Cylinder Head Distortion

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Nissan Sentra. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Clean surface of cylinder head.
Use a reliable straightedge and feeler gauge to check the flatness of cylinder head mating surface.
Check along six positions shown in Fig 1.
Head surface flatness:

Standard: Less than 0.03 mm (0.0012 in)

Limit: 0.1 mm (0.004 in)

Fig 1: Inspecting Cylinder Head Distortion

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

If beyond the specified limit, replace or resurface it.

Resurfacing limit: The limit for cylinder head resurfacing is determined by the amount of cylinder block resurfacing.

Amount of cylinder head resurfacing is "A".

Amount of cylinder block resurfacing is "B".

The maximum limit is: A + B = 0.2 mm (0.008 in) as follows

After resurfacing cylinder head, check that camshaft rotates freely by hand. If resistance is felt, replace cylinder head.

Nominal cylinder head height: 117.8 -118.0 mm (4.638 - 4.646 in)