GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Impala 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.8L 🢒 Valve Lifter Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the left or the right valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side or Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Right Side .
  2. Remove the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .

    3. Important: Ensure that all the valve train parts are kept in order so that they can be reinstalled in their original locations and with the same mating surfaces as when removed.


    Object Number: 153584 Size: SH
  3. Remove the rocker arm bolts, the valve rocker arms, the push rods and the push rod guide plates. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .

    4. Object Number: 406038 Size: SH
  4. Remove the valve lifter guide bolts.
  5. Remove the valve lifter guides.
  6. Remove the valve lifters.
  7. Clean all the gasket mating surfaces.
  8. Clean the valve train parts.
  9. Inspect the valve lifters and the cam lobes for wear. Refer to Valve Lifters and Guides Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 406038 Size: SH
  1. Dip the valve lifters in prelube GM P/N 12345501 (Canadian P/N 992704) or equivalent.
  2. Install the valve lifters to the same position the valve lifters were removed.
  3. Install the valve lifter guides.

    4. 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.

  4. Install the valve lifter guide bolts.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).


    Object Number: 153584 Size: SH
  5. Install the push rod guide plates, the push rods, the valve rocker arms, and the bolts. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  6. Install the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  7. Install the left or the right valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side or Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Right Side .