Honda J Series V6 Timing Belt Replacement

This video is a complete step by step guide to replacing the timing belt and water pump on a Honda J series V6 engine found in many Honda vehicles including Accords, Odysseys, Ridgelines, Pilots, Acura MDX, Acura TL, and some Acura RL’s. You’ll find a complete listing of the parts and tools I used in the description below.

This is Episode 8 in the Acura TL Series.

Camera: Brian Kast, Eric Cook

Links

Parts

(Water Pump kit I used no longer available)

Water Pump Part # (2008 Acura TL): 19200-RDV-J01

Tools

Related Videos

Social Network Links

Stay Dirty

ETCG

Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.  Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy®.

[shootr]

Eric, after watching your videos for 10+ years, I did my first ever timing belt and water pump service on my 06 Accord V6 6-speed just a couple weeks ago and used this video and meticulous notes I took from watching it. It took me the 3-day weekend and some swearing but I saved myself the nearly $1, 200 in labor thanks to everything I’ve learned from you. I also did the valve cover gaskets and most of the intake gaskets/seals at the same time. I know you hear it all the time, but I am so thankful for the knowledge and confidence I’ve gained from watching you over the years. I barely knew how to change oil when I started watching and now I tackle almost all repairs myself.

I hope you’ve been able to enjoy your time off and your family this summer. I’m definitely looking forward to more content in the future but will be rewatching other videos in the meantime.

Seriously, thank you. I’ve saved so many thousands and gained so much more confidence in my ability to figure it out myself with some good instruction. I know I’m not alone in that.

Cheers from Fargo, ND!

[alexandercahoulan]

Its so cool driving down the highway going 90-100mph knowing that you/I replaced timing belt, water pump and components, valve lash adjustment, spark plugs, valve cover gaskets, axles, ball joints, brakes, engine mounts (all), etc. You/I did all of the work. Tightened all of the bolts. Now THAT's trusting yourself. And for it to work flawlessly, is just satisfying, yet scary. God bless it.

[jmcdonne]

Last week, I paid the dealer $1400 to do this on my 04 Odyssey. When I saw this video in my feed, I got annoyed that it hadn't been released earlier, because maybe I could have done it myself. About 10 minutes in, I knew that expense was unavoidable - there's no way I was going to DIY this. Great video anyway.

[beyond]

I don’t have a Honda and I don’t need a timing belt repaired but I’ll still watch your videos because their educational and relaxing. Keep em coming

[HorribleHarry]

I have never seen a more watchable repair video on YouTube. Far more helpful, pleasantly presented and encouraging than any other repair videos I’ve seen. Watched the entire video with rapped attention and I don’t even own a Honda/Acura V6! Thank you for posting this and your other videos.

[johnaclark]

A few additional tips that have helped me with these J series TB jobs over the years:
1. At 41:09 there's is a dot on the crank gear at the 12 o'clock position that lines up with an arrow on the engine block for using a timing mark when the balancer is removed.
2. Before removing the timing belt, paint (nail polish, paint marker, etc.) matching marks on the old belt and cam/crank gears. Then carefully transfer those marks to the new belt. Then simply line up the white marks on installation. It's nearly impossible to end up one tooth off if you do this.
3. When removing the hyd tensioner, remove the bottom bolt completely first before loosening the top bolt. Then when you remove the top bolt the tensioner will swing easily without binding up the bolts and possibly damaging the threads in the block.
4. After cleaning it up I put just a drop or two of motor oil on the tensioner pulley bushing to help with any wear and make it move easily.
5. The idler pulley bolt comes from the factory with thread locker on the threads. Honda says to replace the bolt but I never have.
5. The crank bolt is supposed to have motor oil between the head of the bolt and the washer. You can overtorque if you oil the actual threads.
6. Aisin makes a great kit for these. I've heard that there are even fake Aisin kits on Amazon but I've used the Aisin kits from Amazon and they seem legit. Be careful of the seller you buy from on Amazon. If you're suspicious just buy it from RockAuto.

[uggadugga]

Eric, the latest and greatest tool for the crank bolt is the Lisle 77080 19 mm Harmonic Balancer Socket for Honda --- I had my crank bolt off in 3 seconds with an ordinary air impact! No other tool required!!

[jeffrop]

This video was of great help to me and my son. He recently bought a 2009 Acura TL with the 3.7 liter and 168, 000 miles. We got the belt, pump, and tensioners all replaced without issue.

[zexelM]

Old Eric with old style content is back...love it.

[ashleywilson]

This step by step tutorial helped me tremendously. I followed the steps and was able to change my timing belt, the crank seal as well as the tensioner, and idler. Thanks for making this video and I hope you continue to make more great videos like this.
It did the job over a two day span, and now the car purrs like a kitten.

[fbeissner]

This video is saving me from a 1000+ repair at the shop. Life saver, thank you for these educational videos.

[donjohnson]

The hardest part for a diy’er is learning how to do it the first time, you’ve upped the learning curve for us . Your vids are loaded with tips from your experience (the torque specs are great). Thanks so much for helping us. Caught your other excellent vids on replacing the thermostat and valve cover gaskets. Thumbs up!

[AcuraAddicted]

Yes, I just watched an hour of Eric changing the timing belt! Love the little tricks and all the advice you have on this coming from years of experience and probably hundreds of these done. What I found useful for me as a beginner back when I did my 2008 MDX was marking up the old and new TB and counting the number of teeth between the timing marks. I know it's redundant, but it really added more confidence for me as a beginner doing this for the first time. Also, rotating the engine manually to verify the timing marks align helped :)

[highzrollaz]

You are doing God’s work. Thank you Eric! The only thing I would add is when after putting the timing tensioner on, screw the battery hold down bolt into the hole found behind the timing tensioner pulley until it pushes into the rear of the pulley. This will allow you to pull the pin from the tensioner much easier. It was a PITA to get out for me

[TheScubacamper]

I’ve been watching your videos for at least 10 years. You’re such a great teacher, E. Please Keep it up; you’re helping millions of us with each video.

[johnnnyyuma]

eric ive never done anythin besides changin oil; I was able to do my timing belt cuz of info on the net like your videos. Guys like u r the shit

[scottmoola]

Thanks Eric. I did my 2008 honda accord v6 today and your video helped me out alot. I haven't changed out timing belt & water pump in years. Maybe 10 years ago. But with the help of you and your awesome video I'm able to get my timing belt/water pump done in one day... (today) much appreciated. Idk what I would do without your help. Just wanna say thank you so much... 🙏 can't thank you enough..

[julianesai]

Terrific video Eric. Lots of learned information and technique. I think that's what separates you from the rest. Well done.

[ermerins]

Your "Timing" is perfect! My 2003 Odyssey is due for timing belt replacement in 5K. Great content as usual.

[movingforward]

Because of this guy( big shout out to Eric the Car Guy) I was able to complete the timing job on my $250 dollar 02 Acura 3.2l TL. Thanks Eric