HOW TO: Honda K Series Valve Adjustment (Honda Master Technician)

In today's video, we learn how to do a Honda K Series Valve adjustment by a Professional Honda Master Technician! With 190K Miles on my Acura RSX Type S, this is a MUCH needed maintenance service to keep this VTEC engine healthy and strong. We install NEW Gaskets, new Spark Plugs, AND a Genuine OEM Type R Valve Cover. Let's GO!
Learning how to use a Feeler Gauge for a Honda Valve Adjustment was something I needed to experience in person. Thanks to Larry Miller Honda in Boise, they allowed me to film this process with Cody who is there Lead Honda Master Tech. Honda's in general can develop rattles, loud ticking, idle issues, and even excessive smoke from out-of-spec valves. So while this video is more K series specific, the tools and techniques can apply to D Series, B Series, H series, and more Honda motors. I would say that after this video, I feel more confident in attempting this job myself.
Cody was able to relay a lot of great valve adjustment tips and tricks as well as the order of how it's done properly. With a somewhat higher Mileage K Series Motor, I wanted to make sure that this engine can continue to be driven hard and crack VTEC often! Overall I was amazed at how good the camshafts and top end looked which made me a HAPPY Honda owner. To celebrate the good news, we install a Genuine OEM Honda Type R K Series Valve Cover as the cherry on top, literally.
So whether you drive a K Series K20/K24 Accord, Honda Odyssey, Civic Si, RSX, Element, CRV, or TSX, I think this video will be extremely helpful in learning the valve adjustment process and what goes into it. As a result, my K20 feels SIGNIFICANTLY better after the adjustment. Better Cold starts, no rattles, no chatter, and the motor feels stronger through the rev range. Note* If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, don't risk it. Hire a professional or someone with experience. Otherwise, give it the college try! Thank you again Cody and LMH Boise!
For some of the things used in this video, check out the links below!
10MM Valve Adjustment Tool: amzn.to/3WjajiO
Feeler Gauge Set: amzn.to/3w45TBF
Honda Bond Sealant: amzn.to/3kk1195
K Series OEM Gasket Set: amzn.to/3ZEE68p
Thanks for watching!
- ALLDAYANTHONY

[@Vengeancexx6661]

As a Honda tech, this guy was so in depth and explained everything perfectly. My trainer was amazing but man everyone deserves a trainer like this

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Cody is great. Felt like a true apprentice watching him work haha

[@suasdovi_yahir9321]

As an Acura tech I agree, glad I have awesome main shop people teaching me

[@earljenkins4671]

I wish I could learn from him

[@ShepherdsSolarGuy]

He’s my foreman! I just started working here at LHM Honda in boise. Cody is dope! Bro has HELLA tools

[@yt-user03561]

Ok so for all you Honda/Acura techs out there what steps would you suggest I take if I wanted to become a full service tech. I can't afford any of the trade schools but I have been educating myself little by little enough to get at least 2 ASE certifications in brakes and suspension since that is my experience so far from working on my own vehicles. I know what 90% of the parts in the whole car are and what they do but I just lack the formal education and experience of doing the jobs. Does every Honda dealership have apprenticeships or is it dealer/tech specific? I know I would most likely start out as what they call a "lube tech" but I know I am capable of doing much more than that. I have even thought about just gaining more experience by doing mobile mechanic jobs on the side for the jobs I know I can do because it may pay better than the flatrate I would get at a dealership or small chain shop. Right now my job is unrelated (I drive forklifts in a warehouse) and make more per hour (23) than some techs at the auto repair shop I went to for years (not a dealership) which was shocking to me but I know if I can get really good at auto repair I can make even more. It's what I've always wanted to do but I'm already getting close to 30 years old. Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated.

[@allenmichaud1605]

My 05 crv asked me to watch this. I'm not far into this video. I can tell this technician is a good guy who likes turtles and helps old people at the grocery store

[@Vteckillah]

This video was super helpful. Was intimidated by doing a valve adjustment but this cleared up all my doubts. My rsx is running better than ever, Thanks!

[@MrRedHotChiliMan]

Dude that car is sweet! That engine looked so clean. Bet it ran like a dream after that!

[@AllVtec]

Just did my valve adjustment today and all my exhaust valves were tight! Definitely needed an adjustment for sure

[@TicklePickleLover]

What symptoms did you have?

[@kaspian6062]

This is pure therapy

[@howardblasingame7961]

Kudos to Cody--you sir are a natural born mechanic. This weekend I am adjusting the valves on my Grandaughters '99 CRV & thanks to this excellent tutorial I am armed with confidence.

