Genuine 1987 Chevrolet Nova Cylinder Head

1987 Chevrolet Nova Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to properly install a cylinder head and associated components on 1987 Chevrolet Nova?

  A: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the mating surfaces of the head and block, as well as the cylinder head bolt threads. If using a steel gasket, apply a thin, even coat of copper coat-type gasket sealant on both sides; for a steel/asbestos composition gasket, do not use sealant. Position the gasket over the dowel pins with the bead facing upwards, then guide the cylinder head into place over the dowel pins and gasket. Apply gasket sealant to the bolt threads and install them finger-tight, progressively tightening them to the specified torque. Install the valve lifters and pushrods in their original positions, coating the foot of each new lifter with camshaft installation lubricant or an equivalent anti-scuffing compound. Next, install the valve rocker arms, rocker arm balls, and nuts, tightening the rocker arm nuts until all endplay is taken up, without installing the rocker cover. If new rocker arms and balls are used, coat the contact surfaces with moly-based grease or an equivalent anti-scuffing compound. Clean the mating surfaces of the manifold and head, then install the manifold with new gaskets, starting with the center bolts. If applicable, it may be easier to install the spark plug heat shields at this stage. After lightly tightening all bolts, torque tighten the two center bolts to the specified value, followed by the four end bolts. Using a new flange gasket, fit the exhaust pipe to the manifold flange, connect the battery ground cable, install the air cleaner pre-heater, and connect the air injection reactor air manifold and tubes. Thoroughly clean the gasket and sealing surfaces of the intake manifold, cylinder heads, and block, then install the manifold end seals on the block and side gaskets on the cylinder heads, ensuring the intake manifold gaskets are oriented correctly. Use gasket sealant around the water passages, then install the manifold and carburetor, torque tightening the bolts in the proper sequence while noting the spark plug wire clips. Install the ignition coil and distributor, aligning the marks made during removal if the crankshaft has not been rotated; otherwise, refer to ignition timing details. Install the alternator upper bracket and adjust the belt tension, torque tightening the bolts. Finally, connect the battery cables, coolant hoses, accelerator pedal linkage, fuel line at the carburetor, ignition spark plug wires, power brake hose, spark advance, and crankcase ventilation hoses as applicable, and fill the cooling system with the correct amount of coolant.