Honda Civic B18 Cams Install - Now You Know It- Back To The Basics

When reinstalling the new camshafts, run a bead of assembly lube along the cam journals onto each stick. Never run a camshaft dry.

With camshafts removed, check the rocker arm pads for any premature wear. Also inspect the cam caps for any signs of scorching or grooving.

It's always a good idea to replace the cam end plug with a new unit rather than smothering it with some good ol' Honda Bond.

Adjusting cam timing on an adjustable sprocket should be properly done by a professional on a dyno, as no two cars respond the same. A cam sprocket is used to adjust the "timing" of the valves opening and closing. Advancing the adjustable cam gear 2 degrees causes the valve to open a little bit earlier than the stock 0 degrees. It's a good idea to always install both intake and exhaust cam sprockets set to zero degrees, then slowly adjust them in the final process.

With the engine warmed up, aim and shoot the timing light at the crank pulley and check that the timing mark (middle red mark of the 3 timing marks) lines up with the notch on the timing belt cover. If the mark falls in front of the pointer, rotate the distributor towards the rear of the car. This should bring the three timing marks closer to the pointer. Rotate the distributor until the marks line up properly.

Once the cams have received a set of sprockets whether it is stock or adjustable, reinstall the camshafts, noting which unit is the exhaust and intake. Make sure the new cam seal is fit properly in place and assembly lube is applied on each journal on the cam caps along with the cam itself. Torque the cam plate bolts down to spec and make sure the cam gears are at TDC and reinstall the timing belt.

It's time to re-tension the timing belt. Loosen the 14mm tensioner bolt and turn the crank counter-clockwise two turns. The timing belt should be at the right tension at this point in time so go ahead and tighten the tensioner bolt. Using a 19mm socket on the appropriate number of socket extensions, continue turning the crankshaft counter-clockwise until the engine is TDC at cylinder 1 With cylinder 1 at TDC, you can now proceed to do the valve clearances for the intake, followed by the exhaust camshaft. The valve clearance specs are dependant on the types of cams you are using. After completing cylinder 1, move on to the next cylinder. Turn the crankshaft counter-clockwise by 180 degrees (the cam pulleys will turn by 90 degrees) to bring cylinder 3 to TDC. Proceed to adjust the clearances for cylinder 3, before moving on to cylinder 4, then finally cylinder 2, turning the crank by the same amount (180 degrees) before you switch cylinders.

And there you have it folks! The do-it-yourself B-series cam install that's simple enough for all you first timers.