Cylinder Head Removal and Installation

This article has been updated with bulletin No: 99-06-01-016.

Fig. 2 Cylinder Head Tightening Sequence:

Align all timing marks before removing cylinder heads and timing chains. Especially if only removing one cylinder head. Do not turn engine with timing chains loose or removed. Valve damage may occur.

1. Remove engine assembly as described under Engine/Service and Repair.
2. Remove intake manifold as described under Intake Manifold/Service and Repair
3. Remove valve covers as described in Valve Cover/Service and Repair.
4. Remove crankshaft damper as described in Cylinder Block Assembly/Harmonic Balancer/Service and Repair/Crankshaft Damper
5. Remove front cover as described in Timing Components/Timing Cover/Service and Repair.
6. Remove oil pump as described in Engine Lubrication/Oil Pump, Engine.
7. Remove chain tensioner from timing chain, then the cam sprocket.
Timing chain should remain in case.

8. Remove timing chain guides and lever.
Access for retaining bolts is through plugs at front of cylinder head.

9. Remove water crossover.
10. Remove exhaust manifold.
11. Remove cylinder head bolts, then the cylinder head and gasket.

12. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Clean any remaining gasket material from cylinder head and cylinder head mating surface.

Extreme care must be taken when cleaning aluminum gasket surfaces to prevent damage to the sealing surfaces. Use only plastic, wood or dull gasket scrapers. Chemical agents can be used to dissolve gasket materials, follow manufacturers recommendations carefully.

b. Coat washers and underside of cylinder bolt heads with suitable anti-seize lubricant, prior to installation.










The torque specification and sequence for the cylinder head bolts (1--10) using J 36660-A is:
a. First Pass 40 Nm (30 lb. ft.).
b. Second Pass 70 Degrees.
c. Third Pass 60 Degrees.
d. Fourth Pass 60 Degrees (190 Degrees total).
e. The 3 front M6 cylinder head bolts 12 Nm (106 lb. in.).