GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • J 8062 Valve Spring Compressor - Head Off
    • J 38821 Valve Spring Compressor Adapter
    • J 38820 Valve Stem Seal Installer
    • J-43059-A Valve Retainer Remover/Installer

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.


    Object Number: 616162  Size: SH
  1. Using an appropriately sized deep socket and a plastic hammer, lightly tap on the valve spring retainer in order to loosen the valve keepers.

  2. Object Number: 616157  Size: SH

    Warning: Compressed valve springs have high tension against the valve spring compressor. Valve springs that are not properly compressed by or released from the valve spring compressor can be ejected from the valve spring compressor with intense force. Use care when compressing or releasing the valve spring with the valve spring compressor and when removing or installing the valve stem keys. Failing to use care may cause personal injury.

    Caution: Do not compress the valve springs less than 24.0 mm (0.943 in). Contact between the valve spring retainer and the valve stem oil seal can cause potential valve stem oil seal damage.

  3. Compress the valve spring with the J 8062 compressor and the J 38821 adapter .

  4. Object Number: 616175  Size: SH
  5. Use the magnet end of the J-43059-A remover/installer in order to remove the valve keepers.
  6. Remove the J 8062 compressor and the J 38821 adapter .

  7. Object Number: 616171  Size: SH
  8. Remove the valve spring.

  9. Object Number: 616165  Size: SH
  10. Remove the valve seal with the J 38820 installer . Discard the valve seal, NEVER re-use the valve seal.
  11. Remove the valve.
  12. Repeat the procedure for the remaining valves.

  13. Object Number: 1207156  Size: SH
  14. Remove the expansion coolant plugs from the left cylinder head.

  15. Object Number: 1207157  Size: SH
  16. Remove the threaded coolant plugs from the left cylinder head.

  17. Object Number: 1207154  Size: SH
  18. Remove the expansion coolant plugs from the right cylinder head.

  19. Object Number: 1207155  Size: SH
  20. Remove the threaded coolant plugs from the right cylinder head.

  21. Object Number: 1207153  Size: SH
  22. Remove the exhaust manifold studs from the right cylinder head.