[@gearhead3500]

Same bro on my k20z3

[@Madrid-ee8qf]

This guy is fantastic. Don't find to many like him as a Honda tech. Know what hes doing and honest.

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Agreed! He did a great job in the video. Will have to shoot more with him soon!

[@macabo]

Agree. Honda dealer techs I've been to all seem like they woke up in a pool of vomit in a bad mood. zero effs given about doing a good job

[@SWells679]

25:45 The ONLY video I've found describing location, amount & method for installing Hondabond. Thx!

[@fermillo65]

Fantastic video. Cody sure is a very calm and patient guy. Must be awesome to have him training you.

[@teslamr7333]

This tech knows his shit! He should own his own shop. The paint looks killer.

[@Christopherbever]

Moving to Boise later this year with my 08 tsx and stoked to know there is some solid knowledgeable people there!!

[@JTomahawk-zz1ch]

Cody...Great job of explaining the entire process!

[@pearlio7297]

That’s a beautiful rsx. Can’t wait to see everything else you do with the car.

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Thanks man. Getting along slowly but surely

[@hcracer1981]

Quality techs like Cody are hard to find. Good to know he is right there at Larry Miller.👍. Valve cover is Classic 😀

[@jp_interest4333]

I got a ‘15 si with 128k miles and can’t afford to take it to a dealer or shop for my adjustment, def gonna rewatch this video 2-3 times before I attempt to do it

[@blakebucknall4008]

This was my cheap way of getting the specs but this guy is a good tech! Also good to change the vtec solenoid gaskets while you’re in there.

[@haroldcottam8174]

Great video I learned a lot. Thank the dealership again for allowing you to film this video.

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

I’ll pass the message along!

[@prabhakarrao4922]

Honda actually recommend that valve clearances be checked and adjusted when the engine is cold i.e. @ ambient temperature. This is very important. Good video.

[@chickensfloat7427]

Legit Brings me flashbacks of 5th grade, me and my dad were adjusting the valves in my mom's j series oddessy.

[@kseries20-24only]

Congrats! Great job, and great look with that valve cover!

[@haydenslife4982]

Cody is exactly who i strive to be as a tech!

[@brandonjones3065]

Dude this is best video I seen yet on kseries adjustment as to mechanic describing and showing. Great video God bless!

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Thanks man! Cody did a great job. Thanks for watching it!

[@ardisuli]

My rsx type s is nearly 100k as well so I’m excited to do this on my car. Love the informational videos, you have always helped me and I’ve always followed along.

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Thanks man. Glad you liked it!

[@nstyle.]

We all need a friend like Cody 💪🏼

[@dlzchaos588]

This is literally the perfect tutorial on how to adjust valves. There is only one thing I would recommend though. For the tube seals I’d recommend lubing them with some sort of oil or grease that would be inert because they slide in much easier. I’ve seen people tear them all of the time but ever since I told them this they’ve never torn them again. Afterwards just cleaned the grease or oil out by wiping it or using a screw driver and a rag. I promise it works really well

[@jimsz0100]

O ring lube would likely be good on the tube seals.

[@JasonTylerRicci]

All content by ADA is top notch viewing. Thanks for yet another one!

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Thanks man I appreciate that. Lots of work goes into my videos!

[@gizmosfere]

Good to see this. My 8th gen si is approaching 100k. Already have valve cover and gaskets ready to go. I got the black K-tuned cover. Was considering tackling this myself. Thanks for the video good to hear from a master tech. Now I have to find one. Idaho is too far of a drive for me I'm in Houston Texas. Great video keep them coming. RSX is sick and keeps getting better.

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Glad it was helpful! Just makes some calls in your area and I’m sure you’ll find someone that can do the job

[@Fg4Lucki]

My 9th gen si is past 100k lets say 111700 to be exact Im literally broke but what problems should i expect if i don’t come around to fix or inspect it car only gets frequent oil changes diy and coolant flushes when needed brake/clutch fluid hasn’t been touched/ rotors/brakes last done like 20k miles ago i could go on but i don’t want to be annoying

[@jackschofield7308]

I'd encourage you to give it a try for yourself! I'm genuinely impressed by how easy this process is. If you're confident enough removing the valve cover, then this is far on the easier end of valve adjustments since you have near infinite adjustment, the screws are so easy to get to, and there's zero chance that the engine will be timed incorrectly. Many other engines are bucket-over-shim and require full camshaft removal to get at the shims (and you need to have the right sized shims ready to go!). My motorcycles are like this. If you know the spec of the clearance, then only one sized feeler gauge is going to fit snugly under that rocker. Honda did a great job making this a very easy task and no doubt it's very well documented. In saying that, if you're really unsure, there's no shame in having a professional get the job done right. You'll at least be confident that the task was done right.

