GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 8062 Valve Spring Compressor - Head Off
    • J 43105 Valve Stem Seal Installer

Checking Valve Spring Installed Height


    Object Number: 635681  Size: SH
  1. Install the valve rotator (3), the valve (4), the valve spring cap (1) and the valve stem keys (5) into the cylinder head.
  2. Using a snap gage or inside micrometer, measure the distance from the top of the valve rotator to the bottom of the valve spring cap. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications for proper valve spring installed height specifications.
  3. Important: 

       • Never shim the spring to obtain an installed height under the specified amount.
       • Install the valve spring seat shims under the rotator, between the rotator and the cylinder head spring seat.
       • Add a maximum of 1 valve spring seat shim, up to 0.726 mm (0.030 in) thick to achieve the valve spring installed height specification.

  4. Install a valve spring seat shim if the valve spring installed height measurement is above the specification.
  5. Inspect the valve spring installed height again. Replace the cylinder head if the valve spring installed height cannot be obtained.

Valve Installation

    Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1310011  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.

  1. Lubricate the valve stems (232) with clean engine oil.
  2. Insert the valves into their proper locations.
  3. Install the necessary valve spring shims onto the cylinder head, if applicable.
  4. Lubricate the rotators (216) with clean engine oil.
  5. Install the rotators over the guide and on top of the cylinder head or valve spring shims, if applicable.

  6. Object Number: 1310013  Size: SH

    Important: 

       • When installing valve stem oil seals onto the valve guides, be careful not to tear the seal lip.
       • When installing valve seals, the J 43105 must be used to achieve correct installation. Failure to use the J 43105 may cause excessive oil consumption.

  7. Lubricate the valve stem oil seal and the outside diameter of the valve guide with clean engine oil.
  8. Using the J 43105 , install the valve stem oil seals (217) over the valve tip and onto the valve guides. Tap the valve stem seal onto the valve guide until the J 43105 fully seats the seal.

  9. Object Number: 1310011  Size: SH

    Important: When installing valve springs, the small end of the valve spring must be installed up.

  10. Install the valve springs (218).
  11. Install the valve spring caps (219).

  12. Object Number: 196664  Size: SH
  13. Use the J 8062 in order to compress the valve spring. Compress the spring enough to clearly see the valve stem key grooves of the valve.
  14. Install the valve stem keys.
  15. • Use grease to hold the keys in place.
    • Ensure that the keys seat properly in the upper groove of the valve stem.
  16. Release and remove the J 8062 .
  17. Lightly tap the end of the valve stem with a plastic-faced hammer to seat the keys.

  18. Object Number: 1150744  Size: SH
  19. Apply sealant GM P/N 12346004, (Canadian P/N 10953480), or equivalent, to the threads of the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.
  20. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  21. Install the ECT sensor into the right cylinder head.
  22. Tighten
    Tighten the ECT sensor to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  23. Install the ECT sensor bracket and bolt.
  24. Tighten
    Tighten the ECT sensor bracket bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 635678  Size: SH
  25. Apply sealant GM P/N 12346004, (Canadian P/N 10953480), or equivalent, to the threads of the cylinder head coolant hole plug.
  26. Install the cylinder head coolant hole plug into the left cylinder head.
  27. Tighten
    Tighten the cylinder head coolant hole plug to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).