Honda K-series internal combustion engines appeared in 2001. Since that time, gasoline-powered 4-cylinder engines could be found on all Honda models and on some Acura models. Several variants of K-series engines were developed – with volumes of 2.0, 2.4 and 2.3 liters with turbocharging, which replaced the previous generation of internal combustion engines.
The new engines have changed not only the volume, but also the design. For example, the crankshaft began to rotate clockwise, and in the drive of the timing chain replaced the belt. Also on all motors is used the i-VTEC system. It is realized on the intake camshaft, or on both camshafts.
Another feature of K-series engines is that all of them are unified among themselves and represent a kind of a constructor, which, using different components, can develop 150-220 hp. And if you try hard – all 300 hp.
Want to learn more about Honda K20A4 engine and watch its disassembly? Visit our YouTube-channel. This modification of the internal combustion engine is designed for installation on the Honda CR-V car. The power of the motor is 150 hp, and the volume is 2 liters.
Can Honda K-series engines be considered reliable?
The motors of this series have a good balance of power, traction and economy. As for reliability, however, second-hand mechanisms have some problems. Here are the most common faults:
Throttle plate and uneven idle
Throttle valves come in mechanical and electronic versions. With mechanical ones, the idle control valves get dirty. The solution is cleaning and adaptation. Also in the damper position sensors fail, as evidenced by floating engine speeds.
Fast idle thermal valve
The mechanism is responsible for supplying air to the nozzles of the fuel injectors. If it fails, the engine stalls within seconds of starting, or holds high idle speeds. Sometimes the valve is removed, but this affects the engine’s operation – it does not hold high revs for warm-up.
Inlet manifold length change valve
Often the valve loses vacuum, or the drum jams when the air filter is not regularly replaced. The faults are recorded under codes P1078 and P1077. To correct the faults, the valve drum must be removed and thoroughly flushed along with the intake manifold.
VTEC valve
Malfunctions of the mechanism occur due to poor-quality engine oil. About the presence of a failure will tell an obvious “symptom” – the engine will not be able to develop more than 3500 rpm. Error P1259 or P2646 is registered. More often it is not the valve itself that breaks, but the metal mesh-filter between the valve and the cylinder-head. In this case it is necessary to replace the gaskets.
VTC solenoid
Characteristic “crackling” at cold start and errors P0341, P1009 and P2646 will indicate the presence of problems in the solenoid. The clutch starts to crack already at the mark of 100 thousand kilometers. Honda K-series motors of all volumes are equally often malfunctioning. The solution to the problem will be the replacement of the mesh-filter and other components.
The timing chain
On the Honda K20 internal combustion engine, the timing chain is stretched often, if the mileage has reached 200 thousand kilometers. Stretched chain does not make noise, but it is possible to detect stretching by the extended more than 16 cm rod of the hydraulic tensioner. You can also assess the condition of the chain by aligning the marks on the camshaft stars and crankshaft pulley. A difference of 1 cm is a reason to replace the chain.
Wear of camshaft cams
There are two versions of cam wear. The first one is the use of wrong oil and its irregular replacement. The second is untimely adjustment of valve clearances. It is important to use oil with the recommended viscosity and check the thermal valve clearances every 40 thousand kilometers. Adjustment takes only 30 minutes.
Liners
Often on the internal combustion engine K20A “turns” connecting rod and main liners. The reason is incorrectly selected oil or its irregular replacement. Do not neglect the recommendations of the engine manufacturer – it is important to use the right oil and regularly visit the service station to diagnose the engine and its mechanisms.