I've got the head off the 98 civic lx and want to replace the stem seals. My question isn't about how to replace the seals, I think I can handle that part, it's about removing the rockers and cam. If I pull the rockers I'm guessing the cam should lift right out, even with the cam pulley still attached. My concern is that I'm going to screw up my timing if I don't get the cam back in the exact same position. Is there some trick to this? This is the first time I've torn into an engine and I'm taking it slow and using the HSM but I'm finding a lot of things aren't covered in much detail.

 

I believe you simply need to set the bottom end and head at tdc and you should be fine.

 

If you have a Manuel it will tell you how to set timing. It will be out of time when you take the came off. Also you don't have to remove the rockers to get the cam out you remove the caps. You may as well replace your water pump and timing belt while you have it apart.