I’m currently replacing the head gasket on my 2000 civic LX and am trying to release the tension on the timing belt so i can pull the head off, but I’m stuck. I see where the tensioner bolt is at but I can’t seem to get a socket on there because it’s so tight. I did try removing the power steering pump but still didn’t have enough room to get to the bolt. Does anyone know an easy way to get to it, or how they’ve done it before? Thanks.

 

Have you removed the upper motor mount?

It can be a pain to get a rachet in there, but it is possible.

 

No I haven’t. How do you do that?

 

Usually you get a ratchet on this bolt from inside the wheel well. Make use to use a 6-pont socket, cause it's bad news if you round the head off. Happened on my B18. Had to drill the entire head off to remove the bolt.

 

Ok, I got the belt off. I watched a video on how to get the engine mount off, which gave me more room to get to the bolt loosened.

Thanks!