GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • J 45059 Angle Meter
    • J 42385-200 Common Thread Repair Kit

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1908227  Size: SH
  1. Remove the oil level indicator. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement.
  2. Remove the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement.
  3. Remove the coolant air bleed pipe. Refer to Coolant Air Bleed Pipe Assembly Replacement.
  4. Remove the right exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Right Side.
  5. Remove the pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement.
  6. Remove the heater hose bracket bolt (1) from the front of the right cylinder head.

  7. Object Number: 1658156  Size: SH

    Note: The cylinder head bolts are of a torque-to-yield design and are NOT to be reused.

  8. Remove and discard the cylinder head bolts (220, 221).
  9. Caution: After removal, place the cylinder head on 2 wood blocks in order to prevent damage to the sealing surfaces.

  10. Remove the cylinder head (218).

  11. Object Number: 1658157  Size: SH
  12. Remove and discard the cylinder head gasket (217).
  13. If required, clean and inspect the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection.

Installation Procedure

Warning: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.

Caution: Clean all dirt, debris, and coolant from the engine block cylinder head bolt holes. Failure to remove all foreign material may result in damaged threads, improperly tightened fasteners or damage to components.

Note: 

   • Do not reuse the cylinder head bolts. Install NEW cylinder head bolts during assembly.
   • Do not use any type of sealant on the cylinder head gasket (unless specified).


    Object Number: 63235  Size: SH
  1. Clean the engine block cylinder head bolt holes, if required. Thread repair tool J 42385-107, found in J 42385-200 may be used to clean the threads of old threadlocking material.
  2. Spray cleaner GM P/N 12346139, P/N 12377981 (Canadian P/N 10953463), or equivalent into the hole.
  3. Clean the cylinder head bolt holes with compressed air.
  4. Check the cylinder head locating pins for proper installation (a) 8.3 mm (0.327 in).

  5. Object Number: 1658157  Size: SH

    Note: When properly installed, with FRONT on the right side, the tab on the cylinder head gasket should be located right of center.

  6. Install the NEW cylinder head gasket (217) onto the locating pins.

  7. Object Number: 1658156  Size: SH
  8. Install the cylinder head (218) onto the locating pins.
  9. Install the NEW cylinder head bolts (220, 221).
  10. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 260150  Size: SH
  11. Tighten the cylinder head bolts.
  12. Tighten

    1. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts (1-10) a first pass in sequence to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts (1-10) a second pass in sequence to 90 degrees using J 45059 .
    3. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts (1-10 ) a final pass to 70 degrees in sequence using J 45059 .
    4. Tighten the M8 cylinder head bolts (11-15) to 30 N·m (22 lb ft). Begin with the center bolt (11) and alternating side-to-side, work outward tightening all of the bolts.

    Object Number: 1908227  Size: SH
  13. Install the heater hose bracket bolt (1) to the front of the right cylinder head.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  15. Install the pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement.
  16. Install the right exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Right Side.
  17. Install the coolant air bleed pipe. Refer to Coolant Air Bleed Pipe Assembly Replacement.
  18. Install the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement.
  19. Install the oil level indicator. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement.