Rep Power: 0

Oh this is bad news bears, I'm ashamed to write it. My head gasket job was going pretty well.... until I walked away. My brother and I had tried everything possible to get the timing belt tensioner cover off--- that little black plug doohickey. We were getting no where. I walked inside for a break... well he gladly told me when I came out the timing belt was off. I was like "how?" e said he slipped off the side with two screwdrivers I knew immediatley this was going to lead to H*$# to pay but went ahead with disassembly and cleaning head etc. Now that it's back on I face the challenge of loosening the timing belt and getting it on the cam shaft correctly. Everything is at TDC so I'm good there, but I'm truly at a loss on what to do. If someone knows a trick for popping that plug/cover off please let me know. Every video i've watched makes it look so easy! I've jacked the engine, taken off the top mount and top timing belt cover. No matter which way I get my little hands in there, there is no gap between the plug and cover to pry the thing out!! tried all the tools including cuticle sissors. I guess plan B would be take off everything there to get to the tensioner but I don't have breaker bar and crap I'm going to need to take that crank pulley off Any tips ? 97 civic ex SOHC VTEC

 
Rep Power: 0

and before anyone mentions doing the timing belt anyway... it looks to be in perfect condition really can't even throw the extra $40 at it right now