How to do a Valve Adjustment and add Horsepower (Step by Step) 8th Gen Honda Civic

[@goldwolf0606]

I saw my brother do this to my Tercel when I was a teenager. I didn’t know what the hell he was doing. Now I know. Now I can do it myself. Thanks dude.

[@BulliKid]

no problem! this made my car run so much smoother and less noisy!

[@davidb8531]

To avoid a leaky valve cover torque the valve cover bolts is a spiral pattern, starting with the bolts in the center, working outwards. Tighten them in two steps, with the final step torque to 7 ft. lbs. (84 in. lbs. or 10 Nm).

[@BulliKid]

Thanks!

[@DailyRefined365]

Best 8th gen civic valve clearance on here

[@BulliKid]

@@DailyRefined365 thank you.

[@brandonvienneau5785]

Your like the only person i can find that makes long detailed videos about the r18. Thanks man!

[@BulliKid]

no problem brother! Help support by dropping a BIG like! and enjoy the turbo series as well!

[@devin30thirty]

Super clear video footage and perfectly explained for the 8th Gen! Great job - keep em coming!

[@BulliKid]

Thanks man! Sub to show support! Going to go turbo this season 💪

[@Oplix]

One tip is that you could just leave the filler tool inside the valve spacing and adjust the valve that way. the bolt should stop moving once it's tightened and hits the filler tool. This should make the entire process significantly faster and more precise.

[@BulliKid]

This is true although I keep hearing you want to adjust by feel and drag. But the way you described will get you to the ballpark very fast. Cheers.

[@dannyperez2465]

​@@BulliKid hey man your video are awesome I have a 2007 civic ex currently stuck on major power loss no code or anything I've changed everything from fuel pump to solonoid to o 2 sensor can you help me out

[@dannyperez2465]

​@@BulliKid do you think I might need a valve adjustment

[@BulliKid]

@@dannyperez2465 do a compression check first.

[@BulliKid]

@@dannyperez2465 and then a leakdown test. Hve videos on channel of both.

[@BizAndProductReviews]

This is the best video I have seen on how to do this on KZbin. Thank you for creating this video.

[@BulliKid]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment! Appreciate the support!

[@FD-rh6tr]

I couldn't imagine adjusting the back valves if the cowl stayed on which is why mine came off too when performing the job. Subscribed!

[@BulliKid]

Thanks for the sub. Yah if the cowl was there it would be a nightmare!!!!

[@toddsmith1617]

Had my 2010 civic from new. Had 175,000 miles. Never had the valves adjusted. No problems.

[@michaelcaldwell4890]

I appreciate you man. Reminded me of my old VW Bug. You made it very easy to accomplish without wasting time doing unnecessary stuff. Just got this car for my son and it seems to be a solid vehicle. I will be peeking in on your channel when ideas arise. Thanks again.

[@BulliKid]

Thanks for watching and the kind comment! Cheers

[@yakirkli]

The most detailed guide I found. Thanks!

[@BulliKid]

Thanks. Subscribe for support!!

[@arvinm1sandoval]

I agree sir...Good Job...

[@BulliKid]

Thank you!

[@roundrockguy]

Great tip about removal the cowl. We ran into an issue where the valve cover bolt snapped when putting it it back on. Of course it t was a rear bolt. Having the extra space made it possible. We had to use multiple screw extractor to get it out. We got lucky we had no head damage.

[@BulliKid]

I have had to undo a broken valve cover bolt also. It was a lot of work but worked out ok

[@dhtsoaedsdhtnadi9575]

you can also slip the gauges under both ins and both outs and adjust until the arms don't wiggle. that way you know the gauge is in there flat. if the arms wiggle, too loose. if no wiggle and you feel excessive drag, too tight. no wiggle and little drag, spot on.

[@Joe_Can]

One of the best tutorials I've seen so far. Thank you for being so thorough

[@BulliKid]

Thanks for the support

[@Rawrkee]

Damn, your walk-through is hella good and easy to follow. Keep up the vids!

[@BulliKid]

Thank you! Sub to support!

