Cylinder Head Removal

Before starting work, wait until the engine has completely cooled down.
REMOVAL
PROCEDURE

1. Set the No. 1 piston to the TDC position at the end of the compression stroke (refer to Setting No. 1 Piston to Top Dead Center (TDC)).
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.

If the vehicle is equipped with a stereo system with an anti-theft code, make sure you have the correct code to activate the audio system before disconnecting the battery!
2. Drain the cooling system and remove the spark plugs (refer to Maintenance and Tune-Up section).
3. Remove the bolts securing the intake manifold bracket and the bolts securing the exhaust pipe flange to the exhaust manifold (refer to Intake Manifold Removal and Installation and Exhaust Manifold Removal and Installation).

The cylinder head can be removed together with the manifolds, however the procedure is considerably simplified (due to reduced weight and size of the assembly) if these components are removed beforehand.
4. Remove the air intake hose (refer to Intake Manifold Removal and Installation) and the cylinder head cover (refer to Cylinder Head Cover Removal and Installation). Remove the distributor assembly with the cap and high-tension leads (refer to Engine Electrical section).
5. Remove the power steering pump (refer to Suspension and Steering section).
6. Remove the timing belt (refer to Timing Belt and Timing Gears Removal, Inspection and Installation), the rocker arm assembly (refer to Rocker Arm Assembly Removal, Inspection and Installation) and the camshaft (refer to Camshaft Removal, Inspection and Installation).

7. Loosen the clamp and disconnect the water hose connected to the cylinder head directly below the distributor.

8. Following the sequence shown in the illustration in reverse, loosen the head bolts in several passes (1/4 turn per pass) until they can be unscrewed by hand. Make sure to note the installation position of each bolt; during installation they must be returned exactly to their original positions.

9. Remove the cylinder head from the engine. If the head does not separate from the block, use a pry bar inserted between the power steering pump bracket and the block (never pry under the mating surface of the head). Place the removed cylinder head on a pair of wooden blocks to avoid damaging the sealing surfaces.

10. For the cylinder head disassembly procedure and inspection of its internal components, refer to the Engine General Overhaul section of this Chapter. At this stage, check only the flatness of the mating surface.

11. Check the threaded portion of the head bolts by measuring the diameter at two points with a micrometer. If any bolt shows signs of wear, replace the entire set.