GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Notice: If the engine is damaged internally and a new engine assembly is installed in the vehicle, ensure that all foreign material is flushed out of the cooling system. You must also flush out the oil cooler system. Failure to rid the oil cooler system of debris can result in engine damage.

Notice: On some vehicles it may be necessary to support the transmission as the engine is removed to prevent the transmission from falling, causing damage to the unit.

The procedure required to replace an engine varies according to the optional equipment and available shop facilities. The following procedure is intended only as a guide for performing the work. The technician must determine what additional work is needed.

  1. Block the wheels.
  2. If equipped with air brakes, drain the air reservoirs. Refer to Draining Reservoirs in Air Brakes.
  3. Remove the engine cover. Refer to Engine Cover Replacement in Interior Trim.
  4. Disconnect the negative battery cables. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  5. Remove the air cleaner layer. Refer to Air Cleaner Replacement in Engine Controls - 7.8L.
  6. Remove the cooling layer . Refer to Cooling Layer Removal in Engine Cooling.
  7. If equipped, remove the front modulator valve bracket from the front crossmember. Refer to Front Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Replacement in Air Antilock Brake System.
  8. Remove the front radiator crossmember. Refer to Radiator Crossmember Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  9. Remove the engine front crossmember. Refer to Engine Front Crossmember Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  10. Remove the air inlet pipes. Refer to Charge Air Cooler Inlet Pipe and Outlet Pipe Replacement in Engine Controls - 7.8L.
  11. Remove the radiator and heater hoses.

  12. Object Number: 826460  Size: SH
  13. Remove the electrical harness from the starter assembly.
  14. Remove the following engine electrical harness connectors from the electrical connectors.
  15. • The block heater
    • The oil pressure sensor
    • The generator electrical connectors
    • If equipped, the A/C clutch and high pressure switch electrical connectors
    • The coolant temperature sensor
    • The glow plug electrical connectors
    • The oil level electrical connectors
    • The fuel filter electrical connectors
    • The boost sensor
    • The injector pump
  16. Remove the engine wire harness retainers and position the engine wire harness away from the engine.
  17. Remove all ground straps from the engine to the frame.

  18. Object Number: 816399  Size: SH

    Important: Cap the fuel line and the fittings to prevent the fuel from leaking and dirt from entering the fuel system.

  19. Remove the fuel feed lines and return from the fuel supply pump and rear of engine. Refer to Fuel Injection Pump Replacement in Engine Controls - 7.8L.
  20. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement , Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.

  21. Object Number: 725138  Size: SH
  22. If equipped, remove the parking brake cable from the brake drum.

  23. Object Number: 803375  Size: SH
  24. Remove the exhaust pipe from the turbocharger. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  25. Remove the exhaust pipe from the muffler. Refer to Muffler Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  26. If equipped, remove the transmission support. Refer to Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement in Manual Transmission - Medium Duty.

  27. Object Number: 828843  Size: SH
  28. If equipped with an automatic transmission, perform steps 22-34.
  29. Drain the transmission oil. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement in Automatic Transmission - Allison.
  30. Remove the transmission oil level indicator and the oil level indicator tube. Refer to Transmission Fluid Filler Tube and Seal Replacement in Automatic Transmission - Allison.
  31. If equipped, remove the transmission heat shield fasteners and the heat shield from the transmission.
  32. Remove the starter. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  33. If equipped, remove the oil cooler lines from the transmission. Refer to Transmission Fluid Auxiliary Cooler Line Replacement in Automatic Transmission - Allison.
  34. If equipped, remove the shift cable from the transmission.
  35. Remove the wiring harness and disconnect the transmission electrical connectors
  36. If equipped, remove the flywheel housing access cover.
  37. Mark the flywheel and torque converter or the flex plate relationship for reassembly purposes.
  38. Turn the flex plate using a pry bar or the engine harmonic balancer, in order to align the torque converter or flex plate bolts with the access hole or starter hole.

