Cylinder Head Assembly: Service and Repair

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Drain engine coolant into a suitable container.
3. Remove air cleaner assembly, then the oil level dip stick.
4. Remove accelerator cable and cruise control cable, if equipped.
5. Disconnect and plug fuel hoses, then remove fuel pump, if equipped with carburetor.
6. Disconnect heater hoses, brake vacuum hose and canister hose.
7. Disconnect spark plug wires and all engine electrical connectors, then remove distributor.
8. Remove spark plugs.
9. Remove secondary air pipe, if equipped with carburetor.
10. Remove front engine hanger and ground wire.
11. Remove upper radiator hose, then the water bypass hose and bracket.
12. Remove intake manifold assembly, then the exhaust manifold insulator and exhaust manifold.
13. On 1988 models, remove water pump pulley.
14. Remove engine side cover, if equipped, then the upper and lower timing belt cover, if necessary.

Fig. 39 Aligning timing belt pulley:

Fig. 35 Cylinder Head Tightening Sequence. 1986-87:

Figure 36, Cylinder Head Bolt Tightening Sequence, 1988-90 SOHC.:

15. Turn crankshaft to align matching mark on camshaft pulley with matching mark on cylinder head cover, Fig. 39.
16. Remove timing belt tensioner, spring and timing belt.
17. Remove camshaft pulley. Insert a suitable screwdriver through pulley slot to prevent it from turning during removal.
18. Remove rear engine hanger, then the cylinder head cover.
19. Remove cylinder head attaching bolts, then the cylinder head assembly.
20. Remove thermostat assembly.
21. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Torque cylinder head bolts gradually and in sequence shown in Figs. 35 and 36 to 63-67 ft.lbs. for 1986 models or 56-60 ft.lbs. for 1987-88 models.
b. Install camshaft pulley onto dowel pin and keyway with matching mark straight up. Ensure timing marks on camshaft pulley and cylinder head align.
c. Torque camshaft pulley attaching bolt to 36-46 ft.lbs.
d. Install timing belt, refer to ``Timing Belt, Replace'' procedure.
e. On 1986-87 models, adjust valve clearance, refer to ``Valve, Adjust'' procedure.
f. Apply suitable sealant to cylinder head cover before installing gasket.