There are a number of items that must be considered when replacing a head gasket. The following checklist may help to make sure that you don't forget anything.
- Latest head bolts have "-" on top of bolt along with vendor code.
- Wire brush head bolts to clean threads.
- Oil threads of bolts and underneath head.
- Dowel pins hold head off block.
- Dowel pins off location.
- No dowel pins.
- Cylinder heads warped more than .010 inches.
- Prechamber +/- .004 inches from head.
- No damage in sealing ring area.
- No stamps in seal area around water passage.
- Water passage seal surrounds all water passages.
- No chips in bolt holes
- Bolt holes in cylinder block drilled and tapped deep enough.
- Follow torque sequence and installation torque procedure.
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.