft sprocket. Installation 1. Install the VTC actuator and the exhaust camshaft sprocket. NOTE: Install the VTC actuator while in the unlocked position. 2. Apply new engine oil to the threads of the VTC actuator mounting bolt and the exhaust camshaft mounting bolt, then install them. 3. Hold the camshaft with an open-end wrench, then tighten the bolts.
I've never had to unlock the VTC when installing it. I just take it off locked and install it locked. Another way to unlock it is to remove the four bolts on the cam gear cover. Slide the gear out slightly, turn it and then slide it back in.
Cloneufc my question is, what if you have brand new one, rbc 50 and it locks by accident before you torque it? I went to put mine on today and when it was on the intake cam, I was fucking with it before putting chain on and it locked... I’m sketched out now, everything is back together, I don’t know if I should take my intake cam off and blow air in it to install it to unlock position or just run it. Engine is in time, I just don’t want a cel when k24 swap is installed
Cloneufc even new? No issues, no rattling? Maybe I’m just over thinking shit because this is my first swap lol. I torqued her to 83ft lbs. I locked it accidentally while installing it, torqued it, put chain on, guides, tensioner, torqued all that done. Engine is in time.. I pray there is no cel upon first start up. Wish me luck bro 🤞🏼
To unlock actuator off cam, i either have another set of hands or LIGHTLY have gear in vise, across the teeth. Take a big screwdriver into front bolt hole and slotted into keyway. With compressed air, i use a blowgun into the big hole close to where the locking pin is on the back of the gear. The hole is rectangular in shape, inside the hole the cam goes in, the hole is bigger than all others. While blowing air into the hole, twist screwdriver and unlock gear. Install on cam, torque, get on with life.
you can just take it apart quite easily....there is only one spring so open slowly. When you have it open you can take the little piston out that locks it in place. Lube everything up and slide it over to the unlock position. Then replace the piston which will not fall into the locked position until the teeth are rotated. It takes less than 5 min. I'm wondering if I should keep the 'bad VTC' since i now know how easily they are taken apart and reassembled.
Thanks buddy! Better than taping holes
thank you for the video! i could not find any information on this. thank you!! helped me out a bunch!!
You are very welcome! I was going through the same shit and I had to make a UA-cam video to help others out. It really pisses me off how the SVC. manual doesn't have any information on how to unlock and lock your VTC actuator. It's very vague. I was struggling at first, but I did find an awesome write up on how to do it on an 08 Accord 2.4L and it is the same as the K20z3. If you ever want to read it just search on google images "how to unlock vtc actuator honda accord" and it will be the first image.
Helped me a lot! Thank you!
You are welcome! I'm glad to see the video is helping out a lot of people.
Why do you need to unlock it for?
Great video.
Good video buddie
Thanks!
I tried this and it won’t work for me ??? How big is your compressor of air??
60 gallon.
Then the actuator is bad and needs replaced.
Hi there, so I'm wanting to put a new vtc onto some DC cams. Am I right in assuming that I have to put it onto the cams in the locked position, then unlock it and install?
I'm assuming this as it's in the locked position and can't unlock it unless it's first on the cam...
Thanks for any help
Hello! Yes you put the new VTC actuator on the intake cam and do what I did in the video. While the VTC actuator is in the unlocked position you then swap it from the OEM cam to the Drag Cartel and torque it while it's unlocked. I don't think it matters if it is torqued with the cam in the head or outside of the car. The svc. manual does specify to do it in the car, but i've seen others torque it with the cam out. You might be able to do it with the aftermarket cam like how I did it in the video but I'm not sure. I ended up going with Drag Cartel 2.2s for my build .
Thank you for your help my friend.
So, finger tight when the new 50° VTC goes onto the DC cam, unlock, then install and torque down. Got ya!
I went with the stage 4 DC's and 12.5:1 Supertech slugs. Heads about to go in for a 3 angle valve job. When it's built I'll be slapping it into my 5g Prelude somehow.
@@kudzy11 You are welcome! Sounds like you are going to have some fun in your 5th gen lude. Thats sweet you are putting a K series in it. Everyone is K swapping eks, egs and intergras. I've always wanted a 4th or 5th gen prelude, but ended up just holding onto my 8th gen civic si.
Friend, how much can this repair cost and what condition are you in?
