Cylinder Head Assembly: Service and Repair

1. Disconnect battery ground cable and remove air cleaner.
2. Drain cooling system and engine block, then remove intake manifold.
3. Disconnect AIR hose from exhaust manifold check valve, and if right cylinder head is to be removed, disconnect AIR hose from converter pipe.
4. If right cylinder head is to be removed, remove A/C compressor as follows:
a. Remove lower compressor mounting bolt and nuts securing bracket to water pump.
b. Move compressor assembly forward, remove upper mounting bolt and disconnect electrical connector, and secure compressor aside.
c. Disconnect electrical connectors to high pressure switch, then remove high pressure switch and EGR solenoid.
d. Disconnect EFI harness from rocker cover clamp.
5. If left cylinder head is to be removed, remove alternator and brace.
6. Remove valve cover retaining bolts, bend plug wire bracket away from cover for clearance, and remove cover.
7. Remove spark plugs and temperature sending unit from cylinder head.
8. Raise and support vehicle, and disconnect exhaust pipe from manifold. If right cylinder head is to be replaced, remove 2 rear manifold bolts and dipstick tube bolt.
9. Lower vehicle and remove exhaust manifold.
10. If left cylinder head is to be removed, remove AIR pump upper bracket and power steering reservoir, and set aside.
11. Remove spark plug wire bracket and bolts securing ground straps to cylinder head.
12. Loosen rocker arm nuts and remove push rods.
13. Remove head bolts and cylinder head.

Fig. 4 Cylinder Head Tightening Sequence:

Fig. 2 Intake Manifold Bolt Tightening Sequence:

14. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Ensure gasket surfaces are clean and free of nicks or deep scratches, and bolt and block threads are clean.
b. Coat both sides of head gasket with a thin even coat of sealer, and ensure gasket is properly positioned over dowel pins.
c. Coat cylinder head bolt threads with GM sealer No. 1052080 or equivalent, then install all bolts finger tight.
d. Torque cylinder head bolts to specifications in sequence shown in Fig. 4.
e. Install intake manifold gaskets on head with blocked openings toward rear, bend gasket tabs flush with rear face of cylinder head, and apply a .2 inch bead of RTV sealer on front and rear cylinder block ridges.
f. Install manifold, apply sealant 1052624 or equivalent to manifold bolts, and torque bolts to specifications in sequence shown in Fig. 2.