Cylinder Head Assembly: Service and Repair

Fig. 2 Cylinder head and manifold assemblies exploded view:

Fig. 3 Cylinder head tightening sequence:

1. Disconnect battery ground cable, drain coolant and disconnect hoses from thermostat housing.
2. Remove air cleaner, then the rocker cover as follows:
a. Remove PCV hose, shut-off valve and PCV valve.
b. On 1983-86 models, disconnect fuel pipe from fuel pump, loosen carburetor fitting and position pipe aside.
c. On all models, disconnect necessary vacuum and AIR hoses, noting position for assembly.
d. Remove rocker cover nuts and the cover, breaking RTV seal with suitable putty knife or cutter. Do not pry on cover until seal has been completely broken, and only pry cover at locations marked, or cover will be damaged.
3. Remove rocker arm, bridge and pivot assemblies, then the pushrods, keeping all components in order for assembly. Loosen retaining bolts alternately, 1 turn at a time, to avoid damaging bridges.
4. Disconnect power steering pump bracket and position aside.
5. Remove intake manifolds as described under ``Intake Manifold, Replace.''
6. Remove exhaust manifold as described under ``Exhaust Manifold, Replace.''
7. Disconnect spark plug wires, temperature sensor lead and battery ground strap.
8. Remove cylinder head bolts, cylinder head and gasket, Fig. 2.
9. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Apply suitable sealing compound to head gasket and install gasket over dowel pins with ``TOP'' mark facing up.
b. Install head and retaining bolts and torque bolts to specifications in sequence shown in Fig. 3. Coat threads of stud bolt in No. 8 position with suitable sealer and only torque this bolt to 75 ft. lbs.
c. Apply continuous bead of RTV sealer, 3/16 inch wide, to rocker cover, install cover and torque nuts to specifications.
d. Remove temperature sensor and leave removed until cooling system is filled, allowing air to escape from block and head.