Complete removal and reinstallation of the cylinder head on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8L I4 engine, including valve train disassembly and head bolt torque sequence.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cylinder head gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cylinder head bolt set (TTY bolts) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Exhaust manifold gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Intake manifold gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing chain cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spark plug tube seals × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Thermostat housing gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Toyota Genuine 0W-20
• Oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

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

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
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 suitable container
5. Drain engine oil and remove oil filter
6. Remove drive belts (serpentine and A/C if equipped)
7. Support engine from above using engine hoist or from below using jack and block
8. Remove right-side engine mount to allow access
9. Label and photograph all vacuum lines, electrical connectors, and hose routing before removal
10. Relieve fuel system pressure if fuel injectors will be disturbed

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Valve Cover and Upper Engine Components
   Disconnect ignition coils and remove spark plugs. Remove PCV valve and associated hoses. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Carefully lift valve cover away from cylinder head. Inspect valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals for damage.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove Timing Chain Cover
   Remove crankshaft pulley using holding tool. Remove timing chain cover bolts and carefully separate cover from engine block. Note the location of different length bolts. Clean all gasket surfaces on cover and block using plastic scraper only.
   ⚠Metal scrapers can damage aluminum sealing surfaces. Use plastic tools only.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Set Engine to TDC and Lock Timing
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise to TDC of cylinder #1 compression stroke. Verify timing marks on camshaft gears align with marks on timing chain cover surface. Install camshaft timing tool to lock camshafts in position. Mark timing chain position relative to camshaft sprockets using paint pen.
   ⚠️Verify TDC position is on compression stroke (both valves closed) not overlap. Wrong position will damage valves during reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove Timing Chain and Camshaft Sprockets
   Remove timing chain tensioner. Remove timing chain guide if equipped. Hold camshaft with wrench on hex section and remove camshaft sprocket bolts. Remove camshaft sprockets and timing chain as an assembly. Support chain to prevent falling into engine.
   ⚠Do not allow timing chain to fall into crankcase. Retrieve with wire if dropped.
5. 5

   Remove Camshaft Bearing Caps and Camshafts
   Loosen camshaft bearing cap bolts in multiple passes from outside to inside in 1/4 turn increments to release valve spring tension gradually. Mark bearing caps with position and orientation. Remove bearing caps and lift camshafts from cylinder head. Keep intake and exhaust camshafts separate and labeled.
   ⚠Loosening bearing caps unevenly can warp camshafts or crack bearing caps. Follow proper sequence.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect External Components from Cylinder Head
   Disconnect exhaust manifold from cylinder head. Remove intake manifold assembly. Disconnect coolant hoses from thermostat housing. Remove fuel rail and injectors as assembly if not already removed. Disconnect all remaining electrical connectors including sensors from cylinder head. Label each connection.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)

   Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove Cylinder Head Bolts
   Remove cylinder head bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside spiral pattern) in multiple passes. Loosen each bolt 1/4 turn per pass until all are loose. Remove bolts completely and store separately as they will NOT be reused. Note position of any different length bolts.
   ⚠️These are torque-to-yield bolts and must be discarded. Never reuse cylinder head bolts on this engine.
   Torque spec

   Cylinder Head Bolts29 Nm (22 lb-ft) + 180°
8. 8

   Remove Cylinder Head
   Carefully lift cylinder head straight up from engine block. Use assistance as cylinder head is heavy (approximately 40-50 lbs). Place cylinder head on clean padded surface with combustion chambers facing up. Do not set cylinder head on gasket surface.
   ⚠Do not pry between head and block as this will damage sealing surfaces. Use plastic mallet to break gasket seal if necessary.
9. 9

   Inspect Cylinder Head and Block Surfaces
   Remove old head gasket and clean all gasket material from cylinder head and block surfaces using plastic scraper. Use straightedge and feeler gauge to check cylinder head deck surface for warpage. Maximum allowable warpage is 0.002 inches (0.05mm). Check cylinder head for cracks using dye penetrant or magnetic particle inspection if available. Inspect block deck surface similarly.
   ⚠If warpage exceeds specification, cylinder head must be resurfaced by machine shop. Maximum material removal is 0.008 inches.
10. 10

    Prepare for Reassembly
    Verify all surfaces are clean and dry. Cover engine block openings with clean lint-free shop towels to prevent debris entry. Inspect cylinder bores for damage or scoring. If cylinder head was serviced, verify valve sealing by performing vacuum test. Install new spark plug tube seals into cylinder head. Apply light coat of clean engine oil to cylinder head bolt threads and underside of bolt heads.
11. 11

    Install Cylinder Head and New Gasket
    Position new cylinder head gasket on block with TOP marking facing up and FRONT marking toward front of engine. Verify alignment dowels are in place. Carefully lower cylinder head onto block, ensuring gasket remains properly positioned. Insert new cylinder head bolts finger-tight in correct positions.
    ⚠️Installing gasket backwards or upside down will cause immediate engine failure. Verify orientation marks.
12. 12

    Torque Cylinder Head Bolts
    Torque cylinder head bolts in three steps following proper sequence (inside to outside spiral pattern): Step 1 - Torque all bolts to 22 lb-ft (29 Nm) in sequence. Step 2 - Using torque angle gauge, rotate each bolt an additional 90 degrees in sequence. Step 3 - Rotate each bolt another 90 degrees in sequence (total 180 degrees from initial torque). Verify each bolt has been turned total of 180 degrees.
    ⚠️Must use NEW bolts and follow angle torque procedure exactly. Improper torque will cause head gasket failure or bolt breakage.
    Torque spec

    Cylinder Head Bolts29 Nm (22 lb-ft) + 180°
13. 13

    Install Camshafts and Bearing Caps
    Lubricate camshaft journals and lobes with clean engine oil. Install camshafts in correct positions (intake and exhaust) with timing marks facing up. Install bearing caps in correct positions and orientation as marked during removal. Tighten bearing cap bolts evenly in multiple passes from inside to outside, torquing to specification. Verify camshafts rotate freely by hand.
    Torque spec

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

    Install Timing Chain and Set Timing
    Verify crankshaft is still at TDC. Install camshaft sprockets and timing chain as assembly, aligning marks made during removal. Install and torque camshaft sprocket bolts while holding camshaft. Install timing chain guide and tensioner. Remove camshaft timing lock tool. Rotate engine two complete revolutions by hand and verify timing marks realign at TDC.
    ⚠️Incorrect valve timing will cause severe engine damage. Verify timing marks align exactly after two full rotations.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Complete Reassembly
    Install timing chain cover with new gasket. Install crankshaft pulley and torque to specification. Install valve cover with new gasket and torque bolts in sequence from inside to outside. Reconnect all external components, hoses, and electrical connectors using notes and photos from disassembly. Install new oil filter. Reconnect exhaust manifold with new gasket. Install intake manifold with new gasket. Reinstall engine mount.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

    Gasket Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)

    Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify all coolant hoses are properly clamped
3. Ensure no tools or materials were left in engine compartment
4. Install serpentine belt and verify proper routing
5. Reconnect battery negative cable

Verification

• Fill cooling system with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant and bleed air from system completely
• Fill engine with correct quantity of Toyota Genuine 0W-20 oil (4.5 quarts)
• Perform initial start and verify no coolant, oil, or fuel leaks
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify proper thermostat operation
• Listen for abnormal valve train noise or timing chain noise
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes and verify none are present
• Recheck all fluid levels after test drive and top off as necessary
• Verify no external leaks after 30-minute test drive
• Retorque valve cover bolts to specification after engine has cooled if recommended by service manual

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