I'm not quite sure how much this repair can cost, I ended up getting stage 2 cams and just wanted to show how to lock and unlock to VTC Actuator on a stock cam. Condition meaning climate? I'm in Northern NJ.
So, is it super bad that i was able to unlock mine simply by turning it? im in the midle of amajor teardown and inspection of my timing system because of a drivability issue, and i remember just one time thath mine made the cold start grinding noise many months ago. Perhaps my lock pin is rounded and therefor not locking when its suppposed to. My analysis of it with my eyes and brain suggests that the lock is there to stop it rotating until there is oil pressure, so as to stop the cold start rattle and also to stop it form moving out of time while there is no oil pressure to hold it in time. I was undoing the little torx bolts to inspect it, (without the chain) and it just slipped, then i realised i could lock it again by turning it back, thne give it a hit with my palm and i could unlock it. Now im wondering if this is happening randomly causing my stuttering at idle, and maybe even the reason for my lack of power and code p0341, which i thought was a stretched chain.
I could see that being the reason for it. Once the VTC actuator is locked you def should not be able to unlock it by just turning it.
@@pyro23232 right, well thats what i thought but i had to ask someone whos actaulyl got a clue! thanks for that. looks like ill be pulling it apart and inspecting!
Do i have to unlock the vtc gear to un-bolt it from the cam ?
No you don't have to unlock the vtc actuator to un-bolt it from the cam. Only when torquing it back up as per svc manual (torque VTC gear unlocked) and then you lock it back after torqued. People on here say you don't have to unlock it when its getting torqued up, but the Svc manual states it risks damaging the internals of the gear if torqued locked.
Once you unlock it, can u torque the bolt with the cam out of the car? Or does it have to be timed first
Dc 5 the manual specifies to torque it in the car, but I don’t see why you can’t torque the bolt outside of the car (VTC unlocked which is very important). Once it is torqued then you can lock it.
@@pyro23232 Hey dude idk if you're around still but just wanted to get some clarification on this. So essentially when reinstalling it onto the cam you would make sure the VTC is unlocked -> mount it to the cam -> torque the bolt -> than lock the VTC? How do you lock it? Thanks.
@@dTheHammerb Yes that is correct, torque it when the VTC is unlocked and then you turn it clockwise until it locks. Peep the video one more time where I show the difference between it locked and unlocked. You'll know the VTC is locked, itll have no play in it.
I got a question ! Will the VTC keep the car from starting ?
A bad VTC actuator typically will make a grinding noise on cold starts. It’s super common on the 8th gen accords, but also the 8th gen Si.
@@pyro23232 yes I got a 8th gen and I’m the second owner. My car was doing the rattle on start up but now it won’t crank at all. Almost like the car jumped timing. I’m sure the chain is stretched from never being changed
@@pyro23232 Hello, the actuator only makes the gear sound, does it affect the motor at all if it is left like this?
@@kievmiddeton2656 I'm sure you fixed this by now, but if not, change the VCT Acuator, chain and tensioner and you'll be good.
So what will happen if you install the cam without doing this procedure? Will it start chattering? Cause that's what mine is doing. Only charters when cam is being advanced
To be honest I can't tell you what would happen. According to a write up i've read about the VTC if you do not unlock it and torque that bolt you risk damaging the internals of the actuator. Does it only do it on start up?
@@pyro23232 no it doesn't do it on start up but only when reviving the car when the cam is advancing and it's brand new actuator because my last one was doing it
@@jmont124 If your last one was doing it you didnt fix the problem. You cant just throw parts on and expect results. I know you all feel like every mechanics shop will rip you off. I promise you that is just not true. They have the answers to all these questions and thats why they charge a fair price to fix your car =) Good luck.
@@baddaxx7852 a mechanic was the nope I don't think that at all, in fact a mechanic was the one that changed and recommend to change the actuator to New one and yet it's still doing it, so I've already tried a mechanic. So time for the next step.
@@jmont124 you have to unlock the actuator.
going to try this on my 2013 accord but this method seems more easy then what i saw if it works ill hit you back
no doubt let me know how it goes.
Can I remove the vtc when it’s locked ??
yeah if you are just removing the VTC you can do it when its locked.
