GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 22738-B Valve Spring Tester

Inspection Procedure

  1. Clean the valve springs in solvent.
  2. Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

  3. Dry the valve springs with compressed air.
  4. Inspect the valve springs for broken coils or coil ends.

Measurement Procedure


    Object Number: 1210909  Size: SH
  1. Measure the valve spring tension using the J 22738-B . Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications.
  2. If low valve spring load is found, replace the valve springs. DO NOT use shims to increase spring load. The use of shims can cause the valve spring to bottom out before the camshaft lobe is at peak lift.

Special Tools

J22738-B Valve Spring Tester

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

Inspection Procedure

  1. Clean the valve springs in solvent.
  2. Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning in the Preface section.

  3. Dry the valve springs with compressed air.
  4. Inspect the valve springs for broken coils or coil ends.

Measurement Procedure


    Object Number: 1210909  Size: SH
  1. Measure the valve spring tension using the J22738-B tester . Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications.
  2. If low valve spring load is found, replace the valve springs. DO NOT use shims to increase spring load. The use of shims can cause the valve spring to bottom out before the camshaft lobe is at peak lift.