Removal & Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue and 2002 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove intake manifold and spacer. See INTAKE MANIFOLD . Drain cooling system into appropriate container. See COOLING SYSTEM BLEEDING . Remove coolant bridge. See Fig 1. Drain oil pan into appropriate container.
- On left cylinder head, remove upper radiator hose. Remove the oil level indicator tube and coolant pipe tube bolt. Remove the oil level indicator tube by pulling upwards. Twist the coolant pipe to remove the front thermostat housing. Remove the engine lift bracket. For either cylinder head, remove valve cover. See VALVE COVERS .
- For left cylinder head, remove Electronic Control Module (ECM) from ECM bracket. Remove the electrical grounds from the cylinder head. Remove the rear engine lift bracket.
- For either cylinder head, disconnect the oxygen sensor electrical connection. Disconnect oxygen sensor harness from the bracket, if applicable. Raise the vehicle. Remove the front and rear exhaust manifold down pipe from exhaust manifold. See EXHAUST MANIFOLD . Lower the vehicle.
- Remove timing belt. See TIMING BELT & GEARS . Remove timing belt tensioner bracket. Remove camshaft gears from engine. Remove timing belt rear cover. See TIMING BELT REAR COVER .CAUTION: As a precaution, rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise to 60 degrees BTDC position to prevent valve/piston contact.NOTE: Ensure that the camshaft is not under the load front lifter(s) and that the camshaft comes out of bearing seat evenly.
- Remove exhaust camshafts. See CAMSHAFTS . Support engine with a floor jack with a block of wood under the oil pan. Remove the 3 bar engine support.
- Remove cylinder head bolts in reverse order of tightening sequence. See Figure. Remove cylinder heads and gaskets.
- Clean and inspect the cylinder head and sealing surfaces. Disassemble the cylinder head and service as necessary.
- To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all fasteners to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Fill crankcase to proper level with appropriate engine oil. Install NEW oil filter. Fill and bleed coolant system. See COOLING SYSTEM BLEEDING . Check cooling system for leaks.