Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003 GMC Envoy XL, 2003 GMC Envoy, and 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the camshaft cover. Refer to CAMSHAFT COVER REPLACEMENT .
Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to EXHAUST MANIFOLD REPLACEMENT (4.2L ENGINE) .
Remove the front cover. Refer to ENGINE FRONT COVER REPLACEMENT .
Remove the cylinder head access hole plugs.

Fig 1: Removing Cylinder Head Access Hole Plugs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the timing chain tensioner shoe bolt.
Remove the timing chain tensioner shoe.

Fig 2: Removing Timing Chain Tensioner Shoe
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the timing chain tensioner guide bolts.
Remove the timing chain tensioner guide.
Remove the timing chain and the sprockets. Refer to TIMING CHAIN, SPROCKETS, AND/OR TENSIONER REPLACEMENT .

Fig 3: Removing Timing Chain Tensioner Guide
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Loosen and remove the cylinder head bolts.

Fig 4: Removing Cylinder Head Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the cylinder head.

Fig 5: Removing Cylinder Head
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the cylinder head gasket.
Place the cylinder head on a flat, clean surface with the combustion chambers face up, in order to prevent damage to the deck face.
If replacing cylinder head refer to Cylinder Head Disassemble .
Clean and inspect the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection .

Fig 6: Removing Cylinder Head Gasket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.