Genuine 1986 Toyota MR2 Cylinder Head

1986 Toyota MR2 Cylinder Head Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q:

  Is it more practical and economical for a home mechanic to purchase a replacement cylinder head rather than disassembling, inspecting, and reconditioning the original for the 1986 Toyota MR2?

  Posted by Jackson F.

  A:

  Abase cylinder head is easy to obtain from dealers and auto parts stores if new or if remanufactured ones are available for most engines, and since the home mechanic may not have the expertise to recondition the head once separated into various parts due to the lack of appropriate equipment of necessary gaskets and, in some cases, the parts may be unavailable as well to be used to rebuild the head, getting a new or remanufactured head Start with supporting the head on 2 wooden blocks so that it does not roll and placing the valve lifters and their shims in a safe where they will not get lost; identify and remove the lifters using string and a felt pen in such a way that they will end up in a clean and protected box or better still, taped in plastic bags to avoid mixing them up. Before doing away with the valves cut a box or label plastic bags for storing the valves plus other related components in a way that they will not be mixed up because they are supposed to be reinserted in a certain order. If necessary, loosen the spring nut and remove the keepers and with the help of a spring compressor, remove the spring retainer, the spring, and seat; then remove the old oil seal and valve from the head; if you find out that it is tight, use a file and smooth the keeper groove. The same process should be followed for each valve although the check valve lifter and spring will be retained separately for reinstallation of the parts. Once all the valves and the components are detached and set aside for storage, clean and scrutinize the head ;If an overhaul of the engines is being done then other procedures when doing the cylinder head cleaning and inspection should be followed.

  Answered by Toyota Parts Specialist Timur / Jul 15, 2025