Position the number one piston at Top Dead Center, then disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery and drain the cooling system. Remove the intake manifold, covering the intake ports with duct tape to keep out debris before removing the cylinder head. Next, remove the spark plug wires, spark plugs, and ignition coil, followed by the upper radiator and heater hoses, and the heater tube support bracket. Detach the power steering pump bolts from the engine while leaving the hoses attached, then set the pump aside and remove the accessory bracket(s). Raise the front of the vehicle and place it securely on jackstands, disconnect the exhaust pipe from the exhaust manifold, and lower the vehicle. Remove the timing belt, valve cover, camshafts, and rocker arms. Loosen the cylinder head bolts 1/4-turn at a time in reverse of the tightening sequence until they can be removed by hand, noting the location of different length bolts for reinstallation. Carefully lift the cylinder head straight up and place it on wood blocks to prevent damage to the sealing surfaces, using a wood block and hammer or a prybar if the head sticks to the engine block, taking care not to gouge the aluminum sealing surfaces. Special gasket removal solvents can be used to soften gaskets for easier removal; ensure all traces of old gasket material are removed from the block and head without allowing anything to fall into the engine. Check the gasket mating surfaces for warpage using a straightedge and feeler gauge, and if warpage exceeds the limit, the cylinder head must be resurfaced at an automotive machine shop, which can also clean and inspect the cylinder head components. Clean and inspect all threaded bolts, ensuring the threaded holes in the block are clean and dry, and inspect the threads on the cylinder head bolts with a straight edge, replacing any stretched bolts. Place a new gasket and the cylinder head in position on the engine block, ensuring the part number on the gasket is alongside the number 1 cylinder bore and faces UP. Apply clean engine oil to the cylinder head bolt threads before installation, using the four short bolts in each corner of the cylinder head. Tighten the cylinder head bolts in several stages to the recommended torque sequence, reinstall the timing belt, and reinstall the remaining parts in reverse order of removal. Refill the cooling system and change the engine oil and filter, then rotate the crankshaft clockwise slowly by hand through six complete revolutions and recheck the camshaft timing marks. Finally, start the engine and run it until normal operating temperature is reached, checking for leaks and proper operation.
