Cylinder Head Assembly: Service and Repair

Prior to removing cylinder head, ensure coolant temperature is below 100°F.
1. Rotate crankshaft until No. 1 cylinder is at TDC on compression stroke, with camshaft sprocket and flywheel timing marks aligned as outlined in ``Cam Drive Sprocket Timing Belt, Replace.''
2. Disconnect battery ground cable and drain cooling system.
3. Remove brake booster vacuum tube and disconnect secondary ground cable from valve cover.
4. Disconnect electrical connector from radio condenser and primary and secondary wiring from remote mounted ignition coil, as equipped.
5. On models with carbureted engine, proceed as follows:
a. Remove air cleaner, noting position of all vacuum hoses for installation.
b. Disconnect electrical connectors from fuel cut-off solenoid, electric choke and temperature gauge sending unit.
c. Disconnect fuel lines and throttle cable from carburetor.
d. Disconnect electrical connector from distributor and remove vacuum hoses, noting position for installation.
e. Mark installation position, then disconnect No. 1 control box hoses from vacuum manifold.
f. Disconnect air jet controller hoses.
6. On models with fuel injected engine, proceed as follows:
a. Remove air cleaner cover.
b. Relieve fuel pressure by placing shop towel over service bolt on fuel filter and loosening bolt approximately 1 turn.
c. Disconnect fuel supply and return hoses, then plug hoses.
d. Disconnect throttle cable and canister vent hose from throttle body.
e. Disconnect engine sub-harness electrical connectors from cylinder head and intake manifold mounted components, noting position for installation.
f. Release 4 sub-harness retaining clamps and secure harness aside.
g. Disconnect electrical connector to oxygen sensor.
7. Disconnect upper radiator, heater and bypass hoses from cylinder head, and the hose between the thermostat housing and intake manifold.
8. On 1985 Accord with fuel injection and all 1986-87 models, disconnect connecting pipe to valve body hose and bypass outlet hose.
9. On all models, remove power steering pump and secure aside, leaving hoses connected.
10. Remove hose clamp bolt and power steering pump bracket from cylinder head.
11. On 1984-85 Prelude, disconnect electrical connector from control box No. 2, remove control from bracket and suspend control along side carburetor.
12. Remove air chamber, disconnect A/C idle control solenoid hoses and remove cruise control actuator, as equipped.
13. Working from under vehicle, remove engine splash shield, as needed, then disconnect header pipe from exhaust manifold and bracket and pull pipe clear of manifold.
14. Remove air cleaner base mounting bolts and disconnect breather hose from intake manifold.
15. Remove valve cover and upper timing belt cover.
16. Loosen timing belt tensioner and remove timing belt.

Fig. 9 Cylinder head bolt tightening sequence.:

17. Loosen cylinder head bolts evenly, 1/3 turn at a time, in reverse of tightening sequence, Fig. 9, then remove bolts and the cylinder head.
18. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Ensure cylinder head dowel pins, oil control jet O-ring and jet are properly aligned.
b. Prior to installing cylinder head, ensure No. 1 piston is at TDC and that ``UP'' mark or round timing reference mark on camshaft sprocket is at the top. After installing cylinder head, do not rotate camshaft and/or crankshaft independently as engine may be damaged.
c. Torque cylinder head bolts in 2 steps, following sequence shown in Fig. 9. First torque bolts to 22 ft. lbs., then torque bolts to value listed in ``Engine Tightening Specifications.''
d. Install timing belt and adjust valve timing as outlined in ``Cam Drive Sprocket & Timing Belt, Replace.''
e. When refilling cooling system, loosen bleed bolt on heater valve until coolant flows without air, then tighten bolt