4.3L DIESEL ALUMINUM HEAD REMOVAL PROCEDURE

Models Affected: All Equipped with V-6 Diesel Engines

The materials used in the cylinder head gasket tend to cause the cylinder head and block to stick to the gasket, making head removal difficult. Some technicians have been observed inserting a hammer handle into the exhaust ports of the head and popping the head loose. This procedure may cause the dowel pin to bind in the head which can result in breaking out the dowel pin boss in the cylinder head.

A preferred method of removing the head is to loosen and remove all bolts except the bolts in the intake passage under the pipe plug. Leave them in so the head does not drop off the block. Then pop the head loose from the intake manifold side.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.