Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE DISCONNECT/CONNECT PROCEDURE in Battery.
- Drain the cooling. Refer to DRAINING AND FILLING COOLING SYSTEM in Engine Cooling.
- Remove the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .
- Loosen the nut holding the power steering pump rear bracket to the side of the engine.
- Remove the nut holding the power steering pump rear bracket to the front of the engine.
- Remove the three bolts and the nut holding the power steering pump mounting bracket to the engine.
- With the power steering pump and the A/C compressor still attached, slide the power steering pump mount bracket off of the stud and set aside.
- Remove the power steering pump mounting bracket stud from the cylinder head.
- Remove the lower intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement - Lower .
- Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to EXHAUST MANIFOLD REPLACEMENT - LEFT in Engine Exhaust.
- Remove the spark plug wire harness and the spark plug wire support.
- Remove the valve pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
- Remove the ground wire bolt and the ground wire from the rear of the cylinder head.
- Secure the ground wire out of the way.
- Remove the bolt holding the fuel pipe bracket to the rear of the cylinder head.
- Remove the engine coolant temperature sensor.
- Remove the spark plugs. Refer to SPARK PLUGS in Service & Adjustment Specifications - 4.3L in Engine Performance.
- Remove the cylinder head bolts.
NOTE: After removal, place the cylinder head on two wood blocks to prevent damage.
- Remove the cylinder head.
- Remove and discard the cylinder head gasket.
- Remove the dowel pins (cylinder head locator) (if required).
- Clean the engine block and the cylinder head sealing surfaces.NOTE: Clean all dirt, debris, and coolant from the engine block cylinder head bolt holes. Failure to remove all foreign material may result in damaged threads, improperly tightened fasteners or damage to components.
- Clean the cylinder head bolts and the engine block bolt holes.
- For further service to the cylinder head refer to the following:
- Refer to Cylinder Head Disassemble .
- Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection .
- Refer to Valve Guide Reaming/Valve and Seat Grinding .
- Refer to Cylinder Head Assemble .