GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1999 🢒 Tracker - 2WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 1.6L 🢒 Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection

Valve Cleaning and Inspection

    Important: Do not scratch the valve stem with the wire brush.

  1. Clean the valves of carbon, oil and varnish. Carbon can be removed with a wire brush, varnish can be removed by soaking in Parts Immersion Solvent GM P/N 12345368 or equivalent.
  2. Clean the valve guides.
  3. Inspect the valve stem for wear. The valve stem end may be reconditioned by grinding.
  4. Follow the grinder manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the new surface is perpendicular to the valve stem.
  5. Inspect the valve keeper grooves for chipping or wear. Replace the valve if chipped or worn.
  6. Inspect the valve face for burning or cracking. If pieces are broken off, inspect the corresponding piston and cylinder head area for damage.
  7. Inspect the valve stem for burrs and scratches. Burrs and minor scratches may be removed with an oil stone.
  8. Inspect the valve stem for straightness and the valve head for bending or distortion. Use V blocks. Bent or distorted valves must be replaced.
  9. Clean the deposits from the valve face. Inspect the valve face for grooving.
  10. Replace the valve if the face is grooved. Valve faces cannot be machined. If worn, or damaged, the valves must be replaced.
  11. The valves may be lightly lapped to the valve seats.

Cylinder Head and Gasket Surface Cleaning and Inspection
  1. Inspect the cylinder head gasket and mating surfaces for leaks, corrosion and blow-by. If the gasket has failed, use the following faults to determine the cause:
    2. 1.1. Improper installation
    1.2. Loose or warped cylinder head
    1.3. Missing, off location or not fully seated dowel pins
    1.4. Corrosion in the seal area around the coolant passages
    1.5. Chips or debris in the cylinder head bolt holes
    1.6. Bolt holes in the cylinder block not drilled or tapped deep enough
    1.7. Other

    Object Number: 63643 Size: SH
  2. Inspect the cylinder head gasket surface.
    3. • Cylinder head may be reused if corrosion is found only outside a 4 mm (0.375 in) band around each combustion chamber (1).
    • Replace the cylinder head if the area between the valve seats is cracked (2).
    • Replace the cylinder head if corrosion has been found inside a 4 mm (0.375 in) band around each combustion chamber (3).

    Important: Do not use a wire brush on any gasket sealing surface.

  3. Clean the cylinder head. Remove all varnish, soot and carbon to the bare metal.
  4. Clean the valve guides.
  5. Clean the threaded holes. Use a nylon bristle brush.
  6. Clean the remains of the sealer from the plug holes.
  7. Replace all suspect bolts.
  8. Inspect the cylinder head for cracks. Check between the valve seats and in the exhaust ports.

    9. Important: Do not attempt to weld the cylinder head, replace it.

  9. Inspect the cylinder head deck for corrosion, sand inclusions and blow holes.

    10. Object Number: 262027 Size: SH
  10. Inspect the cylinder head deck surface for flatness.

    11. Maximum Cylinder Head Deck Warpage
    Maximum Warpage: 0.05 mm (0.0020 in)

  11. If the warpage is greater than the maximum allowed, replace the cylinder head.
  12. Inspect all the threaded holes for damage. Threads may be reconditioned with thread inserts.
  13. Inspect the sealing surfaces.

    14. Object Number: 262033 Size: SH
  14. Inspect the cylinder head intake manifold surface for flatness.

    15. Maximum Cylinder Head Intake Surface Warpage
    Maximum Warpage: 0.05 mm (0.0020 in)

  15. If the warpage is greater than the maximum allowed, replace the cylinder head.
  16. Inspect all the threaded holes for damage. Threads may be reconditioned with thread inserts.
  17. Inspect the sealing surfaces.

    18. Object Number: 262037 Size: SH
  18. Inspect the cylinder head exhaust manifold surface for flatness.

    19. Maximum Cylinder Head Exhaust Surface Warpage
    Maximum Warpage: 0.05 mm (0.0020 in)

  19. If the warpage is greater than the maximum allowed, replace the cylinder head.
  20. Inspect all the threaded holes for damage. Threads may be reconditioned with thread inserts.
  21. Inspect the sealing surfaces.