Possible Blown Head Gasket

I'm hoping you will be able to tell if there is a timing issue by taking just the valve covers off before removing the timing cover. You should be able to see the relationship between both bank 1 and bank 2 by viewing the marks on the gears and bearing caps. I don't believe you can tell TDC from the crankshaft with the timing cover installed, but I suppose you could verify TDC on cylinder #1 by using a long screwdriver to determine when the piston is at its highest point. From the one picture you have above, it appears that bank 1 and bank 2 are off by one tooth in relationship to each other.

 

Can anyone confirm that unhooking the battery will clear my codes? I've got no scanner / code clearing tool. I hope it can... I guess I can see if Auto Zone can do it after i fix my screw up... also wondering if I DO successfully fix my screw up... will the code clear itself?

 

I used to work at Autozone. They are great in that they give you a print out but they won't clear codes due to policy. At least where I'm at. O'Reily's let me use a scan tool to clear my codes but they were very hands off like "you can do it but I can't help you" Disconnecting the battery should work to re-set. Good Luck.

 

I currently have this Bosch Bluetooth scanner, its relatively cheap compared to other handheld scanners. I bought it at the counter at O'Reilys for about 99$.

-J

 

FYI. Regarding OBD2 scanners, I got this Veepak

$32 Veepeak OBDCheck BLE Bluetooth OBD II Scanner Car Check Engine Light Code Reader, Auto Dual Mode Bluetooth Diagnostic Scan Tool for iOS & Android

one a year ago for around $25. You will need the OBD Fusion app too. The IOS version is around $10. Also available on Android as well. You could buy the adapter and app for around $40 and then have the ability later to download the advanced diagnostics plug in to monitor stuff like transmission temps.

 

I'm with you, brother
try not to freak out too much.. you could have left a pcv hose off and caused your symptoms. the roughness n such.
for a scanner, I'd go the torque pro route, or shell out 400+ for a nice one. im sure any of the ones guys here have recommended would suit you.
disconnecting the battery should have cleared stuff for yuh. there may still be some logged data in your memory, but I dont think it should affect driveability, cuz once the battery is pulled the car resets and has to relearn all its adjustments.

hey, when's the last time you did ignition coils?