[@howado]

Oh boy this is sooo wrong... 17:30 All DIYers if you follow this, you will have more problems than before touching it. You don’t check clearances all at once! First you need to align crankshaft to UP sign, and check cylinder 1 valves ONLY. If needed, then you can make adjustments only on two intake and two exhaust valves of 1st cylinder. Then rotate crankshaft to sign 3 (pay attention to horizontal line on right side of 3 symbol, it needs to be level to engine cover) and check 3rd cylinder valves. Then rotate to 4 and go ahead with 4th cylinder valves, and at the end rotate to 2 and check 2nd cylinder valves. So order of checking is 1(UP), 3, 4, 2. After done, rotate two more full cycles and you cAn check clearances again to make sure all is fine. This applies to R18A2 engine type.

[@BulliKid]

That’s exactly how I did it. What’s wrong with 17:30?

[@michaelschwab9563]

Great video man. I think what he's saying is only touch the intake and exhaust valves according to which it's been rotated too......which you did sooooo...lol

[@BulliKid]

Yea. Not sure what Means. 🙌

[@michaelschwab9563]

@@BulliKid Question for ya. How loud was it before you adjusted everything as opposed to when you finished?

[@BulliKid]

@@michaelschwab9563 I noticed a noticeable difference!!

[@NaturallyFitNow82]

Very informative and detailed!!! The best video I have seen on this topic for Honda--period. MANY blessings to you for your time.

[@BulliKid]

Thanks for the comment. Glad it helped. Subscribe for support.

[@Bigfootman88]

Hey bro my adjustment went well. Wasn’t as much out of spec as I thought but it went well. Thanks for the awesome video!

[@BulliKid]

Good work! Glad it went good! Glad the video helps! If you have not subbed yet please sub to help the channel grow! Thanxxx

[@automotivetv9861]

how many miles did you have on your car?

[@BulliKid]

About 80k

[@Trapmane101]

Love the video this step by step was very helpful especially for any body who’s staring out to the build community very awesome my man!!!!

[@BulliKid]

Thank you! Sub or like to show support!

[@Bigfootman88]

I’m definitely subscribed. Look forward to your future videos.

[@KiwiReacts]

you make look so easy! nice vid brother.

[@BulliKid]

I appreciate that! It was alot of work!

[@rassles95]

Great video and very detailed and thorough. Keep up the good work!!

[@BulliKid]

Hell yea brother! Like or sub to show support!

[@dereksmith5019]

Good time to change the spark plugs , i'm wondering what type you recommend , platinum perhaps ?

[@BulliKid]

I run iridium NGK

[@dereksmith5019]

Thanks .@@BulliKid

[@EK-rb5wm]

Nice and informative , please make an video on stem seals issue

[@kirkula]

4th vid I watched in a row doing similar work and you're the first to remove the cowl...I dunno why no one else did it, I mean even if you bust any of those clips it's only about 15 bucks for the entire set of them...spend 15 bucks (or 0 if you don't break them), or fight with the intake side...hmmmmmm hard choice.

[@x5z9fazebull]

Yeah we’re ticking bad on my r18… we’re gonna have to use this video now 😂

[@Ran-tj2wy]

Very good job, keep up the good work and all the best

[@BulliKid]

Thank you! Appreciate the comment.

[@rxscience9214]

This is such an amazing tutorial, thank you

[@BulliKid]

Thank you!!!

[@ydujev]

Hey thanks for this video. I did this adjustment, same engine, but I think I got them a bit tight. Had a couple misfires. Replaced spark plugs and loosened up the adjustment but car is still hard to start in morning. I only drove like 50 miles city while the valves were tight. Is that enough to cause burnt valve? Why would it be hard to start when cold in morning after adjustment even if it's correct now?

[@BulliKid]

Run a compression test to make sure your compression is good and no valve damage. I doubt you have any balance damage unless you were way off.

[@chenlongchen3483]

Nice n smooth, thanks master !

[@BulliKid]

No problem!!!

[@danielweavers2535]

Very helpful, I need to check mine next week so this is a great step by step. Cheers mate 👍

[@BulliKid]

Thanks!

[@joelinnebur]

Excellent video! Thank you for taking the time to do this

[@BulliKid]

Thanks for the comment! Sub to show support!

[@pourtierbeatz7804]

Will this help with lack of acceleration i have no codes but my manual r18 for some reason had lack of acceleration and power even on hills my miles per hour starts declining and i have to drop a gear

[@BulliKid]

It’s possible if your balances are out of adjustment far off.

[@PlumbCarton5607]

Don't forget to also check your air filter & throttle body

[@martinmugabe6621]

Amazing video extremely detailed 👌🏿

[@BulliKid]

Thanks. Show some support by liking the video!

[@g.b.5206]

You did a great job thanks

[@paulpatt5481]

Great video. I have a 9th Generation ( 2013) Honda Civic. I guess removing the cowl on this one is in order too.

[@BulliKid]

It helps a ton. I would recommend.

[@kimhemsang8921]

thanks for the tip my was unregulated your class helped a Brazilian Brasil São Paulo

[@BulliKid]

Thank you!

[@BulliKid]

Love my Brazilians

[@razor19829]

GREAT WORK,THX VERY MUCH!!

[@BulliKid]

Thank you!

[@cemalkeles8903]

At what intervals should valve adjustment be done? How many kilometers

[@squirey]

Thanks for the detailed and informative video. I'm the 2nd owner of a 2008 civic with 175k miles and don't know for sure if the valve tolerances have ever been checked, but I heard the noise might also be from the fuel injectors. It gets below freezing here so maybe I'll wait for spring weather. Looks much easier than I expected it to be (but so did videos for suspension work and replacing starter which were NOT that easy).

[@BulliKid]

This is a long process! Injector tick sounds a little different then valve tick. My buddy has 180k on his lx and he never did it but I drove his car and my top end pulled a lot better and I give credit to valves being in tolerance Vs his loose valves. Anyway, thanks for watching and for the comment !

[@alejandrogomez5753]

Thank you for the video very well explained and of course it is very useful to me because I going to change the head gasket and I will need to adjust the clearance of the valves

[@BulliKid]

Awesome. Thanks for watching and Goodluck with headgasket. It’s a long job! But very rewarding.

[@Bigfootman88]

Love your videos bro. Awesome content! I have same car so now I can do my adjustment myself.

[@BulliKid]

Appreciate it! Do it yourself and let me know how it goes! ✊

[@Bigfootman88]

Will do bro. She’s got 204k on her. Going to do it tomorrow. I’ll let ya know how it goes.

[@BulliKid]

That’s more then twice of mine! 🤞 curious if your are out of spec!!

[@Bigfootman88]

I believe previous owner did it once. But not sure when. But mines an 06. I’ll find out how they look. Needs a new clutch soon too. Trying to see if I can do it myself. Honda wants 2k to do the clutch.

[@junaidahmed7695]

Excellent tutorial 👍🏼

[@BulliKid]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video

[@BarbasLife]

Just finished watching Awesome video saved it to favorites for future reference. This seems like this process is gonna be time consuming not looking forward but my valves are ticking on my daily its time. Oh yea Add R18 to your title so its easier for others to find. 👍✌

[@BulliKid]

It is very time consuming. I can’t imagine people who have 6 or 8 cylinders needing this service. I added tags r18 ect I don’t like to add r18 to title because less views IMO. I’m trying to attract general public more then Honda r18 owners. Who knows what works better.

[@civicr16a22]

Perfect video. Do you have any info what are the valve clearance values for Honda Civic R16A2 engine? This engine is for the 8th generation 1.6 Civic Sedan.

[@BulliKid]

I do not but I’m sure you can find it online. Or owners manual.

[@civicr16a22]

There is nothing in the owners manual, so I keep looking for online. Thanks for the answer anyway.

[@BulliKid]

Sometimes they have it listed on the top of the hood

[@crazyaca]

Nice and clean just like it should be 👍 just to mention, it is not 3mm more its a 3 tenth of a mm more. Greetings from Europe

[@BulliKid]

Thanks for watching!

[@matthewcooke4477]

Lol its actually hundreds is what he ment

[@matthewcooke4477]

Also the clearances are supposed to have a good amount of drag

[@IGNITERSTER]

Hi, why it is important to plug the coils the the same spark plugs?

[@BulliKid]

Honestly it probably won’t matter. But I prefer to keep them in same spot.

[@IGNITERSTER]

@@BulliKid I did valve clearance today and I have noticed that one of the coils have a small red dot on it. I can't remember the exact location so I put them as I did. Nothing strange so far, it is working.

[@BulliKid]

@@IGNITERSTER should be fine! Mine have some discoloration here and there too.

[@dennisgeake2156]

Another problem with the valves opening too much is the exhaust valve surfaces may not cool sufficiently and may be prone to burning.

[@PlumbCarton5607]

The engine is giving a bit more resistance compared to some of these videos, im pretty sure yall removed the spark plugs?