  39. Object Number: 205282  Size: MH
  40. Remove the flex plate (3) to flywheel (2) bolts (1) or if equipped, the torque converter bolts.
  41. If equipped, remove the fuel line from the fuel line bracket.
  42. If equipped, remove the fuel line retainer bracket from the transmission.
  43. If equipped with a manual transmission, perform steps 36-41.
  44. Remove all electrical connectors from the transmission.
  45. Remove all electrical harness retainers from the transmission.
  46. If required, raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  47. Remove the clutch cable and bracket from the transmission. Refer to Clutch Cable Return Spring and/or Bracket Replacement in Clutch.
  48. Remove the control lever and boot. Refer to Control Lever and/or Boot Replacement in Manual Transmission - Medium Duty.
  49. If equipped, remove the fuel line retainers from the transmission.
  50. Using a transmission jack, support the rear of the transmission.

  51. Object Number: 28991  Size: SH

    Important: Support the transmission with a transmission jack that can support a load of at least 349 kg (750 lb).

  52. Install a safety chain to secure the transmission to the transmission jack.
  53. Using a suitable overhead hoist, attach a load leveling devise to the front engine lifting eye.
  54. Remove the rear engine mounting bolts. Refer to Engine Rear Mount Bracket Replacement .
  55. Remove the front engine mounting bolts. Refer to Engine Front Mount Bracket Replacement .
  56. Ensure the wiring harness does not become hung up on the engine.
  57. Pull the engine forward far enough to connect to the rear engine lift eye.
  58. Attach the load leveling device to the rear engine lift eye.
  59. Remove the transmission jack.
  60. Remove the engine and transmission from the vehicle.

  61. Object Number: 201570  Size: SH
  62. If equipped with an automatic transmission, perform the following:
  63. 53.1. Attach the transmission jack.
    53.2. Remove the bolts securing the transmission to the engine.
    53.3. Remove the transmission from the engine by sliding the transmission rearward.

    Object Number: 799712  Size: SH
  64. If equipped with a manual transmission perform the following:
  65. 54.1. Attach the transmission jack.
    54.2. Remove the transmission apron housing bolts.
    54.3. Move the transmission straight back from the engine, keep the mainshaft in alignment with the clutch disc hub.
    54.4. When the transmission is free from the engine, lower and remove the transmission.

Installation Procedure

  1. If equipped with a manual transmission, perform steps 2-9.
  2. Shift the transmission into high gear.

  3. Object Number: 199880  Size: SH
  4. With the transmission mounted to a suitable dolly, move the transmission into position under the vehicle.
  5. Rotate the output shaft to align the main drive gear shaft with the clutch disc hub.

  6. Object Number: 799712  Size: SH
  7. Move the transmission forward, guiding the main drive gear shaft into the clutch disc hub.
  8. Install the transmission.
  9. • Avoid springing the clutch when installing the transmission.
    • Do not allow the transmission to drop or hang unsupported in the splined hub of the clutch disc.

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  10. Install the transmission apron housing bolts.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the transmission apron housing bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  12. If equipped, install the exhaust manifold front pipe bracket and transmission bolts.
  13. Remove the transmission jack.

  14. Object Number: 201570  Size: SH
  15. If equipped with an automatic transmission, perform steps 11-15.
  16. Reattach the transmission jack.
  17. Raise the transmission to the engine.
  18. Install the transmission to the engine while aligning the torque converter with the engine flex plate.
  19. Install the transmission to engine bolts.
  20. Tighten
    Tighten the transmission to engine bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  21. Remove the transmission jack.
  22. Position the engine and transmission into the vehicle as far as possible.

  23. Object Number: 28991  Size: SH
  24. Install the transmission jack.
  25. Important: Support the transmission with a transmission jack that can support a load of at least 349 kg (750 lb).

