GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1999 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 5.7L 🢒 Valve Stem Oil Seal and Valve Spring Replacement

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 22794 Spark Plug Port Adapter
    • J 38606 Valve Spring Compressor (Head-on)
    • J 42078 Valve Stem Oil Seal Installer

    Object Number: 14824 Size: SH
  1. Remove the valve rocker arms, pedestal, and valve pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  2. Remove the spark plugs from the cylinders to be serviced.

    3. Object Number: 11517 Size: SH
  3. Install the J 22794 to the spark plug hole.
  4. Attach and apply compressed air to the J 22794 in order to retain the valves in their closed position.

    5. Object Number: 31730 Size: SH
  5. Compress the valve spring using J 38606 .
  6. Remove the valve stem keys.
  7. Release the valve spring compressor.
  8. Remove the valve spring cap.
  9. Remove the valve spring.
  10. Remove the valve stem oil seal.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 63193 Size: SH

    Important: The valve stem oil seal alignment and position on the valve guide is critical.

    An improperly installed valve stem oil seal may lead to excessive oil consumption, increased vehicle emissions, or component damage.

  1. Install the valve stem oil seal onto the guide.
    2. 1.1. Lubricate the valve guide and valve stem oil seal with clean engine oil.
    1.2. Install the valve stem oil seal onto the valve stem. Push the seal down until the seal contacts the valve guide.
    1.3. Using the J 42078 , push or lightly tap the tool until the tool bottoms against the valve spring shim.

    Object Number: 63158 Size: SH
  2. Measure the valve stem oil seal for the properly installed height.

    3. There should be a 18.1-19.1 mm (0.712-0.752 in) gap between the top edge of the oil seal body and the shim spring seat surface.


    Object Number: 31730 Size: SH
  3. Install the valve spring.
  4. Install the valve spring cap.
  5. Compress the valve spring using the J 38606 .
  6. Install the valve stem keys.
    7. 6.1. Use grease to hold the keys in place and remove the J 38606 .
    6.2. Make sure the keys seat properly in the groove of the valve stem.
    6.3. Tap the end to the valve stem with a plastic faced hammer to seat the keys (if necessary).
    6.4. Disconnect and remove the air supply from the J 22794 .

    Object Number: 11517 Size: SH
  7. Remove the J 22794 from the spark plug hole.

    8. Object Number: 14824 Size: SH
  8. Install the spark plug.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the spark plug to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

  9. Install the valve rocker arms, pedestal, and valve pushrods. Refer to Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .