GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

J 45059 Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  2. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  3. Remove the generator mounting bracket. Refer to Generator Bracket Replacement .

  4. Object Number: 475837  Size: SH
  5. Remove the generator mounting bracket stud from the cylinder head.
  6. Remove the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  7. Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Right Side .
  8. Remove the oil level indicator and tube. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement .

  9. Object Number: 317450  Size: SH
  10. Remove the spark plug wire harness and spark plug wire support.

  11. Object Number: 395663  Size: SH
  12. Remove the bolt and the ground strap from the rear of the cylinder head.

  13. Object Number: 375426  Size: SH
  14. Remove the bolt and the ground wires from the rear of the cylinder head.
  15. Secure the ground strap and the ground wires out of the way.
  16. Remove the valve pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .

  17. Object Number: 328586  Size: SH
  18. Remove the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement .

  19. Object Number: 480537  Size: SH
  20. Remove and discard the cylinder head bolts.

  21. Object Number: 480538  Size: SH

    Notice: After removal, place the cylinder head on 2 wood blocks in order to prevent damage to the sealing surfaces.

  22. Remove the cylinder head.

  23. Object Number: 334312  Size: SH
  24. Remove and discard the cylinder head gasket.

  25. Object Number: 330553  Size: SH
  26. Remove the dowel pins (cylinder head locator) (if required).
  27. Clean the engine block and the cylinder head sealing surfaces.
  28. Notice: Clean all dirt, debris, and coolant from the engine block cylinder head bolt holes. Failure to remove all foreign material may result in damaged threads, improperly tightened fasteners or damage to components.

  29. Clean the cylinder head bolts and the engine block bolt holes.
  30. For further service to the cylinder head refer to the following:
  31. • Refer to Cylinder Head Disassemble .
    • Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection .
    • Refer to Valve Guide Reaming, and Valve and Seat Grinding .
    • Refer to Cylinder Head Assemble .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 334314  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the dowel pins (cylinder head locator) for proper installation.

  2. Object Number: 334312  Size: SH

    Important: Do not use any type sealer on the cylinder head gasket, unless specified.

  3. Install the NEW cylinder head gasket in position over the dowel pins (cylinder head locator).

  4. Object Number: 480538  Size: SH
  5. Install the cylinder head onto the engine block.
  6. Guide the cylinder head carefully into place over the dowel pins and the cylinder head gasket.


    Object Number: 480537  Size: SH
  7. Apply sealant GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent to the threads of the NEW cylinder head bolts.
  8. Install the cylinder head bolts finger tight.
  9. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 5132  Size: SH
  10. Tighten the cylinder head bolts in sequence on the first pass.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts in sequence on the first pass to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

  12. Use the J 45059 in order to tighten the cylinder head bolts in sequence on the final pass.
  13. Tighten

        • Rotate the long bolts (1, 4, 5, 8, and 9) an additional 75 degrees.
        • Rotate the medium bolts (12 and 13) an additional 65 degrees.
        • Rotate the short bolts (2, 3, 6, 7, 10, and 11) an additional 55 degrees.
  14. Install the valve pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  15. Install the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .

  16. Object Number: 317450  Size: SH
  17. Install the spark plug wire harness and the spark plug wire support and bolts.
  18. Tighten
    Tighten only the rear spark plug wire support bolt to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

  19. Remove the front spark plug wire support bolt.
  20. The front spark plug wire support bolt is used to fasten the oil level indicator tube, and will be installed within the oil level indicator tube installation procedure.

  21. Install the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement .
  22. Install the oil level indicator tube and indicator. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement .
  23. Install the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Right Side .

  24. Object Number: 375426  Size: SH
  25. Install the bolt and the ground wires to the rear of the cylinder head.
  26. Tighten
    Tighten the ground wire bolt to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).


    Object Number: 395663  Size: SH
  27. Install the bolt and the ground strap to the rear of the cylinder head.
  28. Tighten
    Tighten the ground strap bolt to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).


    Object Number: 475837  Size: SH
  29. Install the stud for the generator mounting bracket.
  30. Tighten
    Tighten the generator mounting bracket stud to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

  31. Install the generator mounting bracket. Refer to Generator Bracket Replacement .
  32. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  33. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .