This procedure covers removal, machine shop resurfacing, and reinstallation of the cylinder head on the 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8L I4 engine, including timing chain removal and valve train disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cylinder head gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Intake manifold gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Exhaust manifold gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing chain cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cylinder head bolt set (TTY) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spark plugs × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• O-rings for VVT solenoid × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Copper-based

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 4.5 qt
• Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 7.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold before starting work
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
3. Remove engine cover and air intake assembly
4. Drain engine coolant completely into appropriate container
5. Drain engine oil and remove oil filter
6. Remove front right wheel and inner fender liner for crankshaft access
7. Support engine from below with jack and wood block
8. Label all connectors, hoses, and vacuum lines with tape for identification during reassembly
9. Take detailed photos of timing chain alignment and all connections before disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove accessory drive belt and components
   Remove the serpentine belt. Unbolt and set aside the alternator and A/C compressor (leave hoses connected and secure away from work area). Remove power steering pump if equipped and secure aside without disconnecting lines.
2. 2

   Disconnect engine wiring and sensors
   Disconnect all electrical connectors from cylinder head area including ignition coils, VVT solenoids, camshaft position sensors, oxygen sensors, coolant temperature sensor, and fuel injector harness. Remove ignition coils and spark plugs. Label each connector location.
3. 3

   Remove intake and exhaust manifolds
   Disconnect throttle body and fuel rail (relieve fuel pressure first). Remove intake manifold bolts in reverse of tightening sequence and remove manifold. Disconnect exhaust pipe from manifold. Remove exhaust manifold nuts working from hot (center) to cold (ends) sequence. Keep manifolds for reinstallation.
   ⚠Relieve fuel system pressure by removing fuel pump fuse and cranking engine before disconnecting fuel lines
   Torque spec

   Intake Manifold Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Exhaust Manifold Nuts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove valve cover and upper timing chain cover
   Remove valve cover bolts in crisscross pattern and carefully lift valve cover. Remove any upper timing chain cover bolts and covers to expose timing chain. Clean any oil residue to clearly see timing marks.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Set engine to TDC and mark timing chain
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise to Top Dead Center (TDC) of cylinder #1. Verify camshaft timing marks align with cylinder head marks. Use paint or permanent marker to mark timing chain position relative to both camshaft sprockets and crankshaft sprocket. Take multiple photos showing alignment.
   ⚠️Incorrect timing chain installation will cause severe engine damage. Triple-check all timing marks before and after reassembly
6. 6

   Remove timing chain tensioner and guides
   Remove timing chain tensioner by compressing it and locking with pin or suitable tool. Remove tensioner from engine. Remove timing chain guide bolts if accessible. Do not allow timing chain to fall into timing cover.
   Torque spec

   Gasket Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove camshaft sprockets and timing chain
   Hold camshafts with appropriate holding tool to prevent rotation. Remove camshaft sprocket bolts. Carefully remove timing chain while supporting it to prevent falling. Mark intake and exhaust camshaft sprockets and keep with chain assembly. Wire timing chain up to prevent it dropping into oil pan area.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove camshaft bearing caps and camshafts
   Loosen camshaft bearing cap bolts in multiple passes working from outside toward center in crisscross pattern (reverse of tightening sequence). Remove bearing caps keeping them in order and marked for position. Carefully lift camshafts straight up and store safely. Keep all bearing caps and shims organized in exact order.
9. 9

   Remove cylinder head bolts and head
   Remove cylinder head bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (start from ends, work toward center in specific pattern). Discard all cylinder head bolts as they are TTY. Carefully break cylinder head free from block using plastic mallet or pry points if provided. Lift cylinder head straight up and place on clean padded surface. Remove and inspect cylinder head gasket.
   ⚠️Never reuse TTY cylinder head bolts. Always install new bolts from OEM bolt kit
   Torque spec

