GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2000 🢒 LeSabre 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.8L 🢒 Cylinder Head Replacement

Special Tools

    • J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter
    • 7/16-14 tap

Removal Procedure
  1. Disconnect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
  2. Remove the intake manifold lower. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement.
  3. Remove the right and left exhaust manifolds. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement.
  4. Remove the right and left valve rocker arm covers. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement.
  5. Remove the electronic ignition module. Refer to Ignition Control Module Replacement.
  6. Remove the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement.
  7. Remove the valve rocker arm assemblies and the pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement.

    8. Object Number: 35842 Size: SH
  8. Remove the cylinder head bolts. Discard the bolts.
  9. Remove the cylinder head.

    10. Object Number: 26157 Size: SH
  10. Remove the cylinder head gasket.
  11. Clean all of the gasket mating surfaces.
  12. Clean and inspect the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection.

Installation Procedure

Notice: This engine uses special torque to yield head bolts. This design bolt requires a special tightening procedure. Failure to follow the given procedure will cause head gasket failure and possible engine damage.

  1. Clean the threads in the block. Using the appropriate tap.

    2. Object Number: 26157 Size: SH
  2. Install the head gasket with the arrow pointing to the front of the engine.

    3. Object Number: 35842 Size: SH
  3. Install the cylinder head.

    4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 38826 Size: SH
  4. Install the new cylinder head bolts.

    5. Tighten

        • Tighten the cylinder head bolts in sequence to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
        • Rotate each bolt 120 degrees in sequence. Use the J 36660-A .
  5. Install the valve rocker arm assemblies and the pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement.
  6. Install the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement.
  7. Install the electronic ignition module. Refer to Ignition Control Module Replacement.
  8. Install the right and left valve rocker arm covers. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement.
  9. Install the right and left exhaust manifolds. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement.
  10. Install the intake manifold lower. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement.
  11. Connect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.