GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 22794 Spark Plug Port Adapter
    • J 38606 Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 5892-D Valve Spring Compressor

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the valve rocker arms from the cylinder head.
  2. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .

  3. Remove the spark plugs.
  4. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Electrical.


    Object Number: 310140  Size: SH
  5. Install the J 22794 to the spark plug hole.
  6. Apply compressed air to the J 22794 in order to hold the valves in place.

  7. Object Number: 344006  Size: SH
  8. Install J 5892-D and use a M8 bolt from the valve rocker arm and a washer in order to compress the valve spring.

  9. Object Number: 218211  Size: SH
  10. Use the J 38606 in order to compress the valve spring.

  11. Object Number: 64108  Size: MH
  12. Remove the valve stem keys (2).
  13. Carefully release the valve spring (4) tension.
  14. Remove the J 38606 Valve Spring Compressor
  15. Remove the valve spring cap (3).
  16. Remove the valve spring (4).
  17. Remove the valve stem oil seal (5).
  18. Remove the valve spring shim (6), (if required).

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 22794 Spark Plug Port Adapter
    • J 38606 Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 5892-D Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 42073 Valve Stem Oil Seal Installer

    Important: For additional information on installing valve springs, refer to Cylinder Head Assemble

  1. Install the valve spring shim, if equipped.

  2. Object Number: 63193  Size: SH
  3. Assemble the valve stem oil seal onto the valve guide.
  4. Important: The valve stem oil seal alignment and position on the valve guide is critical.

    An improperly installed valve stem oil seal may lead to excessive oil consumption, increased vehicle emissions, or component damage.

  5. Install the valve stem oil seal onto the guide.
  6. 3.1. Lubricate the valve guide and valve stem oil seal with clean engine oil.
    3.2. Install the valve stem oil seal onto the valve stem. Push the seal down until the seal contacts the valve guide.
    3.3. Use the J 42078 in order to install the valve stem oil seal.

    Push or lightly tap the tool until the tool bottoms against the valve spring shim (4.8/5.3) or spring seat (6.0).

  7. Install the valve spring (3) and the valve spring cap (4).

  8. Object Number: 344006  Size: SH
  9. Use the J 5892-D , the bolt from the valve rocker arm and a washer in order to compress the valve spring.

  10. Object Number: 218211  Size: SH
  11. Valve spring compressor J 38606 may be used in place of J 5892-D .
  12. Install the valve keys (5).
  13. Use grease in order to hold the valve keys in place.

  14. Carefully release the valve spring pressure, making sure the valve keys stay in place.

  15. Object Number: 65039  Size: SH
  16. Remove the J 5892-D and the J 22794
  17. Install the spark plugs.
  18. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Electrical.

  19. Install the valve rocker arms.
  20. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .