Rocker Arm and Shaft Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Honda Fit, 2012 Honda Fit, 2011 Honda Fit, 2010 Honda Fit, and 2009 Honda Fit. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the rocker arm assembly (see ROCKER ARM ASSEMBLY REMOVAL ).
Disassemble the rocker arm assembly (see ROCKER ARM AND SHAFT DISASSEMBLY/REASSEMBLY ).
Measure the diameter of the shaft at the first rocker location.

Fig 1: Measuring Diameter Of Shaft At First Rocker Location
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Zero the gauge (A) to the shaft diameter.

Fig 2: Identifying Gauge
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Measure the inside diameter of the rocker arm, and check it for an out-of-round condition.
Rocker Arm-to-Shaft Clearance

Intake:

Standard (New): 0.017-0.048 mm (0.0007-0.0019 in.)

Service Limit: 0.08 mm (0.0031 in.)

Exhaust:

Standard (New): 0.019-0.050 mm (0.0007-0.0020 in.)

Service Limit: 0.08 mm (0.0031 in.)

Fig 3: Measuring Inside Diameter Of Rocker Arm
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Repeat for all rockers and shaft. If the clearance is beyond the service limit, replace the rocker shaft and all out of service limit rocker arms. If any VTEC rocker arm needs replacement, replace the rocker arms as an assembly.

VTEC Rocker Arms

Inspect the rocker arm pistons (B). Push on them manually. If they do not move smoothly, replace the rocker arm set.
NOTE:
- Apply new engine oil to the rocker arm pistons when reassembling.
- When disassembling the secondary rocker arm A, carefully apply air pressure to the oil passage of the rocker arm to remove the pistons.
  
  Fig 4: Identifying Rocker Arm & Pistons
  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Reassemble the rocker arm assembly (see ROCKER ARM AND SHAFT DISASSEMBLY/REASSEMBLY ).
Install the rocker arm assembly (see ROCKER ARM ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION ).