GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

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

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools


    Object Number: 1039525  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: 1039574  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  (2) and the J 38821 adapter  (1).

  4. Object Number: 1039613  Size: SH
  5. Use the magnet 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: 1039617  Size: SH
  8. Remove the valve spring.

  9. Object Number: 1039619  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: 1750839  Size: SH
  14. Remove and discard the engine coolant expansion plugs.

  15. Object Number: 1750840  Size: SH
  16. Inspect the engine coolant expansion plug bore of the cylinder head. Ensure the hole is concentric, within specifications (1) and not damaged/corroded (2). Replace the cylinder head if necessary.

  17. Object Number: 1750841  Size: SH
  18. Remove the oil gallery threaded plugs.

  19. Object Number: 1750842  Size: SH
  20. Inspect the oil gallery threaded plug hole threads of the cylinder head. Ensure the threads (1) are serviceable and the washer sealing surface (2) is flat and free of defects. Repair the threads in the cylinder head if necessary.

  21. Object Number: 1750843  Size: SH
  22. Inspect the oil gallery threaded plugs. Ensure the threads (1) are serviceable and the washer sealing ring surface (2) is flat and free of defects. Replace the oil gallery threaded plugs if necessary.

  23. Object Number: 1750844  Size: SH
  24. Remove the core hole threaded plugs.

  25. Object Number: 1750845  Size: SH
  26. Inspect the core hole threads of the cylinder head. Ensure the threads (1) are serviceable and the washer sealing surface (2) is flat and free of defects. Repair the threads in the cylinder head if necessary.

  27. Object Number: 1750846  Size: SH
  28. Inspect the core hole threaded plugs. Ensure the threads (1) are serviceable and the washer sealing ring surface (2) is flat and free of defects. Replace the core hole threaded plugs if necessary.