GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 45059 Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

  1. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .

  2. Object Number: 1608803  Size: SH
  3. Remove the spark plug wires from the right side of the vehicle.
  4. Remove the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  5. Remove the valve rocker arms and pushrods from the right cylinder head. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  6. Remove the right side exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Right Side .
  7. Remove the spark plugs from the right side cylinder head. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement .

  8. Object Number: 52299  Size: SH
  9. Remove and discard the right side cylinder head bolts.
  10. Remove the right side cylinder head.

  11. Object Number: 54362  Size: SH
  12. Remove and discard the right side cylinder head gasket.
  13. Remove the right side cylinder head locator dowel pins, if necessary.
  14. Clean and transfer any parts as needed.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1557860  Size: SH

    Notice: Head gaskets are specific for right hand and left hand applications, and also must be installed with the correct side facing up. Note the markings (1) on the head gaskets for proper installation. Failure to do so may lead to engine damage.

  1. Install the right side cylinder head locator dowel pins and ensure proper installation before proceeding.

  2. Object Number: 54362  Size: SH
  3. Install the NEW right side cylinder head gasket.

  4. Object Number: 52299  Size: SH

    Notice: This component uses torque-to-yield bolts. When servicing this component do not reuse the bolts, New torque-to-yield bolts must be installed. Reusing used torque-to-yield bolts will not provide proper bolt torque and clamp load. Failure to install NEW torque-to-yield bolts may lead to engine damage.

  5. Install the right side cylinder head onto the locator dowel pins and the engine block.
  6. Install the NEW right side cylinder head bolts finger tight.
  7. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 826677  Size: SH
  8. Tighten the right side cylinder head bolts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts in sequence to 60 N·m (44 lb ft) plus an additional 95 degrees using angle meter J 45059 .

  10. Install the spark plugs to the right side cylinder head. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement .
  11. Install the right side exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Right Side .
  12. Install the valve rocker arms and pushrods to the right cylinder head. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  13. Install the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .

  14. Object Number: 1608803  Size: SH
  15. Install the spark plug wires to the right side of the vehicle.
  16. Change the engine oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .
  17. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  18. Inspect for any leaks.

Special Tools

J 45059 Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

  1. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling.

  2. Object Number: 1608803  Size: SH
  3. Remove the spark plug wires from the right side of the vehicle.
  4. Remove the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement.
  5. Remove the valve rocker arms and pushrods from the right cylinder head. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement.
  6. Remove the right side exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Right Side.
  7. Remove the spark plugs from the right side cylinder head. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement.

  8. Object Number: 52299  Size: SH
  9. Remove and discard the right side cylinder head bolts.
  10. Remove the right side cylinder head.

  11. Object Number: 54362  Size: SH
  12. Remove and discard the right side cylinder head gasket.
  13. Remove the right side cylinder head locator dowel pins, if necessary.
  14. Clean and transfer any parts as needed.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1557860  Size: SH

    Caution: Head gaskets are specific for right hand and left hand applications, and also must be installed with the correct side facing up. Note the markings (1) on the head gaskets for proper installation. Failure to do so may lead to engine damage.

  1. Install the right side cylinder head locator dowel pins and ensure proper installation before proceeding.

  2. Object Number: 54362  Size: SH
  3. Install the NEW right side cylinder head gasket.

  4. Object Number: 52299  Size: SH

    Caution: This component uses torque-to-yield bolts. When servicing this component do not reuse the bolts, New torque-to-yield bolts must be installed. Reusing used torque-to-yield bolts will not provide proper bolt torque and clamp load. Failure to install NEW torque-to-yield bolts may lead to engine damage.

  5. Install the right side cylinder head onto the locator dowel pins and the engine block.
  6. Install the NEW right side cylinder head bolts finger tight.
  7. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 826677  Size: SH
  8. Tighten the right side cylinder head bolts in sequence to 60 N·m (44 lb ft) plus an additional 95 degrees using J 45059 .
  9. Install the spark plugs to the right side cylinder head. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement.
  10. Install the right side exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Right Side.
  11. Install the valve rocker arms and pushrods to the right cylinder head. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement.
  12. Install the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement.

  13. Object Number: 1608803  Size: SH
  14. Install the spark plug wires to the right side of the vehicle.
  15. Change the engine oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement.
  16. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling.
  17. Inspect for any leaks.