First let me say that I'm no mechanic. I'm a hardcore DIY'er. I've done a first time trans swap/clutch kit all by myself using an online manual on my cell phone; was pretty hard.

So I was looking at the Helm's manual on how to replace the head gasket and timing belt. I have a few questions...
What the heck are keys in the camshaft pullys (cam gears) for?
Will they like...fall out when I remove the gears?

Do I need a pully holder or can I use a regular socket wrench?

Explain it to a dummie...
how do I put the camshafts back in as how they are supposed to be? Yes, one is marked E and the other I, but how about setting the position of the lobes right? ...and also the cam holders?

That is all...
any other notes would be appreciated.

 

You don't have to remove the cam gears from the cams. So you don't need to worry about the keys falling out. You should have your motor set at TDC when doing the headgasket/timing belt so you just put the cams back in at TDC. There is also a spot where you can insert 2 5mm punches to hold the cams in place at TDC. Most don't know about it but it's a huge help. What about the cam holders? You lay them out on the bench how they go back in the car. Same with the rocker assembly.
Here this should help you out a lot. http://www.redpepperracing.com/techn...a/aae.png.html

 

The keys keep the gears aligned to the cams. But don't worry, you don't have to take the gears off.

I am local, and if you want to PM me your # I can explain a lot of it.

 

Thanks everyone I'll be sure to be back here if I need any help. I haven't bought a head gasket yet.

 

might not even be your problem. you didn't us which engine you have but the 18c uses an MLS gasket, no idea what oem on th 18b is. anyway, mls gaskets almost never blow. what does happen is cylinder walk in the bottom end that warps the deck thus killing your seal. most the time this happens from a lot of high rpm driving.

 

b uses mls as well, i believe. i think pretty much anything 92+ does
it would be an ideal time to replace cam seals as well (only if they're leaking). in which case the cam gears would need to be removed.
honda heads don't often crack, but at the very least, you should have the head resurfaced and pressure tested. this way at least one of the mating surfaces is true.
it's not all that difficult a job. like any other, just keep your **** clean and in order and go by the book.

oh btw, how do you know it is the HG?

 

fixed


deck deflection is often worse than the head