GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 36600 Torque/Angle Meter

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 399420  Size: SH
  1. Disconnect both the battery negative cables from the batteries. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  2. Disconnect the engine wiring harness at the gray connecting at the rear of the engine.
  3. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
  4. Remove the engine cooling fan from the water pump. Refer to Fan Clutch Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  5. Remove the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  6. Important: When performing the following service procedure, it is not necessary to completely remove the A/C compressor from the vehicle.

  7. Remove the air conditioning compressor from the engine lift bracket and position to the side and secure.
  8. Remove the engine lift bracket from the cylinder head . Refer to Engine Lift Bracket Replacement .
  9. Remove the left exhaust manifold from the cylinder head . Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side in Engine Exhaust.

  10. Object Number: 400331  Size: SH
  11. Remove the front lower cylinder head bolt (5) and drain the coolant from the engine block.
  12. 9.1. Insert a copper tube 1/4 in x 12-18 in long into the cylinder head bolt hole with a hose attached.
    9.2. Siphon the coolant from the cylinder head.
  13. Remove the left valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side .
  14. Remove the valve rocker arm, shaft, and push rod from the cylinder head. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm, Shaft, and Push Rod Replacement .
  15. Remove the siphon hose from the engine block.
  16. Important: Use a rubber band to secure the left rear cylinder head bolt into position before removing the cylinder head.

  17. Remove the cylinder head bolts in sequence from the engine block.

  18. Object Number: 525110  Size: SH
  19. Remove the cylinder head from the engine block.

  20. Object Number: 311338  Size: SH
  21. Remove the cylinder head gasket from the engine block.
  22. Clean the threads on the cylinder head bolts.
  23. 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.

  24. Clean the cylinder block surface and cylinder head bolt holes.
  25. For cylinder head service procedures refer to the following:
  26. •  Engine Block Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Unit Repair
    •  Cylinder Head Disassemble in Engine Unit Repair
    •  Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Unit Repair
    •  Valve Guide Reaming, and Valve and Seat Grinding in Engine Unit Repair
    •  Cylinder Head Assemble in Engine Unit Repair

Installation Procedure

Important: The cylinder head gasket material is soft. Handle the cylinder head gasket with care and make sure that the sealing surfaces are not damaged. The engine block surfaces must be clean. Do not use a sealer on the cylinder head gaskets. The cylinder head gaskets are manufactured with the proper amount of sealant "Printed" on its surface. Additional sealer may cause leakage or a malfunction. In addition, some sealers may attack the sealant already on the cylinder head gasket.


    Object Number: 311338  Size: SH
  1. Install the cylinder head gaskets to the engine block.
  2. Apply Teflon pipe sealant GM P/N 12346004 under the head of the cylinder head bolts before installing.

  3. Object Number: 525110  Size: SH

    Important: Use a rubber band to hold the left rear cylinder head bolts in place while installing the left cylinder head.

  4. Install the cylinder head to the engine block.

  5. Object Number: 362141  Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  6. Install the remaining cylinder head bolts in the cylinder head.
  7. Tighten

    1. Tighten the bolts to 25 N·m (20 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the bolts to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).
    3. Retighten the bolts to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).
    4. Using the J 36600 , in sequence, tighten all the bolts an additional 90-100 degrees (1/4 + turn).
  8. Install the valve rocker arm, shaft, and push rods on the cylinder head. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm, Shaft, and Push Rod Replacement .
  9. Install the left valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side .
  10. Install the engine lift bracket to the cylinder head. Refer to Engine Lift Bracket Replacement .
  11. Install the engine cooling fan to the water pump pulley. Refer to Fan Clutch Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  12. Install the lower intake manifold to the cylinder heads. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  13. Install the left exhaust manifold to the cylinder head. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side in Engine Exhaust.
  14. Install the engine wiring harness if necessary.

  15. Object Number: 399420  Size: SH
  16. Connect the engine wiring harness at the gray connector at the rear of the engine.
  17. Install the engine cover to the upper intake manifold.
  18. Refill the cooling system. Refer to Fan Clutch Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  19. Connect both the battery negative cables to the batteries. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.