GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cylinder Head Replacement Left Side

Removal Procedure

    Important: Before removing the cylinder head from the engine, perform a compression test and note the results.

  1. Remove the intake manifold:
  2. • For the upper intake manifold, refer to Upper Intake Manifold Replacement .
    • For the lower intake manifold, refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  3. Remove the left camshaft carrier. Refer to Camshaft Carrier Replacement .
  4. Remove the left exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .
  5. Remove the oil level indicator tube bolt. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement .
  6. Disconnect the electrical connector from the temperature sending unit.

  7. Object Number: 57501  Size: SH
  8. Remove the cylinder head bolts.
  9. Remove the cylinder head.
  10. Remove the cylinder head gasket.
  11. Clean the mating surfaces on the cylinder head.
  12. Clean the cylinder head bolts.
  13. Clean the cylinder block bolt threads. Ensure that all of the oil is removed from the bolt holes.
  14. If replacing the cylinder head, transfer the following parts:
  15. • The manifold studs
    • The temperature sensor

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter

    Important: Cylinder head gaskets must be replaced any time the cylinder head is removed.


    Object Number: 57501  Size: SH
  1. Install the gasket with the metal tabs between the cylinders facing up.
  2. Install the cylinder head.

  3. Object Number: 61661  Size: SH
  4. Install the cylinder head bolts.
  5. Tighten

        • Install the bolts in proper sequence using J 36660-A .
        • Initially tighten the bolts to 60 N·m (44 lb ft). Use the J 36660-A in order to rotate the bolts an additional 90 degrees.

    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 electrical connector to the temperature sending unit.
  7. Install the oil level indicator tube. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement .
  8. Install the left exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .
  9. Install the left camshaft carrier. Refer to Camshaft Carrier Replacement .
  10. Install the intake manifold:
  11. • For the upper intake manifold, refer to Upper Intake Manifold Replacement .
    • For the lower intake manifold, refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  12. Drain the engine oil from the crankcase.
  13. Refill the crankcase with new engine oil. Do this in order to avoid oil contamination during the cylinder head removal. Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication.

Cylinder Head Replacement Right Side

Removal Procedure

    Important: Before removing the cylinder head from the engine, perform a compression test and note the results.

  1. Remove the intake manifold:
  2. • For the upper intake manifold, refer to Upper Intake Manifold Replacement .
    • For the lower intake manifold, refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  3. Remove the right camshaft carrier. Refer to Camshaft Carrier Replacement .
  4. Remove the exhaust crossover pipe. Refer to Exhaust Crossover Replacement .
  5. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to General Information.
  6. Disconnect the front exhaust pipe at the manifold. Refer to Exhaust System.
  7. Lower the vehicle.
  8. Disconnect the electrical connector from the oxygen sensor.
  9. Remove the rear timing belt tensioner actuator bracket. Refer to Timing Belt Tensioner Actuator Bracket Replacement .

  10. Object Number: 57501  Size: SH
  11. Remove the cylinder head bolts.
  12. Remove the cylinder head with the exhaust manifold.
  13. Remove the gasket.
  14. Clean the mating surfaces on the cylinder head.
  15. Clean the cylinder head bolts.
  16. Clean the cylinder block bolt threads. Ensure that all of the oil is removed from the bolt holes.
  17. If you are replacing the cylinder head, transfer the following parts:
  18. • The exhaust manifold; Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .
    • The manifold studs

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter

    Important: Cylinder head gaskets must be replaced any time the cylinder head is removed.


    Object Number: 57501  Size: SH
  1. Install the gasket with the metal tabs between the cylinders facing up.
  2. Install the cylinder head with the exhaust manifold.

  3. Object Number: 61661  Size: SH
  4. Install the cylinder head bolts.
  5. Tighten

        • Tighten the bolts in proper sequence using the J 36660-A .
        • Initially tighten the bolts to 60 N·m (44 lb ft). Use the J 36660-A in order to rotate the bolts an additional 90 degrees.

    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 rear timing belt tensioner actuator bracket. Refer to Timing Belt Tensioner Actuator Bracket Replacement .
  7. Connect the electrical connector to the oxygen sensor.
  8. Raise the vehicle. Suitably support the vehicle. Refer to General Information.
  9. Install the front exhaust pipe at the manifold. Refer to Exhaust System.
  10. Lower the vehicle.
  11. Install the exhaust crossover pipe. Refer to Exhaust Crossover Replacement .
  12. Install the left camshaft carrier. Refer to Camshaft Carrier Replacement .
  13. Install the intake manifold:
  14. • For the upper intake manifold, refer to Upper Intake Manifold Replacement .
    • For the lower intake manifold, refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  15. Refill the crankcase with clean oil in order to avoid the possible contamination by engine coolant and/or foreign material when removing the cylinder head. Refer to Cooling and Radiator.