noob question about tearing into the CA

[RagingPanda]

What does it means by "confirm that No.1 piston is set at T.D.C on its compression stroke."? If it's not, do I rotate the camshafts sprocket or something?Also, can I change the headgasket without dealing with the taking apart of the camshafts and valves? Is it necessary to change the valve oil seals and camshaft oil seal? Basically I'm trying to change the headgasket, front and rear oil seals, and timing belt. So please give me any head up on what NOT to do so I won't end up in deep ****. Thanks in advance

[c-rad]

confirm that #1 piston is at TDC- easiest way to do this is to stick a long screwdriver into the #1 cylinder spark plug hole and turn the crank clockwise until the screwdriver is at its highest point. Second, you don't need to remove the cams or valves. Its easiest to remove the head with the manifolds on. Plus, it gives you something to hold on to.

If you are using a MLS headgasket, make sure the machine shop knows that when the resurface it. MLS gaskets require a near perfect surface.

[81na ZX]

If your pulling it apart - especially if your disassembling the head, you don't worry about that until you have it ready to go back together.

The best way to put the #1 at TDC in the compression stroke is the following picture. The screwdriver method can put you 180deg out (TDC of the exhaust stroke)

[RagingPanda]

so basically I should just align the two marks. I haven't open up anything so I don't yet but like I said earlier. What if they're not align? How do I get them to align?

Sorry about all the noob questions but I just wanted to make sure cuz I'm paranoid as hell and I don't trust myself at all.

[float_6969]

Aligning the marks will get you the same results as the screwdriver. If you're removing the head, it doesn't matter because you're going to loose your timing when you pull the belt anyway. I think you will have to remove the cams to get to all of the headbolts, but I could be wrong. It's been a few months since I was messing with my head. You shouldn't have to mess with anything else.

[dvd]

I think you will have to remove the cams to get to all of the headbolts, but I could be wrong. It's been a few months since I was messing with my head..

i hope you're wrong about having to take the cams out .. can anyone confirm this?

[float_6969]

I checked the FSM and you shouldn't have to remove them.