GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Special Tools

J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. 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 the Cooling System in Cooling and Radiator.
  3. Remove the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  4. Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .
  5. Remove the generator and the bracket. Refer to Generator Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  6. Disconnect the wiring harness and the clip at the rear of the head.
  7. Disconnect the coolant sensor wire.
  8. Disconnect the spark plug wires. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  9. Remove the left valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement .
  10. Remove the right valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement .
  11. Remove the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  12. Remove the pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .

  13. Object Number: 5129  Size: SH
  14. Remove and discard the cylinder head bolts.

  15. Object Number: 5130  Size: SH
  16. Remove the cylinder head.

  17. Object Number: 5131  Size: SH
  18. Remove the head gasket.

  19. Object Number: 4957  Size: SH
  20. Clean the carbon deposits from the combustion chambers.
  21. Clean all traces of the old head gasket from the cylinder head and the block.
  22. Clean the threads in the block.
  23. Inspect the sealing surfaces of the block and the cylinder head for nicks, heavy scratches, or other damage. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 5131  Size: SH
  1. Install the head gasket
  2. • Do not use sealer on composite gaskets.
    • Place the gasket over the block dowel pins.

    Object Number: 5130  Size: SH
  3. Carefully guide the cylinder head into place over the dowel pins and the gasket.
  4. Coat the threads of the NEW cylinder head bolts with sealing compound GM P/N 12346004, or equivalent.

  5. Object Number: 5132  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 cylinder head bolts.
  7. Tighten

    1. Tighten the bolts in sequence to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the bolts in sequence using the J 36660-A .
    3. Tighten short length bolts (11, 7, 3, 2, 6, 10) 55 degrees.
    4. Tighten medium length bolts (12, 13) 65 degrees.
    5. Tighten the long bolts (1, 4, 8, 5, 9) 75 degrees.
  8. Install the pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  9. Install the left valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement .
  10. Install the right valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement .
  11. Install the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  12. Install the spark plug wires to the brackets.
  13. Install the generator and the bracket. Refer to Generator Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  14. Reconnect the wiring harness and the clip at the rear of the head.
  15. Reconnect the coolant sensor wire.
  16. Install the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .
  17. Install the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  18. Connect the negative battery cable.
  19. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Draining and Filling the Cooling System in Cooling and Radiator.