ok i just did a series of ****. i just replaced the timing belt, water pump, radiator, hoses, thermostate and i went to start it and ran fine but i heard a valve tap very loud vavle tap i listened more and it went away then i went to drive it and at low low rmps i dont hear a thing but at higher rpms it would come back that sound....so i took the valve cover back off and just tried to tighten the valves alil to see if it would help i didnt turn it much 1 turn maybe 2 max to tighten them. then i put it all back together and now it wont start......i wouldnt think that the valve adjustment would have any effect on a vehicle starting i thought it would either just get burnt out or just tap some more............but plz need the help i need a way to work

 

What year and model Civic do you have?

Does the engine crank but not start or does it fail to crank?

Is there spark at the plugs?

Do you hear the buzz of the fuel pump when the ignition key is turned to ON?

 

94 civic
the engine will turn since i have the valve covers off to see if the valves would move so i know the engine cranks it sounds like its all just the starter, i checked the spark and fuel pump i dont hear the pump but i smell the gas when the engine is trying to turn over but theres no spark i checked over the wiring everything looks fine

 

I would begin by addressing the lack of spark. I suspect that the distributor was affected by removal/reinstallation of the adjacent valve cover. Start by checking whether any distributor wires were inadvertently crimped/pinched under the valve cover or were damaged during your work. If not, then open the distributor and troubleshoot the coil and igniter unit. I can upload information for the latter procedures, if necessary.

 

if you could post that i would be greatful since it never hurts to be 100% sure

 

Dont want to sound rude, but it sounds like you went and did a amature valve adjustment and screwed em up. valve adjustments are somewhat technical and should only be done by a expierenced mechanic. Ive done several engine swaps, had my hb state certified, do all my own work, and I would never do a valve adjustment. If im correct, the job requires precise measuring tools and a measuring reference for the car. If I were you, I would take it in to a shop, or have someone that knows what there doing and fix for you. good luck man, sounds like ur gonna have some problems.

 

ps- listen to ronj, ive been looking at his posts....and he's got some good advice..

 

ok and your advice isnt helping a bit........

 

i gave you my advice, and that was to get somebody that knows what thier doing and have them fix it. Ur gonna have to check the adjustments that YOU made to the valves, and compare those to what they are supposed to be, stock. and adjust the valves from there.

 

This post has five pictures. The first three deal with the igniter unit and coil. The last two tell you how to properly adjust the valve clearance. If you need additional information, just post your inquiries in this thread. Good luck with troubleshooting the spark problem.