I have a 2002 Civic EX coupe 1.7 vtec. I am replacing the head with a rebuilt head and I have a few questions. I removed the old head with the engine in time.

The timing gear is still on the old head and hasn’t been moved. I have to remove the gear to use on the rebuilt head. When I install the gear on the rebuilt head what is the procedure to place the head in time?

I believe I should check the valve adjustment on the rebuilt head before I install it and put the head into time.

I’m guessing I can rotate the cam until the valves are closed on each cylinder, check the valve lash and then put the head into time prior to installing it on the block.

Thanks in advance for any help someone can offer me.

 

The camshaft gear is keyed-- so is the crank pulley. They will only go on one way. If you mark the old head/timing gear before you remove it (UP should be straight up regardless, with respect to the head), then rotate the new one with the gear to make sure it's in the ballpark (Also UP), you can adjust the mechanical timing after bolting the new head on the car--- assuming the crank is set to the mark too. I've attached a picture for reference if you need.

Adjust the valves after you bolt the head on, and after you set the engine's mechanical timing. The factory service manuals on all of the Hondas I've seen call for it after head/cam replacement. Don't do it on the bench. Following the service manual also ensures each cylinder is at top dead center when you adjust the valves.

The adjustment is within the thousandths, and even temperature can make a different on those clearances. It's possible even torquing the head down can cause a difference in some instances from what I've read.

 

This is the info I needed.... thanks for your reply.
I have been looking for a good service manual for this model. Can you recommend a good one without spending a lot of cash on it?