GM 14054884 Cylinder Head

Raise the vehicle and place it securely on jackstands, then remove the engine block drain plug to drain the coolant. After lowering the vehicle, remove the intake manifold and exhaust crossover pipe, followed by the alternator and bracket. Remove the oil level indicator tube and rocker arm cover, then loosen the rocker arms to swing them out of the way before removing the pushrods, storing them systematically for reinstallation. Remove the cylinder head bolts by reversing the tightening sequence and take off the cylinder head. If installing a new cylinder head, transfer components from the old head, ensuring all gasket surfaces are clean and free of debris, and recondition the bolt threads. Position the gasket over the locating dowels, place the cylinder head over the gasket, coat the bolt threads with sealer, and install the bolts, tightening them in the proper sequence to the specified torque in three steps. Install the pushrods, ensuring the lower ends are in the lifter seats, then loosely install the rocker arm nuts and adjust the valve lash. Install the intake manifold and gaskets, tightening all bolts to the specified torque, attach the oil level indicator tube bracket, install the heat stove pipe and air supply pipe, and then attach the alternator bracket and stud. Install the exhaust pipe and crossover pipe, and fill the cooling system with coolant, noting not to add coolant if the rear cylinder head is also being removed. For the rear, repeat the process of raising the vehicle and draining the coolant, disconnect the exhaust pipe from the manifold, and remove the cruise control servo bracket if equipped. Remove the intake manifold and exhaust crossover pipe, loosen the rocker arm nuts to remove the pushrods, and then loosen the head bolts by reversing the tightening sequence to remove the cylinder head. Transfer components from the old head if a new one is being installed, clean all gasket surfaces, and place the new gasket in position. Position the cylinder head over the gasket, coat the bolt threads with sealer, and install the bolts, tightening them in the proper sequence to the specified torque in three steps. Install the pushrods, ensuring the lower ends are in the lifter seats, loosely install the rocker arm nuts, and adjust the valve lash. Install the intake manifold and gaskets, the exhaust crossover pipe, and the cruise control servo bracket. Finally, raise the vehicle again to connect the exhaust manifold to the exhaust pipe, lower the vehicle, adjust the drivebelts, and fill the cooling system.

To remove the cylinder head, you should begin with the removal of the cable from the terminal of the battery and also the draining of the cooling system. It is now possible to pull out the air cleaner assembly and it is essential to label the hoses with numeral or colorful tapes for the reconnection. Easily un-bolt the exhaust manifold from the cylinder head and also take out the intake manifold. Remove the electrical connectors and the radiator hose at the left end of the cylinder head; and unbolt the ground strap at the right end. Remove the rocker arm cover assembly, then the rocker arms and push rods must be removed. With the new head gasket, reflect on the cylinders and also bolt pattern in cardboard to help in arrangement of the cylinder head bolts. Tighten the head bolts slightly and then unscrew them one by one and push them unto the cardboard you have arranged in a manner that corresponds with its installation order. Strike the cylinder head gently with a hammer and wooden block do not pry the head upward at all only push lightly at the overhang at the thermostat end, set the cylinder head on a wooden block to prevent it from being damaged. To that end, pull out and then throw away the current cylinder head gasket. Should you be fitting a new cylinder head, transfer all external parts from the old head stuff clean rags in the cylinders so as not to let debris fall in and clean all gasket surfaces. New gasket should then be placed on the cylinder block in the right position before easing the cylinder head on to it across the dowel pins. Coat the threads of the retaining bolts and the undersides of the bolt heads with sealing compound, placing it in loosely so that no tightening is done at this stage. Engines with displacements of 1984cc and 1985cc should have the cylinder head bolt torqued in at least three steps in the sequence prescribed below. For 1986 and 1987 engines, gradually tighten the bolts in the sequence described to the initial torque number and then to the second number for all of the bolts except no 9 which should be tightened to the indicated torque number.

After the intake manifold, the exhaust manifolds should be removed.

Check the installed height of the valve springs with a narrow, thin scale, measuring from the top of the shim or spring seat to the top of the valve spring or spring shield.

Resurfacing is a task for a professional automotive machine shop.

Avoid using sealer on engines requiring a composite-type steel/asbestos gasket.

Loosen each cylinder head attaching bolt one turn at a time until they can be removed, noting the length of each bolt for reinstallation.

Check the rocker arm faces for wear, inspect pushrod ends for scuffing, and roll the pushrod on a flat surface to check for bending.

Remove the rocker arm cover, breaking the gasket seal if necessary by striking the cover with your hand or a rubber hammer without prying between sealing surfaces.

Adjust the valve lash before installing the rocker arm covers.

Compress the spring and install the O-ring seals in the lower valve stem groove, ensuring they are not twisted, with a light coat of oil to prevent twisting.

Measure the valve spring installed height for each valve and compare it to the specifications, measuring from the head surface or shim to the underside of the retainer.

If overhauling the cylinder heads is chosen, it is important to understand the steps involved, as well as the tools and replacement parts necessary for the job.

Inspect each valve face for cracks, pits, and burned spots, checking the valve stem for cracks and wear, and rotate the valve to check for bending.

An additional valve spring seat shim can be installed to achieve the correct height, but caution must be taken not to shim the springs to a point where the installed height is less than specified.

Assemble the valve spring assembly for that cylinder.

Disassembly involves removing the intake and exhaust valves along with their related components. If they are still in place, the nuts or bolts and pivot balls should be removed to separate the rocker arms from the cylinder head, with all parts labeled or stored separately for reinstallation.