Genuine 1991 Pontiac Firebird Cylinder Head

1991 Pontiac Firebird Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to disassemble, label, and inspect cylinder heads and their components for replacement or reconditioning on 1991 Pontiac Firebird?

  A: New and rebuilts cylinder heads are always available at most dealerships as well as auto parts stores for most engines, meaning that it is easier and cheaper for a home mechanic to replace the head rather than have to take the time, and spend the money, to disassemble, inspect, and recondition the head. Certain components are slaved surely; these include the intake and exhaust valves and all related parts that need to be detached to allow a very close proximity of the area; if there are any nuts or bolts fixing the rocker arms to the cylinder head, then they should be removed and the whole system labeled or separated so as to note which of the rocker arms they belonged to before being taken off. Before depowdering to remove these valves, it is necessary to identify the positions of all the components and store them together with the valves so that they can be refitted in the same valve guides; it is also necessary to measure the valve spring installed height and compare the with the specified standard, if valves spring height exceeds this limit, then the valve seats and faces must be reconditioned. To gain access to the keepers, the first valve's valve spring should be compressed with the spring compressor, after which the retainer, shield, springs, valve guide seal, spring seat, and the valve should be removed from the head; in some cases, the valve becomes stuck in the guide, which may require to be pushed back into the head to deburr the surrounding area of the keeper groove. The same ought to be done for the rest of the valves, while all parts of each valve should be grouped for easy re-assembly. When all valves have been removed and accordingly stored, the head must be extensively washed and checked, and in cases where a complete overhaul of the engine is to be done, the head disassembly should be done before starting with the cleaning and inspection procedures.