1996 Saturn SL2 Engine Head removal

BAKU342

MEMBER
1996 SATURN SL2
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
135,000 MILES

I own a 1996 saturn sl2 and i'm trying to remove the head of the engine to check out the head gasket and the cylinder walls to make sure they're ok. Long story short the engine started making a loud knocking sound the other day, then it erupted in smoke and lost almost all power and then stalled at every stop. I know it's probably shot to hell and back but I would still like to check. I've removed the valve cover, timing belt, camshafts, a/c compressor, exhaust manifold, and the head screws in and around where the valves are, i've removed the belt from the side of the engine, and disconnected the battery terminal and took out the tubing from the throttle body. Even after i've done all that it still won't come off. Can someone please give me a list of all the things I need to remove to get the head off? Thank you ahead of time!

2 Replies

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

INTAKE MANIFOLD
Removal
Disconnect negative battery cable.
Drain coolant.
Remove air cleaner assembly.
Remove PCV valve.
Release fuel pressure.
Disconnect fuel supply and return lines.
Disconnect throttle cable from throttle body.
Remove throttle cable bracket.
Disconnect electrical connectors and hoses as necessary.
Remove support bracket between intake manifold and engine block.
Remove accessory drive belt.
Remove power steering pump, and position it aside (leave hoses attached).
Remove intake manifold nuts. Remove intake manifold.
Inspection
Using straightedge and feeler gauge, check for warpage at gasket surface.
If warpage exceeds specification, replace intake manifold.

EXHAUST MANIFOLD
Removal
Raise and support vehicle.
Disconnect exhaust pipe from manifold. Lower vehicle.
Remove A/C compressor (leave hoses connected) and rear bracket.
Disconnect oxygen sensor connector. Remove oxygen sensor (if necessary).
Remove exhaust manifold nuts.
Remove exhaust manifold.
CYLINDER HEAD
CAUTION:If coolant becomes contaminated with oil, cooling system thermostat will fail.
If oil is found in cooling system, thoroughly flush system and replace thermostat.

NOTE:Remove cylinder head with intake manifold, exhaust manifold, throttle body, fuel rail, and fuel injectors attached.

Removal
Disconnect negative battery cable.
Drain coolant. Remove air cleaner assembly.
Disconnect accelerator cable.
Disconnect electrical connectors and hoses as necessary.
Release fuel pressure.
Disconnect fuel lines.
Remove front cover and timing chain.
Using a 6-point socket (a 12-point socket will round off bolt heads), uniformly loosen cylinder head bolts in reverse order of tightening sequence, in several stages.
Remove cylinder head.