Rep Power: 195

Is it easier to do the valve adjustment with the head on the car or off?
I pulled the head for a head gasket leak and just finished replacing the valve guide seals.
So I already have the head off the car. Just wondering if I should go ahead and do it now or after I put everything back together.

94 DX D15B7

Thanks,
Brian

 
Rep Power: 0

its easier with the head on, cause you have to place each cylinder at TDC to adjust valve lash, its easy to turn it with the timing belt and head on.

 
Rep Power: 208

Head on! It is impossible to adjust them with the head off!

I hope this isn't another troll joke thread!

 
Rep Power: 195

Not a troll. First time I have ever messed with valves. Wasn't sure if the adjustment was related to the way the crank and cam were situated or if it just a matter of the valves being closed.

 
Rep Power: 367

?!?
You need to have the cilinder at TDC so you are sure that the valves are closed.
If head is off and you turn the cam (carefully) to make sure that the valves are closed (that's the trick part), you can adjust valve clearance.
the main point is to have them valves completely closed. and check if the cam is in the lowest portion as double check

 
Rep Power: 208

On my head you have to take the cams out to get to the head bolts. So it makes it impossible. But I can see how it could be done on a SOHC.

 
Rep Power: 367

Oh, true.
I never did on the civic yet. talked based on the VW i had before (no need to take the cams out to take the head off the engine).

 
Rep Power: 208

Either way it's definitely not necessary!