Genuine 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cylinder Head

1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to install cylinder heads in V8 engine on 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass?

  A: Thoroughly clean the gasket surfaces on both the cylinder heads and the engine block. Ensure the threads of the attaching bolts and the threaded holes in the engine block are free of dirt by running a tap through them. Identify the type of head gasket being used; steel head gaskets require a thin, even coat of sealer on both sides, while composition steel/asbestos gaskets should not use any sealer. Position the gasket over the engine block dowel pins with the bead up, then carefully lower the cylinder head onto the engine, ensuring the gasket remains in place. Coat the threads of the cylinder head attaching bolts with clean engine oil for Oldsmobile engines or a sealing compound for Chevrolet engines, installing each bolt finger-tight without tightening them at this stage. Tighten the bolts gradually in the specified sequence until the proper torque reading is achieved, checking to ensure none are missed. Install the exhaust manifolds, then place each valve lifter back into its proper bore using 'Molykote' or an equivalent coating. Apply a small amount of 'Molykote' to each end of the push rods before reinstalling them in their original positions, ensuring they are seated properly in the lifter cavity. Reinstall each rocker arm assembly and adjust the valves as needed. For rocker arm covers, if a gasket was used, replace it with a new one and tighten the bolts to specifications; if no gasket was used, apply a bead of RTV sealer around the sealing surface and install the cover while the sealer is still wet, torquing the bolts to specifications. Install the intake manifold with new gaskets, then complete the installation of remaining engine components. Fill the radiator with coolant, start the engine, check for leaks, and adjust the ignition timing and valves as necessary, rechecking the coolant level once the engine reaches operating temperature.