Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection
Special Tools
- J-8089 Carbon Removal Brush
- J-9666 Valve Spring Tester
Equivalent regional tools:Special Tools
- WARNING:
Refer to Safety Glasses Warning .
NOTE:- When cleaning a cylinder head in a thermal type oven, do not exceed 204°C (400°F).
- Be careful not to scuff the chamber.
Clean the following components:
- Use the J-8089 brush in order to remove the carbon from the combustion chambers.
- Gasket surfaces
Refer to Replacing Engine Gaskets .
- Valve stems and heads on a buffing wheel
- Bolt hole threads
Remove all dirt, debris, or threadlocking material from the bolt holes.
- Inspect the cylinder head for the following conditions:
- Cracks in the exhaust ports and combustion chambers
- External cracks in the water chambers
- Gasket surfaces for excessive scratches or gouging
Refer to Replacing Engine Gaskets .
- Bolt hole threads for debris or damaged threads
Refer to Thread Repair , or Thread Repair Specifications .
Inspect the cylinder head for warpage. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications (L20 VIN A) , or Engine Mechanical Specifications (LC8 VIN B) , or Engine Mechanical Specifications (L96 VIN G) .
Use the J-9666 tester in order to measure the valve spring tension. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications (L20 VIN A) , or Engine Mechanical Specifications (LC8 VIN B) , or Engine Mechanical Specifications (L96 VIN G) .
Inspect for a leaking plug (1). Second design applications use a rivet-type plug at the top rear coolant passage of each cylinder head. If service of a leaking plug is required, it is necessary to remove the cylinder head from the engine to properly remove the plug. Refer to Cylinder Head Disassemble .