GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2009 🢒 Express 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 6.2L, or 7.0L 🢒 Valve Stem Oil Seal and Valve Spring Replacement

Special Tools

    • J 22794 Spark Plug Port Adapter
    • J 38606 Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 42078 Valve Stem Oil Seal Installer

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 343699 Size: SH
  1. Remove the valve rocker arm. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement.
  2. Disconnect the spark plug wire at the spark plug.
    3. • Twist each plug wire boot 1/2 turn.
    • Pull only on the boot in order to remove the wire from the spark plug.

    Object Number: 14824 Size: SH

    Note: Remove the spark plugs from the cylinder head with the engine at room temperature.

  3. Loosen the spark plug 1 or 2 turns.
  4. Brush or air blast away any dirt or debris from around the spark plug.
  5. Remove the spark plug.

    6. Object Number: 310140 Size: SH
  6. Install J 22794 into the spark plug hole.
  7. Attach an air hose to J 22794 .
  8. Apply compressed air to J 22794 in order to hold the valves in place.

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

    10. Object Number: 832259 Size: SH
  10. Remove the valve stem keys (2).
  11. Carefully release the valve spring tension.
  12. Remove the J 38606 .
  13. Remove the valve spring cap (3).
  14. Remove the valve spring (4).
  15. Remove the valve stem oil seal and shim (1, 5).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 832259 Size: SH
  1. Clean the cylinder head valve spring seat and/or shim area.
  2. Lubricate the valve guide and valve stem oil seal with clean engine oil.
  3. Install the valve stem oil seal and shim (1, 5).
  4. Install the valve spring (4).
  5. Install the valve spring cap (3).

    6. Object Number: 218211 Size: SH
  6. Compress the valve spring using the J 38606 .
  7. Install the valve keys:
    8. • Use grease in order to hold the valve keys in place.
    • Make sure the keys seat properly in the groove of the valve stem.
    • Carefully release the valve spring pressure, making sure the valve keys stay in place.
    • Remove the J 38606 .
    • Tap the end of the valve stem with a plastic faced hammer to seat the keys (if necessary).

    Object Number: 65039 Size: SH
  8. Remove J 22794 from the spark plug port.

    9. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 14824 Size: SH
  9. Hand start the spark plug and tighten to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).
  10. Install the spark plug wires at the ignition coil.
  11. Install the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
  12. Inspect the wires for proper installation:
    13. • Push sideways on each boot in order to check for proper installation.
    • Reinstall any loose boot.
  13. Install the valve rocker arm. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement.