GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

  1. J 38606 Valve Spring Compressor
  2. J 22794 Spark Plug Port Adapter
  1. Remove the rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement .
  2. Remove the rocker arm assemblies. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  3. Remove the spark plugs.
  4. Important: Rotate the engine so that the piston in the cylinder that you are servicing is at top dead center before removing the valve keys. Do this in order to eliminate the possibility of the valve falling into the cylinder.

  5. Install the J 22794 into the cylinder head. Charge the cylinder with compressed air in order to hold the valves closed.
  6. Use the J 38606 in order to compress the valve spring.

  7. Object Number: 42226  Size: SH
  8. Remove the valve keys.
  9. Remove the valve cap.
  10. Remove the valve spring.
  11. Pry up on the bottom of the seal in order to remove the valve stem oil seal.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 38606 Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 41512 Valve Guide Installation Tool
  1. Place the oil seal over the valve stem so that the seal begins to contact the valve guide.
  2. Notice: Use hand pressure only when installing the valve stem oil seal using the J 41512. Using too much force may cause damage to the oil seal and possibly lead to excessive oil consumption.


    Object Number: 56553  Size: SH
  3. Use the J 41512 in order to push the valve stem seal over the guide.

  4. Object Number: 42226  Size: SH
  5. Use the J 38606 in order to install the valve spring. Install the valve cap.
  6. Install the valve keys.
  7. Repeat the previous steps for each valve.
  8. Depressurize the cylinder.
  9. Remove the J 22794 .
  10. Install the spark plug.
  11. Install the rocker arm assemblies. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  12. Install the rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement .