GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Disconnect the battery negative cable assembly from the battery negative terminal. Refer to

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

    in General Information.
  2. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System in Engine Cooling.
  3. Remove the engine cover. Refer to Engine Cover in Interior Trim.
  4. Remove the coolant reservoir. Refer to Engine Cooling.
  5. Remove the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  6. Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .
  7. Remove the components as follows for the left side cylinder head:
  8. • The air conditioning compressor and bracket. Refer to Compressor in Heater, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
    • The EGR inlet tube
    • The coolant sensor electrical connector
    • The wiring harness brackets at the rear of the cylinder head
    • The shift cable bracket and clip
    • The ground strap at the rear of the cylinder head
  9. Remove the components as follows for the right side cylinder head:
  10. • The generator and bracket. Refer to Generator Replacement in Engine Electrical.
    • The engine oil level indicator tube
    • The spark plug wire brackets at the rear of the cylinder head
    • The transmission oil level indicator tube and bracket
  11. Remove the valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement .
  12. Remove the spark plugs. Refer to engine electrical
  13. Remove the pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  14. Remove the cylinder head bolts.

  15. Object Number: 11482  Size: SH
  16. Remove the cylinder head.
  17. Remove the head gasket.
  18. Clean the carbon deposits from the combustion chambers.
  19. Clean all traces of old head gasket from the cylinder head and block.
  20. Clean the cylinder head bolt threads and threads in the block.
  21. Inspect the sealing surfaces of the block and the cylinder head for nicks, heavy scratches, or other damage.
  22. For Cylinder Head Repair, refer to Engine Mechanical.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter


    Object Number: 11482  Size: SH
  1. Install the head gasket.
  2. Important: Do not use sealer on composite steel-asbestos gaskets.

  3. Place the gasket over the engine block dowel pins with the bead up.
  4. Install the cylinder head. Carefully guide the cylinder head into place over the dowel pins and gasket.
  5. Coat the threads of the cylinder head bolts with sealing compound GM P/N 12346004 or equivalent.

  6. Object Number: 11523  Size: SH
  7. Install the cylinder head bolts finger tight. Tighten the bolts in the following sequences:
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the cylinder head bolts on the first pass to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

    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.

  9. Use the J 36660-A in order to tighten the cylinder head bolts on the second pass.
  10. Tighten

        • Tighten the short bolts (3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16) an additional 55 degrees
        • Tighten the medium length bolts (14, 17) an additional 65 degrees.
        • Tighten the long bolts (1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13) an additional 75 degrees.
  11. Install the pushrods, valve rocker arms, balls, and nuts. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  12. Adjust the valves. Refer to Valve Lash Adjustment .
  13. Install the valve rocker arm cover and gasket. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement .
  14. Install the components as follows for the left side cylinder head:
  15. • The air conditioning compressor and bracket (Refer to Heater, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.)
    • The EGR inlet tube
    • The shift cable and bracket
    • The ground strap at the rear of the cylinder head
    • The coolant sensor wire and wiring harness brackets at the rear of the cylinder head
  16. Install the components as follows for the right side cylinder head:
  17. • The generator and bracket
    • The engine oil level indicator tube
    • The transmission oil level indicator tube bracket.
  18. Install the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Installation (Right) .
  19. Install the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  20. Install the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Installation .
  21. Install the engine cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement .
  22. Connect the battery negative cable assembly to the battery negative terminal.
  23. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

  24. Fill the cooling system with the proper quantity and grade of coolant. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System in Engine Cooling.