Cylinder Head: Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Inspect all surfaces with a straightedge if there is any reason to suspect leakage. If out-of-flatness exceeds 0.00075 mm/mm (0.0001 in/in.) times the span length in any direction, either replace head or lightly machine the head surface.
FOR EXAMPLE: -A 305 mm (12 in.) span is 0.102 mm (0.004 in.) out-of-flat. The allowable out-of-flat is 305 x 0.00075 (12 x 0.00075) equals 0.23 mm (0.009 in.). This amount of out-of-flat is acceptable.
The cylinder head surface finish should be 1.78-3.00 microns (70-125 microinches).
Inspect push rods. Replace worn or bent rods.