GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 42385-100 Thread Repair Kit
    • J 45059 Angle Meter

    Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

    Notice: Refer to Cleaning Engine Block Cylinder Head Bolt Holes Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1408871  Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Do not use the cylinder head bolts again. Install NEW cylinder head bolts during assembly.
       • Do not use any type of sealant on the cylinder head gasket, unless specified.
       • The cylinder head gaskets must be installed in the proper direction and position.

  1. Clean the engine block cylinder head bolt holes, if required.
  2. Thread repair tool J 42385-107 may be used to clean the threads of old threadlocking material.

  3. Spray cleaner GM P/N 12346139 (Canadian P/N 10953463), GM P/N 12377981 (Canadian P/N 10953463), or equivalent, into the hole.
  4. Clean the cylinder head bolt holes with compressed air.
  5. Install the cylinder head locating pins (230).

  6. Object Number: 63235  Size: SH
  7. Inspect the locating pins for proper installation.

  8. Object Number: 1548587  Size: SH
  9. Inspect the displacement markings on the gasket for proper usage.

  10. Object Number: 1408903  Size: SH
  11. Install the NEW cylinder head gasket (217) onto the locating pins.

  12. Object Number: 1408902  Size: SH
  13. Install the cylinder head (218) onto the locating pins and the gasket.
  14. Install the NEW cylinder head bolts (220, 221).
  15. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 260150  Size: SH
  16. Tighten the cylinder head bolts.
  17. Tighten

    1. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts (1-10) a first pass in sequence to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts (1-10) a second pass in sequence to 90 degrees using the J 45059 .
    3. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts (1-10) a final pass in sequence to 70 degrees using the J 45059 .
    4. Tighten the M8 cylinder head bolts (11-15) to 30 N·m (22 lb ft). Begin with the center bolt (11) and alternating side-to-side, work outward tightening all of the bolts.