Q: How to disassemble and inspect cylinder heads on Toyota Solara and 1997 through 2001 Toyota Avalon?
A: Cylinder heads, new or rebuilt, are readily available at dealerships and auto parts stores. Specialized tools and parts needed for disassembly and inspection may make it more cost-effective for home mechanics to buy replacements. Cylinder head disassembly involves removing intake and Exhaust Valves and related components, assuming lifters or rocker arms and camshaft(s) are already removed. Before removing valves, label and store them for reinstallation in the same valve guides. Use a spring compressor to remove the springs on the first valve and its components. If a valve binds, deburr the area around the keeper groove. Repeat for all valves, keeping parts together for reinstallation. After removal, clean and inspect the head. If overhauling the entire engine, complete engine disassembly before cleaning and inspecting the cylinder head.
Q: How to remove and install cylinder heads on V6 engine for 1997 through 2001 Toyota Solara and 1997 through 2001 Toyota Avalon?
A: Remove the air intake plenum, Exhaust Manifold(s), alternator, Timing Belt, Camshaft sprockets, as well as the upper idler pulley when replacing the cylinder head. Wipe the cylinder heads and block surfaces, removing the old gasket material. Mount the new gaskets and put the head on the block.
Q: How do you remove and install a cylinder head on V4 engine for 2002 through 2008 Toyota Solara and 2002 through 2006 Toyota Avalon?
A: Depressurize fuel system, disconnect battery, and drain coolant. Remove drive belt, alternator, valve cover, throttle body, fuel injectors, fuel rail, manifolds, Timing Chain, Camshaft sprockets, camshafts, lifters, and valve timing control valve. Label and remove coolant hoses and electrical connections from cylinder head. Loosen cylinder head bolts and lift the head off the engine block. Installation: Clean cylinder head and block surfaces. Remove carbon and old gasket material, clean with lacquer thinner. Check for damage. Chase threads in cylinder head bolt holes, clean with compressed air. Clean bolt threads. Install components. Position new gasket over dowel pins in block, apply RTV sealant, set cylinder head on block. Oil cylinder head bolts, install and tighten. Reverse removal steps. Adjust valves. Change engine oil and filter. Refill cooling system, run engine, check for leaks.
Q: How to remove and reinstall a cylinder head on V4 engine for 1997 through 2001 Toyota Solara and 1997 through 2001 Toyota Avalon?
A: Ensure the engine is cool before starting. Disconnect the battery cable, drain coolant and engine oil. Remove front suspension upper brace on Solara models, throttle body, fuel injectors, intake and Exhaust Manifold, Timing Belt, Camshaft sprocket, upper idler pulley, camshafts, lifters, alternator, distributor, and power steering pump. Loosen cylinder head bolts in 1/4-turn increments, then lift the cylinder head off the engine block. Remove all external components from the head for cleaning. Ensure the mating surfaces of the cylinder head and block are clean, removing all traces of carbon and old gasket material. Check for damage on the block and head mating surfaces. Clean the threads in the cylinder head bolt holes and apply clean engine oil to the threads before installing the bolts. Reinstall the components, set the valves, refill the cooling system, add oil, check for leaks, set ignition timing, and conduct a road test.
Q: How to install a cylinder head on V4 engine for Toyota Camry and 2007 through 2015 Toyota Avalon?
A: For 2010 or later models, you can remove the engine and transaxle assembly. Begin by relieving fuel system pressure, disconnecting the battery, draining the coolant, and removing the drivebelt, alternator, valve cover, throttle body, fuel injectors, fuel rail, intake and Exhaust Manifold, Timing Chain, and Camshaft sprockets. For newer models, also remove camshafts, lifters, and camshaft housing. Remove the variable valve timing controversy, coolant hoses, and electrical connections from the cylinder head. Loosen the cylinder head bolts in 1/4-turn increments and lift the cylinder head off. Install the removed components, position the new gasket, and apply RTV sealant. Tighten the bolts in the recommended sequence. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Q: How to thoroughly clean and inspect the cylinder head(s) and related valve train components, to determine the necessary valve service work during the engine overhaul on Toyota Solara and 1997 through 2001 Toyota Avalon?
