Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 89

Fig. 94: Cylinder Head Bolt Tightening Sequence 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

24. Remove the cylinder head bolts in REVERSE of tightening sequence.  

25. Remove the cylinder head.  

26. Clean and inspect all mating surfaces.  

CLEANING 

CYLINDER HEAD 

To ensure engine gasket sealing, proper surface preparation must be performed, especially with the use of 
aluminum engine components and multi-layer steel cylinder head gaskets. 

Remove all gasket material from cylinder head and block. See STANDARD PROCEDURE. Be careful not to 
gouge or scratch the aluminum head sealing surface.  

Clean all engine oil passages. 

INSPECTION 

CYLINDER HEAD 

NOTE:

Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets require a scratch free sealing surface.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 95: Checking Cylinder Head Flatness 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Before cleaning, check for leaks, damage and cracks.  

2. Clean cylinder head and oil passages.  

3. Check cylinder head for flatness. See Fig. 95.  

4. Cylinder head must be flat within: 

Standard dimension = less than 0.05 mm (0.002 inch.)  

Service Limit = 0.2 mm (0.008 inch.)  

Grinding Limit = Maximum of 0.2 mm (0.008 inch.) is permitted.  

INSTALLATION 

CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLATION 

RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD 

CAUTION: 0.20 mm (0.008 in.) MAX is a combined total dimension of the stock 

removal limit from cylinder head and block top surface (Deck) together.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 96: Checking For Stretched Bolts 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

The cylinder head bolts are tightened using a torque plus angle procedure. The bolts must be examined 
BEFORE reuse. If the threads are necked down the bolts must be replaced. . 

Necking can be checked by holding a scale or straight edge against the threads. If all the threads do not contact 
the scale the bolt must be replaced. 

1 - STRETCHED BOLT
2 - THREADS ARE NOT STRAIGHT ON LINE
3 - THREADS ARE STRAIGHT ON LINE
4 - UNSTRETCHED BOLT

CAUTION: THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKETS ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE 

BETWEEN CYLINDER HEADS AND ARE CLEARLY MARKED RIGHT OR 
LEFT.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 97: Cylinder Head Bolt Tightening Sequence 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Clean sealing surfaces of cylinder head and block. 

2. Install the cylinder head over locating dowels and finger tighten the head bolts.  

3. Tighten the cylinder head bolts in the following sequence, using the 4 step torque-turn method. Tighten 

according to the following torque values: 

Step 1: All to 61 N.m (45 ft. lbs.)  

Step 2: All to 88 N.m (65 ft. lbs.)  

Step 3: All (again) to 88 N.m (65 ft. lbs.)  

Step 4: + 90° Turn Do not use a torque wrench for this step.  

4. Bolt torque after 90° turn should be over 122 N.m (90 ft. lbs.) in the tightening direction. If not, replace 

CAUTION: When cleaning cylinder head and cylinder block surfaces, DO NOT use a 

metal scraper because the surfaces could be cut or ground. Use ONLY a 
wooden or plastic scraper. See ENGINE GASKET SURFACE 
PREPARATION. 

CAUTION: Ensure that the correct head gaskets are used and are oriented 

correctly on cylinder block.

NOTE:

Before installing the cylinder head bolts, lubricate the threads with clean 
engine oil.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro