spyder98

I have a 98 CRV with around 160k miles I have the P0303 code and have burnt valves ive been driving the car like that for 9 months no money to fix it right now My question is can i change the head with out removing the timing belt?

INVN01

That shouldn't be a problem. The timing belt has to be removed from the cam gears but doesn't have to be taken completely off. I would personally recommend that you change it if it hasn't been changed already, but that is your decision. Changing the water pump is also a good idea too while you are at it. It's just general maintenance that is easier to do while things are already apart.

spyder98

At first I wanted to replace the motor with one from hmotorsonline but no money at this time. Like i said ive been driving it with bad valves for 9 months so i dont want to waste more money then i have to incase it doesnt work it. If it works ill go ahead and replace both timing belt and wp. Im getting a head for $40 wit 110k miles im taking it to the shop to get the heads brushed then just install it myself. Anything specific things i need bolts? gaskets? Do i need to mess with timing? or position of the piston?

INVN01

You WILL need a new head gasket. I would recommend ARP or Golden Eagle head studs as stock ones can stretch out during removal. As far as position of the piston, you need to get a Haynes manual. You ALWAYS put #1 piston at TDC and then cam gears have a lock pin location to keep them from moving while in the proper position.

spyder98

I ended up having the whole complete motor rebuilt. and its running perfectly now. Thanks for your help "INVNO1"

FourthGenHatch

I was going to say if you want to clean valves on the cheap look for this stuff called Top Engine Cleaner. I have seen it from the GM dealerships but we use it on all kinds of stuff at work. Basically you pull off a vacuum hose and stick it in the bottle and suck up this liquid from the bottle. Then shut the engine off. Let it sit in there for a while. Whatever that stuff is it is nasty. Eventually you start it back up and let it run and white smoke billows out for a while but eventually it burns off. It has saved a couple junkers at work from the scrap heap for a cheap fix.

spyder98

I wish it would of been that easy...The motor just needed to be rebuilt or replaced.