i know that you have to use a maintenance bolt to set the rear balance shaft, my question is, is it required or is there another way? thanks

 

why wouldnt you just do it that way?

 

Just give it a good spin, due to the offset weight of the balance-shaft it will stop in the right position. If that doesn't work, which 90% of the time it does, you could always do the High School locker method, which is explained in detail here; http://www.wikihow.com/Open-Your-Locker

 

I thought the maintenance bolt was easy. Some manufacturers make it truly hellish to time their motors. I'm not aware of a more effective method.

 

never heard of this method.

 

That doesn't surprise me...it's a well known secret amongst the most elite Honda engine builders...in fact now that I think of it, I could probably wind up sleeping with the fishes for letting that slip... I may have to edit my post...