GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 45059 Torque Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

  1. Disconnect the battery negative cable from the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
  4. Drain the engine oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .
  5. Lower the vehicle.
  6. Remove the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  7. Remove the exhaust crossover pipe. Refer to Exhaust Crossover Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  8. Remove the pushrods and valve rocker arms. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .

  9. Object Number: 52299  Size: SH
  10. Remove and discard the cylinder head bolts.
  11. Remove the cylinder head.

  12. Object Number: 54362  Size: SH
  13. Remove and discard the cylinder head gasket.
  14. Clean the following areas:
  15. • The gasket sealing surfaces on the cylinder head, cylinder block, and intake manifolds
    • The cylinder block bolt threads
  16. Clean and inspect the cylinder head.
  17. If the cylinder head is being replaced, perform the following steps:
  18. • Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Right Side in Engine Exhaust.
    • Remove the spark plugs from the cylinder head. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.4L.

Installation Procedure

  1. If the cylinder head is being replaced, perform the following steps:
  2. • Install the exhaust manifold to the cylinder head. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Right Side in Engine Exhaust.
    • Install the spark plugs to the cylinder head. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.4L.

    Object Number: 54362  Size: SH
  3. Install the cylinder head gasket.

  4. Object Number: 52299  Size: SH
  5. Install the cylinder head.
  6. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 826677  Size: SH
  7. Install the new cylinder head bolts.
  8. Tighten

    1. Tighten the bolts in the sequence shown to 60 N·m (44 lb ft),
    2. Using the J 45059 , torque the cylinder head bolts in sequence, an additional 95 degrees.
  9. Install the exhaust crossover pipe. Refer to Exhaust Crossover Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  10. Install the pushrods and valve rocker arms. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  11. Install the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  12. Fill the engine with new engine oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .
  13. Install the battery negative cable to the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  14. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.