Cylinder Head Assembly: Service and Repair

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove mass air flow sensor and air intake duct.
3. Remove serpentine drive belt.
4. Remove alternator.
5. Remove ignition module complete with wiring.
6. Disconnect vacuum lines and electrical connectors necessary for cylinder head removal.
7. Disconnect throttle, throttle valve and cruise control (if equipped) cables from throttle body.
8. Remove fuel lines and fuel rail.
9. Disconnect throttle body and intake manifold heater and radiator hoses and drain coolant.
10. Disconnect ignition wires from spark plugs, then remove intake manifold and valve covers.
11. Remove radiator and cooling fan.
12. Remove left exhaust manifold, then the rocker arms, pedestals and pushrods.
13. On models equipped with power steering, remove power steering pump.
14. On all models, remove engine oil level indicator and tube.
15. Remove left cylinder head attaching bolts and the cylinder head.
16. Raise and support vehicle.
17. Disconnect exhaust pipe from exhaust manifold, then lower vehicle.
18. Remove right cylinder head attaching bolts and the cylinder head.

Fig. 1 Cylinder head bolt tightening sequence:

Fig. 2 Intake manifold bolt tightening sequence:

19. Install cylinder head(s) noting the following:
a. If steel replacement gasket is used, coat both sides of gasket with suitable sealer.
b. Use new head bolts when installing cylinder head.
c. Torque bolts to specifications in sequence shown in Fig. 1: First, torque bolts to 25 ft. lbs. Second, tighten each bolt 90 degrees in sequence shown. Third, tighten each bolt an additional 90 degrees in sequence shown.
20. Reverse remaining procedure to complete installation, torquing intake manifold bolts to specifications in sequence shown in Fig. 2.