Oh this is bad news bears, I'm ashamed to write it. My head gasket job was going pretty well.... until I walked away. My brother and I had tried everything possible to get the timing belt tensioner cover off--- that little black plug doohickey. We were getting no where. I walked inside for a break... well he gladly told me when I came out the timing belt was off. I was like "how?" e said he slipped off the side with two screwdrivers I knew immediatley this was going to lead to H*$# to pay but went ahead with disassembly and cleaning head etc. Now that it's back on I face the challenge of loosening the timing belt and getting it on the cam shaft correctly. Everything is at TDC so I'm good there, but I'm truly at a loss on what to do. If someone knows a trick for popping that plug/cover off please let me know. Every video i've watched makes it look so easy! I've jacked the engine, taken off the top mount and top timing belt cover. No matter which way I get my little hands in there, there is no gap between the plug and cover to pry the thing out!! tried all the tools including cuticle sissors. I guess plan B would be take off everything there to get to the tensioner but I don't have breaker bar and crap I'm going to need to take that crank pulley off Any tips ? 97 civic ex SOHC VTEC

 

97 civic timing belt diy - YouTube

 

thanks so much! I got the plug out myself with no help from any of those videos you linked which I had all ready watched. I have a new small issue I'd love to troubleshoot here but I'm sure I'd get either no answers or someone will just post a link back to you tube videos I've watched 20 times. If you wanted to insult my intelligence I'd prefer you just call me stupid. I can't wait to go back to working on my blazer cause at least then my blazerforum guys will help a girl out when I get in a pickle.

 

you must be on the rag to come here with this pms attitude so good riddance.