[@rickc9223]

I have a question I have the exact same car and Idk if I should do this or pay a garage to do it but when you top died center a cylinder and adjust the exhaust valve what do you have to do to do the intake valve adjustment do you leave it at top died center and just do that after you do the exhaust and also what cylinder did you start with and by the way you did a great video I wish you would have showed you doing all of the cylinders even though it's the same process as the one you showed us and also when you did the adjustment did you do all the exhaust ones first then do the intake after thanks again

[@BulliKid]

Once you are top dead center of a cylinder you check both intake and exhaust valves. TDC means all valves should be closed.

[@renj6531]

you should look into getting a power ratchet it speeds things up

[@BulliKid]

Probably! Maybe In The future.

[@renj6531]

i just did the valves and mines has 145k miles double of what the interval was and man were they slacked. I swear the car does seem to have more pick up and better throttle response

[@BulliKid]

I agree. The car felt better after the valve lash adjustment. Subscribe to my channel as I am going to be doing a turbo build on mine this year 👌

[@jozsefstricker3983]

Hi, During the video you mentioned almost all valve clerance have been adjusted. Would you be so kind and tell me how many mm were the differences? by the way great video!

[@jozsefstricker3983]

Do you remember the result of the measurement?

[@EK-rb5wm]

Please tell the recommended size latch adjustment for intake and exhaust to

[@lilsavagegod]

He did on the note book

[@Oplix]

Great instructional video.

[@BulliKid]

Yea sir! Thank you.

[@Oplix]

Do you know which model Lexus that lip is from? It looks so good I want one.

[@BulliKid]

it was a Lexus GSF front lip, again it was cut and adjusted to fit

[@radoscenic3356]

Nice explanation, only you have to learn difference between millimeters and micrometers

[@nilolee2426]

Hi, can you please explain to me on how to line all cylinders perfectly ? Are those horizontal line (located in the right side) must be line up with the engine block to make sure they are in top dead center? Thanks

[@BulliKid]

Yes. Everything is in the video.

[@pourtierbeatz7804]

I know its best to aim for the middle of the specs but is it better to have em more tighter or loose? That way i can adust accordingly depending as the valves wear do they either get looser or tighter out of specs

[@BulliKid]

Tighter for performance

[@pourtierbeatz7804]

@@BulliKid okay so i just did my adjustments and i feel like i went on tighter side what i did notice is that i have crazy low end now but my high end feels like its choking.. unlikd before when i had loose valves it felt like it had more top end and little low end?

[@deebocj]

Very good video tutorial 👍

[@BulliKid]

👍💪

[@gerritkolthof2773]

Great video i am gonna check mine 1.8 too thanks

[@BulliKid]

Thanks for the comment! And Goodluck on your project!

[@Killmonize]

When should you do valve adjstment?

[@BulliKid]

Many recommend over 70k or when noisy. Mine were noisy and turned out to be out of spec.

[@Killmonize]

@@BulliKid ok I will listen to the vehicle when I can. Thank you for such a fast reply

[@BulliKid]

@@Killmonize no problem. Make sure you listen for a louder tick. Injectors sometime can sound like lifter tick but it is different.

[@Killmonize]

@@BulliKid thank you so much. Neber done on my car before. Donenon other cars. My civic has 200k

[@BulliKid]

My friend has 180,000 in his car and he needs to do one ASAP also I definitely noticed driving his car after like 4 1/2 thousand RPMs mine definitely pulls more with properly adjusted valves.

[@owenwright6044]

How long should I expect this job to take do you think?

[@BulliKid]

At least 3-4 hours if not more if its your nfirst time and you double check everything.

[@אוריאטיאס-פ2ש]

did you feel and diffrence before and after the adjustment performence wise?

[@BulliKid]

No

[@אוריאטיאס-פ2ש]

@@BulliKid so why it's important to do it? Just for damage prevention?

[@BulliKid]

Because over time it goes out of spec and can loose efficiency and wear more parts.

[@Fg2_Who]

So you can adjust both intake and exhaust valves at the same time if that cylinder is at TDC correct?

[@BulliKid]

Correct.

[@bravoatila8103]

🎉😂thank you for you generosity...

[@JavierAlba]

Awesome job!

[@BulliKid]

Thank you

[@isaacbell1723]

You're the man, man. I appreciate your help! +1 like, +1 subscribe

[@BulliKid]

Hey thanks. Appreciate you watching! And the sub!

[@lrylpz]

Are the valve clearance specs the same on the 2.0L SI engine for 8th gen? Great video. Thanks.

[@BulliKid]

No. Si is different!

[@lrylpz]

@@BulliKid Ok thanks. I have to hunt those specs down. And maybe work on it this weekend.

[@arvinm1sandoval]

Is all the 1.8 civic ivtec engine 2008 are same valve clearances sir? Where can we find their valve clearance specifications?

[@BulliKid]

R18a engine yes. The r18z maybe is different since they have different head/ can design.

[@arvinm1sandoval]

@@BulliKid I have 1.8 Honda civic I vtec engine sir...I want to adjust their clearance by myself unfortunately I don't know their valve clearance specifications.kindly please help me sir Kidd.thanks in advance..I'm your Filipino fan,I'm working here in Qatar...I really appreciate your videos...very informative and easy to understand.

[@Barn94]

ive heard to never go backwards when hand turning an engine. If you miss the spot go all the way around again the correct way

[@BulliKid]

Hmm interesting.

[@Barn94]

@@BulliKid I don't see why it would matter, the cam should reopen the valves the same way, but I trust who I've heard that from so I tend to stick to it. Just my .02c. Fantastic video though, I will re watch it for a refresher as I adjust the valves on my wife's civic in a couple weeks

[@BulliKid]

@@Barn94 maybe rotating it backwards may possible loosen the crank bolt. ? But thanks for the comment! I noticed quieter valves and a more responsive car with better top end power.

[@Barn94]

@@BulliKid I'm not sure but that is a strong possibility. The valve cover gasket is leaking really bad so I figured it would work the valve lash while it's open. Poor thing has gone 214k miles and has never been opened

[@BulliKid]

@@Barn94 send me a picture of the internals with 200k on it. If you have ig at bulli kid. Curious to see how it compares to mine at 88k with only Pennzoil full synthetic.

[@josephpercel8802]

I physically can't do this sort of work anymore. What would a decent shop charge?

[@BulliKid]

Good question. I never called to get a quote.

[@roxing716]

Thanks for the clear and detailed video! one thing tho, did you have to put the car up on stands?

[@BulliKid]

Thanks. No you do not. But it will be easier if you remove passenger wheel.

[@angeldejesus65]

Great video

[@BulliKid]

Thanks

[@martinbermudez4950]

Thanks

[@BulliKid]

You welcome.

[@travisseetal9272]

Would that specs work for my.. 2006 honda civic FD1 1.8L .....

[@BulliKid]

2006-2011 civic r18 engine.

[@neon1867]

does the 2011 honda civic ex have the same engine as this? im trying to find out about it online but am having trouble with that

[@BulliKid]

Yes same engine.

[@neon1867]

thank you, especially for the quick response even though this video is more than a year old

[@BulliKid]

No problem. Always on KZbin posting weekly. Just put a turbo on my car! Subscribe to support!

[@JoseSanchez-jc9xc]

Do you have some classes on line

[@BulliKid]

No I do not

[@JoseSanchez-jc9xc]

@@BulliKid how can l get some personal class from you l live in LA and l have 08 Civic too and how much do you charge me for the class

[@BulliKid]

A class for what exactly?

[@JoseSanchez-jc9xc]

For the valve adjustment on my 08 Civic

[@alexisramos9064]

How much would you charge for something like this I see you’re in Illinois lol

[@BulliKid]

Don’t want to do this again! 🫣

[@funk7875]

Stick with that Pennzoil.

[@BulliKid]

Every car! Pennzoil is my choice!

[@lilsavagegod]

Tried to dm you for your opinion

[@107gunner]

Awesome

[@BulliKid]

Thanks gunner!

[@chuckrafiki8649]

Feeler guages, not valve lash adjustment tool.

[@dennisdickey2267]

You can only add horsepower if you have severely neglected maintenance on these engines. Honda engines last forever if properly maintained.

[@PlumbCarton5607]

2nd comment ik i just wanted to share that the internals of my engine are gold/copper plated? Everyone else's engine is silver inside, interesting

[@liamchavez3810]

It’s not a lifter it’s a rocker arm

[@davevalinty4293]

I think you are using the wrong clearance bro. That clearance is not for R18 engine.

[@BulliKid]

It’s Honda. Why would you say it’s wrong?

[@matthedges6625]

You did not cover the heads

[@BulliKid]

What heads?

[@matthedges6625]

@@BulliKid sorry meant the open injection coils.......dust could have got in there. Covering with tape or wrap gives peace of mind.