Maybe in preparation for removing the whole head??

 

The instructions in the DIY guide on this forum said to remove the TDC sensor. I can understand not doing it -- I didn't think it turned out to be necessary. But I definitely seemed to need the extra space of losening that bracket and getting that firewall wiring harness out of the way.

 

Nice info

 

You will still need to remove the cam caps and both camshafts to get a decent look at all the retainers. After the cams are out you pick up on each rocker assembly (there are 3 rockers for each pair of valves) to inspect the retainer to stem clearance.

Don't let the rockers seperate from each other, as the syncronizing pistons for the VTEC rocker can come out.

 

I just unclip the wiring harness and put it above the bracket. The intake cam's TDC sensor does get in the way when trying to lift the valve cover off (due to the lip on the fire wall), but if you rotate the valve cover toward the intake manifold, it will clear.

 

Well, I just finished and all in all, things went well. Pulling the cover was not that hard for me. No removal of the TDC sensors was required.

Mike, the breather hose was a b*tch and I did the same thing you did, removed it from the other end, just to avoid messing up the cover. That was probably the hardest part.

Gernby and slows2k, you were both correct, it was very difficult to get a good look. I am not up to the task of removing cams just yet, unless it is ridiculously simple. I had to settle for poking around with a dental mirror and was able to see enough to ease my immediate concerns. Lowering the mirror to the point that I was looking flat across the top of the retainers, I was able to compare the amount of valve stem above each "horizon". All were uniform, to the best that I could tell, exhaust and intake. There was no evidence of splitting, though I realize it is nearly impossible to see from above. There were, however, gaps in the keepers, I assume this is normal? I guess all this serves to do is assure me I will not be self-destructing in the next couple days and give me a baseline for comparison further down the road. Still, I enjoyed turning a wrench or two and don't consider it wasted time. Thanks to all for the help.

 

Gaps in the keepers..normal

IMO, the retainers are extremely easy to view with a dental mirror. Although you won't be able to see an actual crack on the underside of the retainer, the slightest crack will send the retainer higher up on the keepers, which becomes obvious right away.

 

Billman,
Thank-you for the feedback. I am starting to think it was time well served.