   Cylinder Head Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Inspect and prepare for machine shop
    With head removed, stuff clean rags into cylinder bores to prevent debris entry. Inspect cylinder head for cracks, especially between valves. Check for warpage with straightedge and feeler gauge. Transport cylinder head to machine shop for resurfacing (maximum 0.2mm removal), valve job if needed, and pressure testing. Clean engine block deck surface with plastic scraper and brake cleaner.
    ℹ️Verify with machine shop that total material removal does not exceed manufacturer specification of 0.2mm
11. 11

    Clean and inspect engine block surface
    Remove rags from cylinders. Thoroughly clean cylinder head mating surface on engine block using plastic scraper and brake cleaner. Ensure no gasket material remains. Clean bolt holes with brake cleaner and compressed air. Inspect block surface for damage or warpage. Ensure oil and coolant passages are clear.
12. 12

    Install resurfaced cylinder head
    Place new cylinder head gasket on block ensuring proper orientation (UP mark facing cylinder head). Do not use any sealant on head gasket. Carefully lower resurfaced cylinder head onto block, ensuring alignment dowels engage properly. Install NEW cylinder head bolts finger-tight in sequence. Using torque wrench, tighten all bolts to 65 Nm (48 lb-ft) in proper sequence. Then tighten each bolt an additional 90 degrees using angle gauge. Finally, tighten each bolt another 90 degrees (total 180 degrees additional rotation).
    ⚠️Follow exact torque sequence and angle tightening procedure. Improper sequence or torque will cause head gasket failure
    Torque spec

    Cylinder Head Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install camshafts and bearing caps
    Lubricate camshaft journals and lobes with clean engine oil. Install camshafts in correct positions (intake and exhaust marked). Install bearing caps in exact original positions and orientation. Tighten bearing cap bolts in multiple passes from center outward, final torque per service manual specification. Verify camshafts rotate freely.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall timing chain and components
    Verify crankshaft still at TDC. Install timing chain onto camshaft sprockets aligning painted marks made during disassembly. Install sprockets onto camshafts with timing marks aligned to cylinder head marks. Install and torque camshaft sprocket bolts while holding camshafts. Install timing chain guides. Install tensioner (ensure it is compressed and locked) then release tensioner. Rotate engine two complete revolutions and verify all timing marks realign perfectly.
    ⚠️After installing timing chain, rotate engine by hand two full revolutions and verify timing marks align exactly. Incorrect timing will destroy engine
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)

    Gasket Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install remaining components
    Install timing chain covers with new gaskets. Install valve cover with new gasket, tightening bolts in sequence to specification. Install exhaust manifold with new gasket, applying anti-seize to threads, tightening from center outward. Install intake manifold with new gasket in proper sequence. Reconnect all sensors, electrical connectors, fuel rail, and throttle body. Install new spark plugs to specification. Reinstall ignition coils. Reinstall accessory components including alternator, A/C compressor, and power steering pump.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

    Exhaust Manifold Nuts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

    Intake Manifold Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

    Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Install serpentine belt and verify proper routing on all pulleys
2. Reinstall inner fender liner and wheel, torque lug nuts to specification
3. Reconnect all coolant hoses and refill cooling system with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) following proper bleeding procedure
4. Install new oil filter and refill with 4.5 quarts Toyota Genuine 0W-20 engine oil
5. Reinstall air intake assembly and engine cover
6. Reconnect battery negative cable

Verification

• Before starting engine, rotate crankshaft by hand two complete revolutions to verify no valve-to-piston interference and smooth rotation
• Verify all timing marks align correctly after two full rotations
• Check that all electrical connectors, hoses, and fasteners are properly secured
• Start engine and listen for unusual noises - should idle smoothly without ticking or knocking
• Monitor for coolant, oil, or fuel leaks while engine warms up
• Check cooling system operation and verify no air pockets remain (burp coolant system)
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify proper operation of cooling fans
• Perform test drive and monitor engine performance, checking for proper power delivery and smooth operation
• After test drive, allow engine to cool and recheck all fluid levels
• Inspect for any leaks around valve cover, head gasket, intake manifold, and exhaust manifold areas
• Clear any diagnostic trouble codes and verify no check engine light or warning lights remain illuminated

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