[@repingers9777]

Lol getting to own those kinds of hondas with that low mileage sounds so fun. you dont need to worry about anything bc K series make it to atleast 200k my 8th gen si is at 166k rough around the edges but daily driven everyday and i dont baby it lol

[@guitarmainiac80]

Great vid! You and Cody rock! Thx alot. Valve cover does look tight. 😁👍🔥

[@uncletony3025]

20 years ago I wanted to be a mechanic, never did it though. It’s not for everyone but I absolutely love it, and the more you do it the easier it gets.

[@B5S4SCHA]

Perfect timing! My recently acquired Honda fit just passed 190k and misfires when it’s below freezing, tons of good info in this video

[@shawnsayers4581]

Yeah they had an issue with that even with low, low, miles. The valves probably have close to zero lash on all the xhaust valves. A good adjustment will fix it.

[@hannahscad8534]

This video came at just the right time

[@TheHairyHouseWife]

Great video , every video and photo you pop out my love for honda is growing and my need to own one gets bigger , Top video buddy great content between this video and Dane's twitch i have managed to make it through a long night 😁

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Haha that’s how it goes

[@BeamRider100]

You were supposed to give us a little listen to it afterwards. Then we could listen and think "that sounds smoother now". It used to be that when at TDC on number 1, then you'd do the opposite firing order adjustment, so if 1-3-4-2, then you'd adjust 4 when 1 was TDC. So I'm glad I saw this to confirm.

[@eetra8988]

Bro love the content you turn me into a Honda boy cop me a 09 accord coupe with a 3.5 j series and it has a 6 speed keep it going bro 👍🏼

[@mikepelletier3018]

Holy crap Anthony! I look just like Cody and I am a 20plus year honda tech. Kinda blown away by this one dude. He did a great job!

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Haha that’s awesome. You do look like him!

[@BWTECH0521]

Always looking at your videos for editing tricks and tips. I love your style of editing and I try to use them on my videos, although I shoot on my phone still. One day I'll have a dedicated camera haha. Thank you for the the information Anthony!

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Thanks man. I’m no pro, but I do work hard to get better and better

[@catcat1975]

love all the vids you posted! very informative keep up the good work :)

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Thanks man!

[@adonsky_]

Very interesting video, loved listening to Cody talk. Hoping to see more of him in future videos!

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Cody is an awesome guy. I’m sure we can get him in a few more

[@hardymcfardythe1st464]

Aye! Still keeping my love for honda alive with all of these. Gt to sit in the new fl5 type r at an auto show and I now need to own one somehow at 17!

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

I have still yet to see one in person!

[@hardymcfardythe1st464]

@ALLDAYANTHONY aw dude! All I can say is that it will be worth it to see it in person and that if you get a new car tk make that be the one! (Although I have a huge bias to Hondas)

[@colecampagna6302]

It’s very important you feel the exhaust valves correctly. I was feeling them all at an angle the first valve adjustment I did and it sounded god awful the first time I started it up. Went back and tightened them up and it’s been sounding great for thousands of miles so far.

[@jasongroose9602]

I literally just did the exact same thing and about to have to go back in and readjust lol

[@msalamlaham7129]

Absolute jem of a video. Thank you!

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Glad you liked it!

[@DaPlayzGamesBros]

Great video! Looks like I need to reach out to Cody to get some suspension work done on my 2022 Civic. Thanks!

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Cody is the best in town! 10/10 would recommend

[@angelicemperor2686]

Something special about the way the DC5 Integra(RSX) looks. I have the 03 base 5psd (couldn't find a TypeS when I went looking, TypeR isn't in the states) can't wait to get mines repainted. I miss it being shiny lol.

[@greggumbs1935]

It's a great video no doubt.... It's just all the little asides Green screwdriver Pretty valve cover It's just superfluous... Let the tech do their work!!!!!

[@chuckzamzow9]

Great video 👍cody was an indepth tech.

[@danielcolon6779]

Real good video,thanks

[@tigerrider6711]

When we set these screw adjustment type valves on motorcycles we set the first one with a feeler gauge and just eyeball how far the screw needs to be turned out from fully seated, ie 1/4 turn, then set all those valves the same really quickly.

[@badboy3842756]

finally glad to see u doing kseries..... much love comming from trinidad and tobago

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Thanks man! Excited to jump into the k world

[@HennyManTactics]

Bro I’ve been watching you for like 4-5 years start of highschool with my little civic waiting for you to post updates lol 2023 same civic same KZbinr new projects let’s get it 😊broski💯🫡

[@HennyManTactics]

Ogs Remember when those dude tried to break into the Honda and got caught by your neighbors 😂😂😂

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Haha thanks man. And yes I remember that lol

[@randalfuentes6953]

I wish my workplace was this clean lol, nice video bro!!

