I got some work done this weekend before the JVG meet. I spent a bit of time in the shop while Jon (came to JVG with me in the Silver CRX, also with built SOHC VTEC) pulled the tranny on his car (another story... 21 spline shafts don't work with 20 spline clutches). I re-sized some 0.020" over rings to the lower end of the factory spec for end gap, I really didn't have to take much off. I also got the bearings opened up on the drill press, but I want to smooth the edges out still to make sure the bearings are flat. I used the ones that were in the block because I wanted to practise, and because I may use them, they look almost new. I stripped down the whole head, and while doing it I took a bunch of pics for tutorials (I've written a lot for CRXCommunity.com), like how to remove the springs and stuff. The head is ready to get ported this week, the compressor should be all wired up tomorrow. Then it's getting cleaned and resurfaced by a friend of mine, who's also taking my pistons and rods this week and cleaning the block. I de-greased and scrubbed the block a bit, but forgot to take an after pic, oh well. I took the oil pump apart to see if I could improve the factory flow at all beyond the inlet and outlet (as Endyn's article says), but I'm a little nervous to get too crazy with the die grinder in there, for marginal (if any) reliability improvements.
Anyway, on with the pictures... maybe the 56Kers are loaded now.
First off, some stuff for working on the engine, this will be added to old write ups too:
This is an easy way to remove the valve spring assembly, it's much faster than winding the spring compressor over and over again. Use a socket that fits on the valve retainer, and tap it quickly with a hammer, the keepers will pop out, into the socket:
Then once you get the keepers, retainer, valve, and bottom piece (what's it called?) out, you need to pull out the stem seals. I use pliers with a grippy tip and grab it and twist. It's tiring and can be frustrating, so use longer handled ones for better mechanical advantage, and grippier ends help keep it on there with the oil and stuff.
Removing a seal:
Got it:
Here's one set of valves removed, on the left I have the whole assembly laid out more or less in order of how it goes together:
The head stripped down:
