GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 26999 Compression Gage
    • J 26999-20 Compression Gage Adapter
    • J 44646 Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 44640 Valve Stem Seal Installer

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 702726  Size: SH
  1. Remove the upper and lower fan shroud. Refer to Engine Coolant Fan Lower Shroud Replacement and Engine Coolant Fan Upper Shroud Replacement.
  2. Remove the valve rocker arm shaft, valve bridges, and pushrods for the cylinder head being serviced. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm, Shaft, and Push Rod Replacement.
  3. Remove the glow plug for the cylinder requiring service. Refer to Glow Plug Replacement - Bank 1 or Glow Plug Replacement - Bank 2.
  4. In order to apply shop air to the cylinders use the following procedures to modify J 26999-20  (1) and J 26999  (2):
  5. 4.1. Remove the valve core from J 26999-20 to allow air to flow.
    4.2. Remove the quick connect fitting from J 26999 .
    4.3. Adapt the quick connect fitting in order to use for shop air.
    4.4. Connect the quick connect fitting to J 26999-20 .

    Important: Rotate the cylinder to be serviced to the bottom of the stroke. This is to ensure that the engine does not rotate when the compressed air is applied to the cylinder being serviced.

  6. Install J 26999-20 into the glow plug hole for the cylinder being serviced.
  7. Apply compressed air to hold the valves in place. If the compressed air is released, the valves can drop into the cylinder.

  8. Object Number: 702702  Size: SH

    Caution: Compressed valve springs have high tension against the valve spring compressor. Valve springs that are not properly compressed by or released from the valve spring compressor can be ejected from the valve spring compressor with intense force. Use care when compressing or releasing the valve spring with the valve spring compressor and when removing or installing the valve stem keys. Failing to use care may cause personal injury.

  9. Install J 44646 to the rocker arm bosses on the cylinder head.
  10. J 44646 should be installed in the rocker arm boss next to the cylinder being serviced. The pivot pin can be removed from the stand to allow the stand to be installed. The lever has different locating holes for the pivot pin depending on available clearance. The lever is also notched for different locations of the compressor.

  11. Using J 44646 compress the valve spring.

  12. Object Number: 663504  Size: SH
  13. Remove the valve keys (1) from the valve stem.
  14. Carefully release the valve spring tension.
  15. Remove the valve spring upper seat (2) and the valve spring (3).
  16. Remove the valve stem oil seal (4).
  17. Remove the valve spring lower seat (5).
  18. Continue removing the remaining valve stem seals for the cylinder using the above procedure.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 663571  Size: SH

    Notice: Air pressure should remain applied to the cylinder for installation.

  1. Install the valve spring lower seat.
  2. Install the valve stem seal using J 44640 .

  3. Object Number: 663504  Size: SH
  4. Install the valve spring (3), the painted end of the valve spring goes toward the cylinder head.
  5. Install the valve spring upper seat (2).

  6. Object Number: 702702  Size: SH

    Caution: Compressed valve springs have high tension against the valve spring compressor. Valve springs that are not properly compressed by or released from the valve spring compressor can be ejected from the valve spring compressor with intense force. Use care when compressing or releasing the valve spring with the valve spring compressor and when removing or installing the valve stem keys. Failing to use care may cause personal injury.

  7. Using J 44646 compress the valve spring.
  8. Install the valve keys to the valve stem.
  9. Notice: The valve stem keys must correctly seat in the valve spring cap. Engine damage may occur by not installing properly.

  10. Carefully release the valve spring pressure. Make sure the valve keys stay in place.
  11. Continue to install the 3 remaining valve stem seals for the cylinder.

  12. Object Number: 702726  Size: SH
  13. Release the compressed air holding the valves in place.
  14. Remove J 26999-20  (1) from the glow plug hole.
  15. Continue to replace the valve stem seals on the remaining cylinders using the above procedures.
  16. Install the glow plug. Refer to Glow Plug Replacement - Bank 1 or Glow Plug Replacement - Bank 2.
  17. Install the valve rocker arm shaft, the valve bridges, and the push rods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm, Shaft, and Push Rod Replacement.
  18. Install the upper and lower fan shroud. Refer to Engine Coolant Fan Lower Shroud Replacement and Engine Coolant Fan Upper Shroud Replacement.