GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • J 22794 Spark Plug Port Adapter
    • J 38606 Valve Spring Compressor (Head-on)

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 74069  Size: SH
  1. Remove the valve rocker arms. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement.
  2. Remove the spark plug. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement.

  3. Object Number: 353918  Size: SH
  4. Install the J 22794 into the spark plug hole.
  5. Attach an air hose to J 22794 .
  6. Tap the end of the valve stem with a plastic face hammer in order to loosen any varnish on the valve stem keys.

  7. Object Number: 218211  Size: SH
  8. Use the J 38606 in order to compress the valve spring.

  9. Object Number: 1503529  Size: SH
  10. Remove the valve stem keys (1).
  11. Carefully release the valve spring tension.
  12. Remove the J 38606 .
  13. Remove the valve spring cap (2).
  14. Remove the valve spring (3).
  15. Remove the valve stem oil seal and shim (4).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1503529  Size: SH
  1. Clean the cylinder head valve spring seat and/or shim area.
  2. Install the valve stem oil seal and shim (2).
  3. Important: The valve stem oil seal alignment and position on the valve guide is critical.

    An improperly installed valve stem oil seal may lead to excessive oil consumption, and increased vehicle emissions.

  4. Install the valve stem oil seal onto the guide.
  5. 3.1. Lubricate the valve guide and valve stem oil seal with clean engine oil.
    3.2. Install the valve stem oil seal onto the valve stem. Push the seal down until the seal contacts the valve guide.

    Object Number: 218211  Size: SH
  6. Install the valve spring to the J 38606 .
  7. Compress the valve spring using the J 38606 .
  8. Install the valve spring to the cylinder head.

  9. Object Number: 1503529  Size: SH
  10. Install the valve spring cap (2).
  11. Install the valve stem keys (1).
  12. 8.1. Use grease to hold the keys (2) in place and remove J 38606 .
    8.2. Make sure the keys (2) seat properly in the groove of the valve stem.
    8.3. Carefully release the valve spring pressure, making sure the valve keys stay in place.
    8.4. Remove the J 38606 .
    8.5. Tap the end to the valve stem with a plastic faced hammer to seat the keys, if necessary.

    Object Number: 353918  Size: SH
  13. Disconnect and remove the air supply from the J 22794 .
  14. Remove the J 22794 from the spark plug hole.

  15. Object Number: 64315  Size: SH
  16. Measure the valve spring installed height using a ruler.
  17. Measure from the base of the valve spring to the top of the valve spring.

    • If the installed height exceeds 46.25 mm (1.82 in), install a valve spring shim of approximately 0.5 mm (0.02 in) thick.
    • Do not shim the valve spring to obtain less than the specified height.
    • Do not assemble the components without a spring shim on the cylinder head.
  18. Remove the air hose from the J 22794 .

  19. Object Number: 14824  Size: SH
  20. Install the spark plug. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement.
  21. Install the valve rocker arms. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement.