Removal
1. Remove the timing belt, crankshaft sprocket and idler roller (see Section Removal, condition check and installation of the timing belt and timing drive gears).
Caution: Leave the powertrain mount support connected at the timing belt end of the engine.
2. Remove the crankshaft position sensor (CSP).
3. Remove the engine oil pan (see Section Removal and installation the engine oil pan) and the oil intake mesh filter. If equipped, remove the engine oil level sensor.
4. Remove the oil filter nozzle assembly with the VTEC lock-up solenoid valve (in front of the oil pump) (see Section VTEC system - general information and component status check).
5. Remove the mounting bolts and separate the oil pump housing from the engine. You may need to pry between the main bearing cap and the pump housing.
Checking the axial clearance of gears is carried out using a blade-type feeler gauge flatness meter.
Examination
1. Using a large Phillips head screwdriver, remove the screws securing the cover to the rear of the pump housing.
2. Remove the cover and carefully inspect the condition of the pump gears. If signs of wear or mechanical damage are detected, replace the pump. Measure the working clearances of the pump, compare the measurement results with the requirements of the Specifications.
3. Scrape off all traces of old sealant from the mating surfaces of the pump and engine block (be careful not to damage the surfaces of the soft aluminum alloy components).
Installation
1. Replace the crankshaft oil seal (see Section Replacing the front crankshaft oil seal).
Note: Before installing, the lips of the new seal should be lubricated with a multi-purpose grease.
2. Fill the inside of the pump with technical petroleum jelly. Install the cover, lubricate the threads of the fastening screws with sealant, screw them in and tighten them diagonally with the required force.
3. Carefully wipe all gasket surfaces with a rag soaked in acetone, completely removing all traces of oil from below.
4. Lightly lubricate the surface of the pump housing mating with the block, as well as the threaded part of the mounting bolts with anaerobic sealant. Do not overdo it - make sure that the sealant does not block the oil flows and does not get into blind threaded holes. Assembly of the components must be done within five minutes after applying the sealant, otherwise the procedure will have to be repeated. Do not forget to replace the O-rings.
5. After making sure that the flats on the pump drive gear engage with the corresponding flats on the crankshaft journal, install the pump in its regular place.
6. Insert the mounting bolts and tighten them in a diagonal order to the required torque.
7. After replacing the sealing ring, install the oil intake manifold and tighten its fasteners to the required torque.
8. Installation of the remaining components is carried out in the reverse order of their dismantling.
9. Wait about 20 minutes for the sealant to harden, then fill with fresh engine oil, start the engine and check for leaks. Measure the engine oil pressure.
10. Check the engine oil level.