A: Clean and inspect the cylinder head and valve train components to identify necessary valve service work during engine overhaul. Remove old gasket material from the head gasket, intake and exhaust manifold sealing surfaces. Clean scale from coolant passages and remove deposits from various holes with a wire brush. Clean the cylinder head, lifters, valve springs, spring seats, keepers, and retainers with solvent. Remove deposits from the valves with a motorized wire brush. Inspect the head for cracks, coolant leakage, and damage. Check the head gasket surface for warpage and the valve seats in the combustion chambers. Check valve stem-to-guide clearance and deflection. Inspect each valve face for wear, deformation, cracks, pits, and burned areas. Measure each valve's margin width. Check valve springs for wear and measure their free length. Inspect spring retainers and keepers for wear and cracks. Replace any damaged or excessively worn parts. If valve components are worn beyond limits, reassemble the valves in the cylinder head.
Q: How to remove and install cylinder heads on V6 engine for 2002 through 2008 Toyota Solara and 2002 through 2006 Toyota Avalon?
A: First, disconnect the negative battery cable and drain the cooling system. Remove the air intake plenum, Intake Manifold, Exhaust Manifold(s), alternator, and power steering pump. Remove the Timing Belt, Camshaft sprockets, and upper idler pulley. Remove the bolts securing the number 3 timing belt cover and disconnect the coolant sensor connectors. Remove the camshaft(s), disconnecting electrical connectors from VVT sensors and the timing oil control valve. Remove the rear cylinder head bolts and move engine wiring harnesses away from the heads. Remove the recessed head bolts, then loosen and remove the remaining bolts. Lift the cylinder head off the engine block. Repeat for the other head. For installation, clean mating surfaces on the cylinder heads and block. Clean the cylinder head bolt holes and threads. Position new gaskets over dowel pins in the block, placing the head on the block without disturbing the gasket. Apply engine oil to the threads of the head bolts and install them in their original locations, tightening finger-tight before following the recommended sequence to tighten the bolts. Tighten each 12-point bolt an additional 1/4-turn and then tighten the recessed bolt. Repeat for the other cylinder head. Complete the remaining installation steps in reverse order, including refilling the cooling system, changing the oil and filter, running the engine, and checking for leaks.
Q: How to remove and install a cylinder head on V6 engine for Toyota Camry and 2007 through 2015 Toyota Avalon?
A: This procedure applies to both cylinder heads, with removal of engine and transaxle assembly suggested. Begin by removing the Camshafts, camshaft housings, and Exhaust Manifolds. For the left cylinder head, remove the front bolts and all cylinder head bolts in reverse order for head removal. Discard the old gasket. During installation, clean the cylinder head and block mating surfaces. Prevent oil presence for proper gasket sealing. Inspect surfaces for damage and clean the cylinder head bolt holes. Position the gasket correctly, apply oil to new bolts and install them, tightening gradually in the specified sequence. Retighten each bolt 90 degrees twice. If both were removed, install the other. Continue with the camshafts, oil control valve, filter, and sensor installation. Finish by reversing removal steps, refilling oil and coolant, starting the engine, and checking for leaks.
Q: How do you reassembly a cylinder head on Toyota Solara and 1997 through 2001 Toyota Avalon?
A: Ensure the head is clean before reassembly, even if it was sent for valve servicing. If so, valves and components will be in place. Check the valve spring height with a caliper. Install new seals on valve guides, distinguishing intake and exhaust seals. Tap each Intake Valve seat into place. Use a socket and hammer to tap valve seals into place. Apply grease or oil to the valve stem before installing the first valve. Place the spring seat or shim(s) over the valve guide and set the spring and retainer. Compress the springs with a compressor and install the keepers. Release the compressor slowly and ensure keepers seat properly. Apply grease to each keeper if needed. Repeat for remaining valves, returning components to original locations. Check the valve spring height again with a caliper.