Cylinder Head: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1988 Nissan 300ZX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Set No. 1 piston at TDC of compression stroke. Crankshaft pulley timing mark should line up with mark on oil pump housing. Knock pin of camshaft should be in 12 o'clock position during installation of cylinder head. Ensure that mating surfaces of cylinder head and block are clean. Install cylinder head and gasket. DO NOT use sealer.
CAUTION: DO NOT rotate crankshaft and camshafts separately or valve-to-piston contact may take place.
Oil threads and install head bolts. Tighten head bolts in 5 stages as shown in CYLINDER HEAD BOLT TIGHTENING SEQUENCE chart. See Fig 1. After assembly is completed, run engine for several minutes and allow to cool down. Recheck head bolt torque.

Fig 1: Cylinder Head Bolt Tightening Sequence

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

CYLINDER HEAD BOLT TIGHTENING SEQUENCE

Stages	Ft. Lbs. (N.m)
1st	22 (29)
2nd	43 (59)
3rd	Loosen All Bolts
4th	22 (29)
5th	40-47 (54-64)