Hello. Just set eyes on this vid. Does this method work for code p2646? I got my 8th gen civic that throws that code whenever I’m on the freeway popping V switching from 4th to 5th. Says VCT actuator stuck off.
Comment le retrouver
What is the purpose of unlocking it? Just curious..
Jameson Kelly you risk damaging the internals of the VTC actuator if you torque it locked. It has to be torqued on the CAM unlocked, then you lock the VTC once it is torqued to spec.
@@pyro23232 soo nothing to do with timing! This only when replacing VTC cam gear..?
Correct. When replacing the VTC or swapping it over to an aftermarket CAM.
How to lock it back again?
You have to torque the bolt first and then you lock the VTC actuator by turning it clockwise by hand. You'll notice when the VTC is locked again. Very important to torque that bolt with the VTC unlock or you risk damaging the internals of the actuator.
@@pyro23232 many people have claimed to lock it first before installing, i am so confused.
1. Unlock with bolt snug.
2. Lock it and then tighten?
I am asking because I am in the process of doing a K swap and all I did was take my 25 VTC off my cam gear and then torqued the 50 VTC onto the camshaft, did I do it wrong? I never unlocked the VTC :(
@@pyro23232 Watched a video of the guy simply unbolting 25vtc and bolting back in 50vtc. Didn't show what you did here.
@@Dee-EH2 1. Do not listen to what other people have claimed or what I claim. Always read and read. I cannot tell you if keeping the VTC locked and torquing it back on the cam will be okay. From what I've research if you torque that bolt with the VTC lock you risk damaging the internals of it. I'm not a honda technician nor do I know any master techs from honda that can confirm if it is okay to torque it with the VTC locked. I'm getting my information from a write up. (I did find an awesome write up on how to do it on an 08 Accord 2.4L and it is the same as the K20z3. If you ever want to read it just search on google images "how to unlock vtc actuator honda accord" and it will be the first image.) Read that write up.
@@pyro23232 I believe your right Toyota is the same way wants you to torque down vtc while unlocked once torqued rotate engine by gear and vtc should.lock.
Thats Odd I found the service information to correctly re use or replace the vvt. Where did you get your information from? Read more to find it.
3. If the VTC actuator will be reused, do these steps.
1. Remove the intake camshaft, and seal the retard holes in the No. 1 camshaft journal with tape and a wire tie See: Cylinder Head Assembly > Overhaul > VTC Actuator Inspection (PZEV Models).
2. Seal one of the advance holes with tape See: Cylinder Head Assembly > Overhaul > VTC Actuator Inspection (PZEV Models).
3. Apply air to the unsealed advance hole to release the lock See: Cylinder Head Assembly > Overhaul > VTC Actuator Inspection (PZEV Models).
4. Remove the tape and adhesive residue from the No. 1 camshaft journal.
4. Remove the VTC actuator and the exhaust camshaft sprocket.
Installation
1. Install the VTC actuator and the exhaust camshaft sprocket.
NOTE: Install the VTC actuator while in the unlocked position.
2. Apply new engine oil to the threads of the VTC actuator mounting bolt and the exhaust camshaft mounting bolt, then install them.
3. Hold the camshaft with an open-end wrench, then tighten the bolts.
I've never had to unlock the VTC when installing it. I just take it off locked and install it locked. Another way to unlock it is to remove the four bolts on the cam gear cover. Slide the gear out slightly, turn it and then slide it back in.
Cloneufc my question is, what if you have brand new one, rbc 50 and it locks by accident before you torque it? I went to put mine on today and when it was on the intake cam, I was fucking with it before putting chain on and it locked... I’m sketched out now, everything is back together, I don’t know if I should take my intake cam off and blow air in it to install it to unlock position or just run it. Engine is in time, I just don’t want a cel when k24 swap is installed
@@TheGerbsteve I've torqued mine locked many times. Just torque it to spec.
Cloneufc even new? No issues, no rattling? Maybe I’m just over thinking shit because this is my first swap lol. I torqued her to 83ft lbs. I locked it accidentally while installing it, torqued it, put chain on, guides, tensioner, torqued all that done. Engine is in time.. I pray there is no cel upon first start up. Wish me luck bro 🤞🏼
@@TheGerbsteve how'd it go?
@@TheGerbsteve was everything fine. I’m in process of where my vtc is locked already and it’s brand new