Cylinder Head: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Before installing rear timing chain case, remove old liquid gasket from mating surface using a scraper.
- Also remove old liquid gasket from mating surface of cylinder block.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Old Liquid Gasket From Mating Surface Using Scraper
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Remove old liquid gasket from the bolt hole and thread.
  
  Fig 2: Removing Old Liquid Gasket From Bolt Hole And Thread
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Before installing camshaft bracket, remove old liquid gasket from mating surface using a scraper.

Fig 3: Removing Old Liquid Gasket From Mating Surface Using Scraper
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Before installing the cylinder head gasket, be sure that No. 1 cylinder is at TDC.
- At this time, the crankshaft key should face toward the right bank.
  
  Fig 4: Identifying Crankshaft Key Face Toward Right Bank
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install cylinder heads with new gaskets.
- Do not rotate crankshaft and camshaft separately, or valves will strike piston heads.
  
  Fig 5: Identifying Cylinder Head Gaskets
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  
  CAUTION: Cylinder head bolts are tightened by plastic zone tightening method. Whenever the size difference between d1 and d2 exceeds the limit, replace them with new ones.
  
  Limit (d1 - d2):
  
  0.11 mm (0.0043 in)
- Lubricate threads and seat surfaces of the bolts with new engine oil.
- If reduction of outer diameter appears in a position other than d2, use it as d2 point.
  
  Fig 6: Identifying Cylinder Head Bolts Measuring Points
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install cylinder head outside bolts.
- Tightening procedure:
  1. Tighten all bolts to 98.1 N.m (10 kg-m, 72 ft-lb).
  2. Completely loosen all bolts in reverse order shown.
  3. Tighten all bolts to 34.3 to 44.1 N.m (3.5 to 4.4 kg-m, 25 to 33 ft-lb).
  4. Turn all bolts 90 to 95 degrees clockwise [target: 90 degrees (angle tightening)].
  5. Turn all bolts 90 to 95 degrees clockwise again [target: 90 degrees (angle tightening)].
- Tighten in numerical order shown in the figure.
  
  Fig 7: Identifying Tightening Procedure Of Cylinder Head Bolts (RH)
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  
  Fig 8: Identifying Tightening Procedure Of Cylinder Head Bolts (LH)
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  
  Fig 9: Identifying Tightening Torque Graph
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install camshaft chain tensioners on both sides of cylinder head.

Fig 10: Installing Camshaft Chain Tensioners
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install exhaust and intake camshafts and camshaft brackets.
- Intake camshaft has a drill mark on camshaft sprocket mounting flange. Install it on the intake side.
  
  Fig 11: Installing Exhaust And Intake Camshafts And Camshaft Brackets
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Identification marks are present on camshafts.
  
  Fig 12: Identification Marks Chart
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  
  Fig 13: Locating Identification Marks On Camshaft
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Position camshaft
  RH exhaust camshaft dowel pin at about 10 o'clock
  
  LH exhaust camshaft dowel pin at about 2 o'clock
  
  Fig 14: Identifying Position Of Camshafts
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Before installing camshaft brackets, apply sealant to mating surface of No. 1 journal head.
- Use Genuine RTV silicone sealant or equivalent. Refer to RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS .
- Refer to POSITION FOR APPLYING LIQUID GASKET .
- Install camshaft brackets in their original positions. Align stamp mark as shown in the figure.
- If any part of valve assembly or camshaft is replaced, check valve clearance according to reference data.
  After completing assembly check valve clearance. Refer to CHECKING and ADJUSTING .
  
  Reference data valve clearance (Cold):
  
  Intake
  
  0.26 - 0.34 mm (0.010 - 0.013 in)
  
  Exhaust
  
  0.29 - 0.37 mm (0.011 - 0.015 in)
  
  Fig 15: Identifying Camshaft Brackets Stamp Mark
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Lubricate threads and seat surfaces of camshaft bracket bolts with new engine oil before installing them.
  
  Fig 16: Installing Camshaft Brackets
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- Tighten the camshaft brackets in the following steps.
  
  Fig 17: Camshaft Brackets Tightening Torque Specification Chart
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  
  Fig 18: Tightening Camshaft Brackets In Sequence (RH Exhaust Camshaft)
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  
  Fig 19: Tightening Camshaft Brackets In Sequence (LH Intake Camshaft)
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install intake valve timing control solenoid valves.

Fig 20: Installing Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valves
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Reinstall all removed parts in reverse order of removal.