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Thanks for watching dude

[@randalfuentes6953]

@@ALLDAYANTHONY me and a workmate talk about your videos all the time, you're an underrated great youtuber

[@acevedohiram]

I just got mine running again after the swap, hype!!

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Hell yeah man! Have fun

[@NishiNY]

Wow great guy ❤❤ Love ur videos my friend

[@stephant1908]

I loved your subaru!! 😅

[@galahad9853]

I would love to see the d series valve adjustment too!!

[@anthonymanz9355]

Kswap your em2

[@FuturePrison]

Nothing like some Nut busting torque from the good old Milwaukee 😂 Great video Anthony

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Hahaha nuts we definitely busted

[@mauricelapointe1142]

Hello my friend, very good video. Thank you Anthony. Cody good techician.

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Thanks for watching Maurice

[@amateursgarage9788]

Love the videos!

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Thanks man!

[@joshuac581]

Thank bud great vid!!!

[@asanchez7016]

Cody is the man…

[@Cantu.DC5]

Great info 👌

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Thanks man!

[@vtecdpn100]

Ah…. Didn’t even think of doing this when I did my ITR valve cover!! 210k miles on my SOL B16.

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

I don’t think most Honda people do lol. But it does make a huge difference

[@luismendez0755]

Love the videos man! Where did you order the valve cover? Looking to purchase one for my Civic Si Mugen

[@nicselectronics81]

Definitely going to give this a go TY I'm @ 177k no knowledge of motor history.

[@vortex_sa2278]

Very informative, thank you. Was that Denso IK20's? I want to get the ik20 iridium power for my accord type s.

[@hansarbelaez]

nice video.......learned a lot definitely............trying to do this on my 2009 honda civic hybrid base, I don't see any sticker or in the manual that says how much clearance for the intake and the exhaust valves.....it doesn't says anywhere.........is this 9k for the intake and 11k for the exhaust a standard rule?......does this apply for all civics? or every civic is different ? I can't find the info for this specific civic hybrid 2009 anywhere.....thanks I appreciated

[@illusiversx]

More type r goodies🔥

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

A must!

[@illusiversx]

@ALLDAYANTHONY you should get the type r center console. Just got mine and it's 10x better than the rsx one

[@WishMaster2020]

Dang, on a video like this I really wish you had did a before/after comparison of cold starts and maybe some driving footage to see if you could feel the difference. Especially since you had the B-roll at the end with the music, but a tuned up K20 sounds way better than any license free music ^_^

[@Steven_Forbes]

Anthony! When can we get an update on the Evo 👀 would love to see more content on it.

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

I’ll have to make an update video soon!

[@DJSpannamanUK]

I'm old and Don't do blame clearance much anymore because most cars are hydraulic. But when I do adjust them a tip to this honda guru and any others. You can just put it in 4th gear and turn the front wheel to move all cams ect. Saves taking the wheel off and using some phatt extensions.! Also usually just get one cylinder rocking and then do the opposite to one adjustment;) makes the job quicker ;)

[@mycatsballs8195]

Im going to see a 00 civic just like yours. Hopefully i can get it

[@jimbop5867]

I've done a couple valve lash adjustments on my friend's K-series engines and on my own. For a DIYer, you don't have to go through the extent of putting a 3 ft extension onto the crank bolt. Instead, I use a 19mm wrench on the power steering pump nut and turn it with the belt with the spark plugs removed. I also use a 10mm brake bleeder wrench with a stubby flathead to do the adjustments.

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

I’ve seen that method on a few KZbin videos. I would say to do whatever works best for you! I was just filming this by the book

[@dannycohen8870]

Hey Anthony I'm in new jersey and we are in the rust belt so and my grandma has a 2009 honda accord with a 2.4 i4 or the k24 and geuss what? It has 78,000 MILES ON IT! that's the crazy part what are your thoughts on this ant? My grandma's accord also had the brakes replaced twice in her ownership because the 8th gen accords have premature brake wear issues and she and my grandpa bought it brand new back in 09 and her accord is a auto so I think it has a 5 speed auto i could be wrong so and also my grandpa passed when i was in 3rd grade i was about 8 or 9 years old and i'll still upset about it.

