Genuine 1989 Pontiac Firebird Cylinder Head

1989 Pontiac Firebird Cylinder Head Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to clean and inspect Cylinder Head on 1989 Pontiac Firebird?

  A: Thorough cleaning of the cylinder head and related valve train components, followed by a detailed inspection, will enable you to decide how much valve service work must be done during the engine overhaul. Begin by scraping away all traces of old gasket material and sealing compound from the head gasket, intake manifold, and exhaust manifold sealing surfaces, and remove any built-up scale around the coolant passages. Use a stiff wire brush to clean the oil holes and run an appropriate size tap into each threaded hole to remove corrosion and thread sealant, clearing debris with compressed air if available. Clean the exhaust and intake manifold stud threads with a die and the rocker arm pivot bolt or stud threads with a wire brush. Clean the cylinder head with solvent, ensuring it is thoroughly dried, and consider using decarbonizing chemicals with caution. Clean the rocker arms, pivot balls, and pushrods with solvent, drying them thoroughly, and clean all valve springs, keepers, retainers, rotators, shields, and spring seats one valve at a time to avoid mixing parts. Inspect the head for cracks and coolant leakage; if cracks are found, obtain a new cylinder head. Check the head gasket mating surface for warpage using a straightedge and feeler gauges, and if warped beyond limits, it can be resurfaced. Examine the valve seats for pitting, cracking, or burning, which may require professional service. Measure the inside diameters of the valve guides with a small hole gauge and micrometer, recording measurements for future reference to compute valve stem-to-guide clearances. Check the rocker arm faces for wear, inspect pushrod ends for scuffing, and roll the pushrod on a flat surface to check for bending. Inspect each valve face for cracks, pits, and burned spots, and measure the valve margin width, replacing any valve with a margin narrower than 1/32-inch. Measure the valve stem diameter at three points, noting that exhaust valves have tapered stems. Check each valve spring for wear and measure the free length, comparing it to specifications, and check for squareness. Inspect spring retainers, rotators, and keepers for wear and cracks, replacing any questionable parts. If the inspection indicates poor condition of valve components, reassemble the valves in the cylinder head for further servicing recommendations; if no excessively worn parts are found and the valve faces and seats are in good condition, the valve train components can be reinstalled without major servicing.