GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement Left Side

Removal Procedure

  1. Disconnect the battery negative cable. Refer to

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  2. Remove the engine lift bracket from the exhaust manifold studs.
  3. Remove the acoustic engine cover. Refer to Acoustic Engine Cover Replacement .
  4. Remove the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .
  5. Remove the generator from the brace bolt. Refer to Generator Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  6. Remove the generator brace. Refer to Generator Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  7. Disconnect the spark plug wires. Refer to Spark Plug Wire in Engine Electrical.
  8. Remove the spark plug wire cover from the valve rocker arm cover.

  9. Object Number: 35819  Size: SH
  10. Remove the valve rocker arm cover bolts.
  11. Important: If the rocker cover adheres to the cylinder head, remove it by bumping the end of the valve rocker arm cover with palm of hand or with a soft rubber mallet.

  12. Remove the valve rocker arm cover.
  13. Remove the valve rocker arm cover gasket.
  14. Clean the sealing surface on the cylinder head and the valve rocker arm cover with a degreaser.
  15. Clean the valve rocker arm cover bolts of all thread locking adhesive.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 35819  Size: SH
  1. Install the new gasket. Ensure that gasket is seated properly in the valve rocker arm cover groove.
  2. Install the valve rocker arm cover.
  3. Apply thread lock compound GM P/N 12345493 or equivalent, to the valve rocker arm cover bolt threads.
  4. Install the valve rocker arm cover bolts.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  6. Install the spark plug wire cover to the valve rocker arm cover.
  7. Connect the spark plug wires. Refer to Spark Plug Wire in Engine Electrical.
  8. Install the generator bolt. Refer to Generator Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  9. Install the brace to the generator bolt. Refer to Generator Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  10. Install the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .
  11. Install the acoustic engine cover. Refer to Acoustic Engine Cover Replacement
  12. Connect the battery negative cable.
  13. Inspect for proper fluid levels.
  14. Inspect for oil leaks.

Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement Right Side

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the battery negative cable. Refer to

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

    in General Information.
  2. Remove the coolant recovery reservoir. Refer to Coolant Recovery Reservoir Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  3. Remove the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .
  4. Remove power steering pump. Pull the pump forward of the engine. Refer to Power Steering Pump in Power Steering.
  5. Remove the acoustic engine cover. Refer to Acoustic Engine Cover Replacement .
  6. Remove the canister purge sensor valve from the bracket.
  7. Remove the power steering pump support braces. Refer to Power Steering Pump in Power Steering.
  8. Remove the spark plug wires. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Replacement in Engine Electrical.

  9. Object Number: 35837  Size: SH
  10. Remove the engine lift bracket from the exhaust manifold studs.

  11. Object Number: 35819  Size: SH
  12. Remove the valve rocker arm cover bolts.
  13. Important: If the cover adheres to the cylinder head, remove it by bumping the end of the rocker arm cover with the palm of your hand or a soft rubber mallet.

  14. Remove the valve rocker arm cover.
  15. Remove the valve rocker arm gasket.
  16. Clean the sealing surface on the cylinder head and the valve rocker arm cover with a degreaser.
  17. Clean the valve rocker arm cover bolts of all thread locking adhesive.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 35819  Size: SH
  1. Install the new gasket. Ensure that the gasket is seated properly in the rocker cover groove.
  2. Install the valve rocker arm cover.
  3. Apply thread lock compound GM P/N 1234593 or equivalent to the valve rocker arm cover bolt threads.
  4. Install the valve rocker arm cover bolts.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


    Object Number: 35837  Size: SH
  6. Install the engine lift bracket to the exhaust manifold studs.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

  8. Install the power steering pump braces. Refer to Power Steering Pump in Power Steering.
  9. Install the spark plug wires. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  10. Install the canister purge sensor valve to the bracket.
  11. Install the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump in Power Steering.
  12. Install the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .
  13. Install the coolant recovery reservoir. Refer to Coolant Recovery Reservoir Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  14. Install acoustic engine cover. Refer to Acoustic Engine Cover Replacement .
  15. Install the battery negative cable.
  16. Check for proper fluid levels.
  17. Check for oil leaks.