How to Remove a Cylinder Head on a Hyundai

Make sure the engine is completely cool before you begin this project. Disconnect the negative battery cable using a wrench to loosen the terminal nut. Relieve the pressure from the fuel system by opening the valve on the fuel rail. Place a set of wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the Hyundai. Lift the Hyundai with the automobile jack.

Place a jack stand under the Hyundai near the jacking point and raise it to the frame of the car. Crawl under the automobile and remove the engine splash shield using a wrench to remove the fasteners. Rotate the belt tensioner clockwise with a wrench to release the tension.

Remove the belt from the engine. Slowly release the tensioner to its original position. If you allow it to snap back into place, you may damage the spring. Remove the air intake assembly using a wrench to loosen the fasteners. Remove the AC compressor using a socket and ratchet to loosen the bolts.

Remove the alternator using a socket and ratchet to loosen the bolts. Remove the power steering pump using a socket and ratchet. Position the pump off to the side. There is no need to disconnect the hose. Remove the timing belt cover using a socket and ratchet. Remove the timing belt by turning the idler pulley with a wrench.

Unplug the engine control wiring harness by squeezing the clips and pulling the plug out. Label each of the vacuum lines noting the proper locations of each hose with a marker and masking tape. Pull the vacuum lines away from the fittings. Label the spark plug wires with the marker and masking tape.

Pull each wire from the plug by grasping the boot and pulling it from the plug. Remove the distributor cap using a screwdriver to loosen the mounting screws. Remove the electrical connections from the distributor. Make a mark using the marker to note the position of the rotor button to the distributor housing. Remove the rotor button.

Mark the distributor housing position in relation to the engine. Remove the retaining bolts from the distributor using a socket and ratchet. Remove the distributor from the engine. Disconnect the fuel lines using a wrench and plug them with the fuel line plugs. Remove the intake manifold using a socket and ratchet.

Remove the exhaust manifold using a socket and ratchet. Remove the valve cover bolts using a socket and ratchet. Lift the valve cover away from the cylinder head. Remove and discard the valve cover gasket. Remove the cylinder head by loosening the bolts in an X-pattern with a socket and ratchet. Remove the cylinder head and gasket from the block.