I did a search, but got conflicting information, so I'll ask it again.

Is it nessesary to remove the valve cover before changing a timing belt? The book I have doesn't say it is, but looking at the engine makes it looks like it is.

I have a 1.5 on a 1990 civic.

Thanks,
Mark

 

Its gonna be a little difficult to remove the upper timing belt cover with the valve cover still installed. Im sure I could get the job done with the valve cover still on, but thats because its not my first time. If its your first time, it will prove to be that much more difficult. Just go ahead and take the valve cover off, make it easy on yourself.

 

yup take off the valve cover, its pretty easy...

 

I saw something online about a gasket and grommets, do all of those have to be replaced too if the cover comes off?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mark Finley &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I saw something online about a gasket and grommets, do all of those have to be replaced too if the cover comes off?

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It depends on the age of the gasket and grommets. Usually though, if u are careful and clean them up real good, u can resuse them. Again, save yourself the trouble and go buy a valve cover gasket kit. It will contain all the replacement grommets and gaskets u need. The place i go to only charges like 17 bucks for it.

 

I was afraid of that. I'm planning on doing the all of the belts, the water pump, and the A/C compressor all at the same time. It looks like it's going to be an expensive job, even if I do it myself.

 

i never replace my valve cover gaskets when i change belts....cuz im "gangster"