I'm new to this forum and have a question. I worked on autos for a long time and should know better. On my 96 Accord, 2dr, 5 spd, EX Vtech, I'm changing the timing belts and I couldn't get the bottom cover out. It was loose but for some reason I couldn't get it out of the car. While pulling on it I broke it. It's out now, broken. Questions, what was it hanging up on, the tension adjustment bolt? Now that I broke it has anyone ever repaired a cover, or do I have to go to Honda and get a new one? Is it recommended to replace the tensioner also? I'm going to do the water pump while I have everything apart. I will need to put the timing cover back in and I don't want to srew that up so is there a special way it goes in? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

i personally would get a new cover, and are you doing this without using a manual? i would suggest you buy a helms or at the very least a haynes.... do a search for timing belt stuff and im sure you'll find more threads than you would ever possbily want to read on the subject. moral of this post is: search

 

if you want to taek otu that cover easier, you should remove the driver side radius rod,

 

there's a trick to it, since you got it out, it would be easier to go back in.

 

The manual says to take out the mounts and lower the engine

 

Thanks for the help. I did a search originally and couldn't find anyting about the cover. My genuine Honda manual didn't mention lowering the engine. The good news is Honda had the part in stock, $19 for the cover and $5 for the rubber gasket, be here in two days. Funny they have them in stock, I must not be the only one busting them. (Oh, I feel soooo much better ) I'll post when I'm done to let all know how it went.

 

The radius rod does pose a problem but you can get around it without removing it. The side of the engine bay poses a problem as well. You don't have much room to get the cover away from the block, the side of the bay is close and restricts movement. You need to may antention to the adjusting nut, front balancer shaft gear and the bolt that moutns the water pump and hold the spring for the balancer shaft tensioner. Those three things are what you probably got held up on. When installing the cover get it up between the side of the bay and the block. You won't be able to go all the way up beause the balancer shaft gear will be stopping you. Slide the cover over that gear first and then get it over that bolt that holds the spring for the balancer shaft tensioner. When you get it over those two the adjusting nut should have fallen into place. By the time your done doing the timing belt job you will have removed/installed the cover a couple times and will know exactly how to do it.

Just remember to be patient, it will go on there.

 

TouringAccord, thanks, excellent description. I did the timing belt on my 87 Hatchback a couple of times and I remember it being earsier the second time. I'll let you know how I make out.

 

no problem, glad I could help.