Cylinder Head Assembly: Service and Repair

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Drain cooling system.
3. Raise and support vehicle.
4. Disconnect exhaust pipe from exhaust manifold, then lower vehicle.
5. Remove oil dipstick tube and air cleaner.
6. On 1984 models, disconnect throttle body injection unit electrical connectors and vacuum hoses.
7. On 1985-88 models, disconnect electrical connectors and throttle linkage from throttle body injection unit.
8. On 1984 models, remove EGR base plate, then disconnect heater hose from intake manifold. Remove ignition coil lower attaching bolt, then disconnect wiring from coil.
9. On 1985-88 models, disconnect heater hose from intake manifold, then remove ignition coil.
10. On all models, disconnect all electrical connectors from cylinder head and intake manifold.
11. Remove engine strut attaching bolt from upper engine support.
12. On 1984 models, remove alternator drive belt, then disconnect throttle and throttle valve cables from intake manifold.
13. On 1985-88 models, remove or reposition accessory brackets as necessary.
14. On all models, disconnect upper radiator hose from cylinder head.
15. Remove rocker arm cover, then the rocker arms and pushrods.
16. Remove cylinder head attaching bolts, then lift cylinder head and intake and exhaust manifolds as an assembly from cylinder block.

Fig. 2 Cylinder head bolt tightening sequence:

17. Install new head gasket, then the cylinder head assembly, ensuring gasket and head are seated over dowel pins.
18. Coat threads of bolts 9 and 10, Fig. 2, with sealer, apply oil to remaining bolts and install all bolts finger tight.
19. Tighten bolts in 3 steps following sequence shown in Fig. 2. First torque all bolts to 18 ft. lbs. Second, torque all bolts except bolt No. 9 to 22 ft. lbs. Torque bolt No. 9 to 29 ft. lbs. Third, tighten all bolts except No. 9 an additional 120° (2 flats). Tighten bolt No. 9 an additional 90° (1/4 turn).
20. Reverse remaining procedure to complete installation.