[@darylmorse]

A few nit-picks. You have to turn the crank 180 to turn the camshaft 90, because the crankshaft rotates 720 degrees for all cylinders to have their respective TDC. You don't need that much sealant on the gasket surface. A lot of it that will get squeezed inside and it could end up in the crankcase and get sucked up into the oil pump. While you are confident using your driver to tighten fasteners, it's easy for inexperienced people to overtighten when using a driver. It's better for inexperienced people to always tighten by hand.

[@sparkplug964]

Great video, can I ask what compound you put down before you put the valve cover back on as I did not know you needed to do this?

[@Shinnosuki]

hondabond

[@anthonydilligaf823]

On my motorcycle and diesels with non shim valve adjustments.. You're supposed to do them cold. Is this the case for these?

[@graaff91]

What are the valve specs? For intake valves and exhaust valves in mm?

[@96Ferno]

Great video. Doing the same to mine soon… have the red valve cover already. What is the name & part # for that other thing you changed? I think its that plastic part that covers the wires to the coil pack

[@96Ferno]

I think its the ignition coil harness cover?

[@sparkysparkster6903]

Can you send me a link to where I can get one of those valve covers? Thanks! 🤘🏻🍻

[@BurkaLifter]

somewhere I read that Honda says don't bother unless it get noisy? but that seems so subjective. What does the shop charge for a valve adjustment? Of course other things might need replacing at same time, but I guess they would have a book rate at that shop?

[@mikeoxlong2278]

Time for a quick 4hr road trip

[@FG2Zim]

what oil do you use? looks clean in there

[@peterjoy1713]

Aren't there torque specs for the intake and exhaust locknuts? Great video regardless!

[@mrslapside]

Damn my cousin didn't use antisieze either man. I can't wait to work on my first k series!

[@Oueax]

I've seen on some Honda forums and tech blogs that the jam nut torque spec is 14 ft./lbs. or 19Nm, but how can one torque to spec with this special tool? Are you gonna torque them afterwards? Isn't it messing up the adjustment?

[@spongeguy12345]

Where did you buy the oem valve cover at? And how much did it codt

[@Trigger-happy311]

Hey Anthony I just got a 97 Honda civic SI and was wondering what the first mods I should do to it

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Check out some of my videos for ideas!

[@sarcastic_toast]

Yoooo Lets GOO!

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

❤️❤️❤️

[@terrylyle-ne2uk]

Good instructional video. What’s Cody’s contact? I have a 2002 Civic Ep3. It has oil accumulation in the Center two spark plug tubes. Everybody says it’s leaking past the valve cover tube seals, but I see no oil residue between the seal and valve cover or on the top of the tube wall. Only around bottom of tube. Can oil leak into tube from where tube is pressed or screwed into head? Eric the car guy said the tubes unscrew and he’s reasealed tubes with hondabond on threads. Can’t find anything related. Cody could answer this. Thanks

[@liliann95]

How long does a valve adjustment typically take?

[@jdmfreak22]

Dude know his shit!

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Agreed!

[@jrbserious87]

Can it be done without rotating the motor? I dismantle the radiator too and removed the belt so I can’t rotate the motor

[@passmethesaltplease9350]

Was always told not to use power tools when tightening bolts and spark plugs in the engine, feels wrong but i guess thats what experience looks like

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

I felt the same, but I’m sure he’s done enough to get the feel of the tool just right. I’m not that skilled lol

[@chrismendoza5916]

A cuanto va calibrado admicion Y a cuanto escape amigo saludos desde mexico

[@johnjames5842]

Im at 199,112mi on my 08 si, time to adjust valves, check timing chain, cv axle , and plugs and coilpacks. Same clutch for 100k mi!!!

[@josevillalobos8869]

Cody need to make his own KZbin channel

[@miket1322]

Doesn't valve clearance decrease with heat expansion? The valve stems get longer and close the gap. Explains why the valve train gets more quiet as the engine warms up.

[@RobertJToledo]

Just a quick question. Do valve covers ever go bad due to wear? Not the VC gasket. Not the spark plug tube gaskets. The covers themselves? I think a family member of mine got ripped off replacing them on a J35, when all it needed was a valve cover gasket.

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Valve covers can potentially crack, but it’s pretty uncommon. That or if someone damaged it by removing it or installing it wrong

[@RobertJToledo]

@ALLDAYANTHONY Thanks, Anthony. I appreciate the reply. BTW, my son's name is Anthony & I gave him a pristine 98 Honda Civic Ex Milano red, like yours, for graduating HS. I'd send ya pics, but I don't know where to send them. 😃👊🏼👊🏼

[@brenthall6554]

Do you use a torque wrench on the jam nuts once you snug them down?

[@paranormalplantations]

I just changed my vtc actuator. No more noisy start ups but now i hear a ticking noise. It accelerates when the motor does. Any ideas?