Position the number one piston at Top Dead Center, disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal, drain the cooling system, and remove the spark plugs. Remove the
Intake Manifold, covering the intake ports with duct tape to keep out debris before removing the cylinder head. If necessary, remove the
Exhaust Manifold, noting that on some models it may be easier to do so after the cylinder head is removed. Remove the ignition system components, the valve cover, and the
Timing Belt. Loosen the cylinder head bolts a quarter turn at a time in reverse order of the tightening sequence until they can be removed by hand, and write down the location of the different length bolts for correct reinstallation. Carefully lift the cylinder head straight up and place it on wood blocks to prevent damage to the sealing surfaces, dislodging it if it sticks to the engine block by tapping a wood block against the head casting or using a prybar on a casting protrusion. Exercise caution as the cylinder head is aluminum and can be damaged easily. It is advisable to check the head for warpage even if only the gasket is being replaced. Use special gasket removal solvents to soften and remove old gasket material, ensuring nothing falls into the engine, and clean all threaded fasteners while ensuring the threaded holes in the block are clean and dry. Place a new gasket and the cylinder head in position on the engine block, apply clean engine oil to the cylinder head bolt threads, and tighten the bolts in several stages according to the recommended sequence to the specified torque. The final tightening step requires tightening the bolts a specific number of degrees, for which an angle-torque gauge is recommended. Reinstall the timing belt and the remaining parts in reverse order of removal, refill the cooling system, and check all fluid levels. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise slowly by hand through six complete revolutions and recheck the
Camshaft timing marks. Start the engine and run it until normal operating temperature is reached, checking for leaks and proper operation.