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Hello all,
I would like some help on my TDC/Cam sensor installation on my 2002 Civic EX. I looked at the DIY posted at (DIY TDC Sensor (CMP Sensor) Replacement w/Pics! - Honda Civic Forum) as I need to change my TDC sensor (diagnosed by mechanic but I would like to do it myself). I have a couple questions:

1) The pictures used in the DIY are little different from my car. I have a part (shown as Part X in pic1.jpg) that is in my way on the right side. I dont see that part on the DIY. Can someone please tell me what that part is and how can I remove it to give me access to the timing cover?
2) The two long hoses are in the way too. Can someone tell me how to remove those. They look very rigid by I will need a way to maneuver in the area so I can get my socket and wrench in place for 3 bolts on the timing cover
3) Do I really need to remove the valve cover. There must be a reason for it as he did in the DIY. But timing belt cover is on the driver side of the engine block and is made out of plastic (should be flexible). Can I not touch the valve cover. I dont want to mess it up.
4) If I have to remove the valve cover, is there a best practice to do it? I have the tools and all, but I am afraid of the warping people talk about.

Can you please provide input/thoughts to this. Mechanic asked for $300 labor and I like working on my car. I bought the sensor and would like to do it myself. Your help would go a long way.

Regards

 
Rep Power: 511

That's the ABS module. Can't really remove it unless you want a lot of extra work.

Here's how you should do it:
-remove alternator, move wires out of the way
-remove valve cover (because it "locks down" the timing cover
-gently "bend" the a/c hoses out of the way
-unplug TDC sensor, then remove upper timing cover
-unbolt TDC sensor and remove. I'd recommend putting a bit of blue thread lock on the bolt when reinstalling. The one time I didn't, the TDC sensor bolt vibrated loose and ate my timing belt.

The warping issue you mention is really a non-issue for you. It's not the valve cover that gets warped due to incorrect removal, its the cylinder head itself. You're not touching anything that would warp the head, so you'll be fine.

 
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Ok, so I took a picture of the area Im working on (pic3.jpg). There are 3 hoses. I think Hose 'C' is the power steering hose.
Hose A looks like is the ac hose.

1. What is hose 'B' and can I (and how) take it out of the way?
2. Which hoses can I bend to move out. Hose A looks pretty rigid. I am afraid applying any force on it.
3. Hose B is also very rigid. If I cant take it out, then can I bend it?

Thanks

 
Rep Power: 511

Hose B is for your power steering. Every time I tinker under the timing cover, I unbolt the power steering pump and swing everything out of the way and rest it on top of the driver side strut (resting on a buncha rags or something)

Hose A is for your AC, and with the PS lines and pump out of the way, I kinda force it out of the way to give me room to work with.

 
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I'm having the exact same issue. My 2001 civic has that exact same thing in his picture and its hard to get to the bolts because its so tight around the area of the timing belt cover. Any help? Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 511

A LOT of patience and/or someone to help you with small hands. Luckily for my, my hands aren't terribly big.

Also, a 1.5" extension as well as ratcheting box end wrenches help

 
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removing the alternator will give me more room to work?