Cylinder Head Removal

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

REMOVAL
PROCEDURE

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

If the vehicle's audio system is equipped with an anti-theft code, make sure you have the correct code to reactivate the audio system before disconnecting the battery!
2. Relieve the fuel system pressure and disconnect the wiring from the fuel injectors. Disconnect the fuel lines and remove the fuel rails (see Fuel and Exhaust Systems chapter).
3. Drain the cooling system, including the engine block (see Maintenance and Adjustments chapter).
4. Remove the alternator and distributor (see Engine Electrical chapter).
5. Disconnect the ground strap from the engine wall facing the timing belt.
6. Remove the power steering pump (see Suspension and Steering chapter) and, without disconnecting the hoses, move it aside.
7. Remove the upper intake manifold (see Intake Manifold Removal and Installation).
8. Remove the exhaust manifolds (see Exhaust Manifold Removal and Installation).
9. Remove the timing belt and the timing drive gears (see Timing Belt and Timing Drive Gears Removal, Inspection and Installation).
10. Remove the rear timing belt covers (see Camshafts Removal, Inspection and Installation).
11. Disconnect the coolant passage assembly.

12. Remove the rocker arm assemblies with their shafts (see Rocker Arm Assembly Removal, Inspection and Installation).

13. Using a socket wrench, loosen the cylinder head bolts in several steps (1/4 turn per pass) until they can be unscrewed by hand. Loosen the bolts in the reverse order of tightening.

14. Remove the cylinder head from the engine. If the head does not separate from the block, use a pry bar inserted between the casting projections (never pry under the mating surface of the head).

15. Following the same procedure (see steps 12 to 14), remove the second cylinder head. Check both cylinder heads for flatness.