GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Disassemble Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 38606 Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 5830-02 Valve Guide Reamer Set

    Important: During disassembly, ensure that the valve train components are kept together and identified so that they can be reinstalled in their original locations and with the same mating surfaces as when removed.

  1. Use the J 38606 in order to compress the valve spring.

  2. Object Number: 42226  Size: SH
  3. Disassemble the valve keys.
  4. Disassemble the valve cap and spring.
  5. Pry up on the bottom of the seal with a suitable tool in order to disassemble the valve stem oil seal.

Assemble Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 38606 Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 5830-02 Valve Guide Reamer Set
    • J 41512 Valve Guide Seal Installer

    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: 40071  Size: SH
  1. Assemble the valves. Valves are available for sevice in standard size and 0.010 inch oversize.
  2. Place the oil seal over the valve stem so that the seal begins to contact the valve guide.
  3. Use the J 41512 in order to push the valve stem oil seal over the valve guide.
  4. Use the J 38606 in order to assemble the valve spring and the valve cap.
  5. Assemble the valve keys.
  6. Use the following procedure in order to measure the valve stem height:
  7. 6.1. Place the valve in the guide. Hold the valve in the closed position.
    6.2. Use a steel machinists' rule in order to measure the valve stem. Measure from the machined spring seat to the valve tip.
    6.3. The measurement should be 49-50 mm (1.93-1.97 in).

    Important: The lowering of the valve seat or the valve face causes excessive valve spring installed height. Wear and grinding cause lowering. Add shims in order to correct the valve spring installed height.


    Object Number: 40072  Size: SH
  8. Use the following procedure in order to measure the valve spring installed height:
  9. 7.1. Place the valve in the guide.
    7.2. Install the valve spring cap. Install the valve cap key.
    7.3. Pull up on the valve spring retainer in order to seat the retainer.
    7.4. Use a steel machinists' rule in order to measure the distance from the machined spring seat to the spring side of the cap.
    7.5. The measurement should be 42-44 mm (1.69-1.75 in).

    If the measurement is not within specifications add shims under the valve spring as necessary.