Cylinder Head Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Remove the 10 cylinder head bolts as shown in sequence.

Fig 1: Cylinder Head Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Discard the bolts.
Remove the cylinder head (1).

Fig 2: Cylinder Head Gasket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Remove the cylinder head gasket (2).
Clean all of the gasket surfaces.
Use the following procedures when cleaning the cylinder head and cylinder block surfaces (3):
- Use a razor blade gasket scraper to clean the cylinder head and cylinder block gasket surfaces. Do not scratch or gouge any surface.
  NOTE: Do not use any other method or technique to clean these gasket surfaces.
- Use a new razor blade for each cylinder head and cylinder block.
  NOTE: Be careful not to gouge or scratch the gasket surfaces. Do not gouge or scrape the combustion chamber surfaces. The feel of the gasket surface is important, not the appearance. There will be indentations from the gasket left in the cylinder head after all of the gasket material is removed. These small indentations will be filled in by the new gasket.
- Hold the razor blade as parallel to the gasket surface as possible.
  NOTE: Do not use a tap to clean the cylinder head bolt holes.
Clean the old sealer/lube and dirt from the bolt holes.
Clean the bolt holes with a nylon bristle brush.
When cleaning the cylinder head bolt holes use a suitable commercial spray liquid solvent and compressed air from an extended-tip blow gun to reach the bottom of the holes.
WARNING: Wear safety glasses when using compressed air in order to prevent eye injury.