GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 38491 Spark Plug Boot Removal Tool

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1686322  Size: SH
  1. Remove the intake manifold cover. Refer to Intake Manifold Cover Replacement .
  2. Remove the drive belt tensioner. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement .
  3. Remove the secondary air injection (AIR) shutoff and check valve, if equipped. Refer to Secondary Air Injection Shutoff and Check Valve Replacement .
  4. Remove the spark plug wires from the ignition coils.
  5. Twist the spark plug boot 1/2 turn before removing the boot.
  6. Using the J 38491 , gently pry the heat shield up from the spark plugs.
  7. Remove the spark plug wires from the spark plugs.
  8. Remove the spark plug wire retainers from the fuel rail and the lift bracket.

  9. Object Number: 1686568  Size: SH
  10. Remove the engine lift bracket bolt and nut.
  11. Remove the engine lift bracket.

  12. Object Number: 1686569  Size: SH
  13. Remove the sight shield bracket nuts.
  14. Remove the sight shield bracket.

  15. Object Number: 406021  Size: SH
  16. Remove the valve rocker arm cover bolts.
  17. Important: If the valve rocker arm cover adheres to the cylinder head, remove the cover by bumping the end of the cover with the palm of your hand or a soft rubber mallet.

  18. Remove the valve rocker arm cover.
  19. Remove the valve rocker arm cover gasket.
  20. Clean the valve rocker arm cover mating surface.
  21. Clean the valve rocker arm cover bolts of all thread locking adhesive.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 406021  Size: SH
  1. Install a NEW valve rocker arm cover gasket. Ensure that gasket is seated properly in the cover groove.
  2. Install the valve rocker arm cover.
  3. Apply threadlock to the valve rocker arm cover bolt threads. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers for the correct part number.
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the valve rocker arm cover bolts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 1686569  Size: SH
  7. Install the sight shield bracket.
  8. Install the sight shield bracket nuts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1686568  Size: SH
  10. Install the engine lift bracket.
  11. Install the engine lift bracket bolt and nut.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt/nut to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1686322  Size: SH
  13. Install the spark plug wires to the spark plugs.
  14. Install the spark plug wires to the ignition coils.
  15. Install the spark plug wire retainers to the fuel rail and the lift bracket.
  16. Install the AIR shutoff and check valve, if equipped. Refer to Secondary Air Injection Shutoff and Check Valve Replacement .
  17. Install the drive belt tensioner. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement .
  18. Install the intake manifold cover. Refer to Intake Manifold Cover Replacement .
  19. Check and fill the crankcase if necessary
  20. Inspect for oil leaks.