  26. Install a safety chain to secure the transmission to the transmission jack.
  27. Remove the leveling device from the rear engine lift eye only.
  28. Install the engine and transmission to the engine mounts.
  29. Install the front engine mount bolts. Refer to Engine Front Mount Bracket Replacement .
  30. Install the rear transmission mount bolts. Refer to Engine Rear Mount Bracket Replacement .
  31. If equipped, install the transmission rear support. Refer to Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement in Manual Transmission - Medium Duty.

  32. Object Number: 201600  Size: SH
  33. If equipped with an automatic transmission, perform steps 25-28.
  34. Turn the engine flex plate using a pry bar or engine at the harmonic balancer in order to install the torque converter to the flywheel bolts.
  35. When reusing the torque converter bolts, clean the bolts and apply Loctite.
  36. Install the torque converter bolts.
  37. Tighten
    Tighten the torque converter to flywheel bolts to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).

  38. If equipped, install the flywheel housing access cover.
  39. Remove the overhead hoist.
  40. Remove the transmission jack.
  41. Install the starter assembly. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement in Engine Electrical.

  42. Object Number: 803375  Size: SH
  43. Install the muffler to the exhaust pipe. Refer to Muffler Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  44. Install the exhaust from the muffler to the turbocharger. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.

  45. Object Number: 725138  Size: SH
  46. If equipped, install the parking brake cable to the park brake drum.
  47. If equipped, install the oil cooler lines to the transmission. Refer to Transmission Fluid Auxiliary Cooler Line Replacement in Automatic Transmission - Allison.

  48. Object Number: 201609  Size: SH
  49. Install the oil level indicator tube. Refer to Transmission Fluid Filler Tube and Seal Replacement in Automatic Transmission - Allison.
  50. Connect the transmission electrical connectors and install the wiring harness to the transmission.
  51. If equipped, install the fuel line brackets.
  52. If equipped, install the fuel lines to the fuel line brackets.
  53. If equipped, install the transmission heat shield with 2 bolts.
  54. Tighten
    Tighten the transmission heat shield bolts to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

  55. Install the propeller shaft to the transmission. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement , Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or to Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.

  56. Object Number: 828843  Size: SH
  57. If equipped, install the shift cable to the transmission.
  58. Lower the vehicle, if required.
  59. Install the front engine crossmember. Refer to Engine Front Crossmember Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  60. Install the radiator crossmember. Refer to Radiator Crossmember Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  61. Install the air compressor and the lines.
  62. Install the fuel lines and connectors to the fuel supply pump.
  63. Install the ground straps to the frame and the engine.
  64. Install the following engine electrical harness connectors to the appropriate connectors.
  65. • The block heater
    • The oil pressure sensor
    • The generator electrical connectors
    • If equipped, the A/C clutch and high pressure switch electrical connectors
    • The coolant temperature sensor
    • The glow plug electrical connectors
    • The oil level electrical connectors
    • The fuel filter electrical connectors
    • The boost sensor
    • The injector pump
  66. Install the engine electrical harness to the retainers and the brackets.

  67. Object Number: 798050  Size: SH
  68. Install the power steering pump.
  69. Install the fuel lines and connectors to the fuel supply pump and at the back of the engine.
  70. Install the heater hoses to the engine.
  71. Install the air inlet pipes. Refer to Charge Air Cooler Inlet Pipe and Outlet Pipe Replacement in Engine Controls - 7.8L.
  72. Install the cooling layer. Refer to Cooling Layer Installation in Engine Cooling.
  73. Install the air cleaner layer. Refer to Air Cleaner Replacement in Engine Controls - 7.8L.
  74. Install the engine cover. Refer to Engine Cover Replacement in Interior Trim.
  75. Connect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  76. Remove the wheel blocks.
  77. Important: Inspect all fluid levels before starting the engine.

  78. Fill the engine cooling system with the proper type and quantity of coolant.
  79. Fill the engine crank case with the proper grade and quantity of oil.
  80. If equipped with air brakes, fill the air brake reservoirs with air. Refer to Filling Reservoirs in Air Brakes.