Genuine 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix Cylinder Head

1996 Pontiac Grand Prix Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to remove and install a cylinder head in 2.3L four cylinder (Quad-4) engine on 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix?

  A: Before removing the cylinder head, always take off the black negative cable on the battery and if the car has the Theft lock audio system where the lockout feature is on. Remove the cooling system; this way no coolant will flow into the engine when the head is off or separated; it is also good practice to remove the intake and exhaust manifolds. Take out the camshafts as well as their housing, to build a template for the head bolts, sketch the cylinder 'layout' and bolt 'configuration' on thin cardboard specifying the front of the engine and punch holes where the bolts are needed. Turn the head bolts in a counter clockwise direction by 1/4 turn and remove from the fj40 and store them in the cardboard holder to reuse on the fj40. Gently raise the head off the engine if you can, otherwise using a block of wood and a hammer help you to do that, then put it on wood blocks to protect the gasket sealing surfaces. For installation, use gasket scraper and solvent of lacquer thinner or acetone; making sure that the surface of the cylinder head and or block will not be harm by this process. Check the head and Allen mating areas for any signs of slots, damage, and dints and use flat mill file to forth any slight nicks present, as well as use a tap to chase threads on the head bolt holes. Align the new gasket on the dowel pins on the block, center the head on the block in such a way that it does not shift the gasket, and put the bolts back into the holes, and tighten them by hand to just enough before using the correct torque sequence. Perform the other steps in a sequence starting from the last step, add the cooling system, change the engine oil and filter if needed and the last step is to start the engine to check for leaks and to ensure that all procedures were carried out correctly.