Cylinder Head Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma and 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the engine accessory bracket.

Fig 1: Removing Engine Accessory Bracket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the engine lift bracket from the rear of the engine.

Fig 2: Removing Engine Lift Bracket From Rear Of Engine
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the cylinder head bolts.
Remove the cylinder head.

Fig 3: Removing Cylinder Head
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Gasket and sealant material must be removed from the component's sealing surfaces before reassembly. Proper gasket and sealant removal is crucial and requires that the component sealing surfaces are not damaged during cleaning. Use only a plastic or wood gasket scraper such as J 28410. Appropriate chemical agents can be used to dissolve gasket and/or sealant materials when working on an individual unassembled component. The components exposed to the chemical agents must be rinsed with cleaning solvent in order to neutralize the chemical agent. Do not use abrasive paper, pads, or wire brush/wheel in order to clean sealing surfaces. Abrasive paper, pads, or wire brush/wheel will damage the sealing surfaces and produce fine grit residue that will contaminate the engine and engine oil. Failure to use proper cleaning methods may lead to engine damage.
Clean the following areas:
- Clean any carbon deposits from the combustion chambers.
  
  Fig 4: Cleaning Traces Of Old Cylinder Head Gasket From Engine Block
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Clean all traces of the old cylinder head gasket from the cylinder head and from the engine block.
- Clean the cylinder head bolt threads.
- Clean the threads that are in the engine block.
Inspect the engine block to cylinder head mating surface for the following conditions:
- Nicks
- Heavy scratches
- Any other damage