GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 43181 Heater Line Quick Connect Release Tool

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 664837  Size: SH
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the exhaust manifold pipe nuts.
  3. Lower the vehicle.
  4. Remove the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement .
  5. Drain the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  6. Using the J 43181 , remove the heater core hoses from the heater core. Position aside.
  7. Remove the spark plug wires. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Replacement .
  8. Remove the oil level indicator tube. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Removal .

  9. Object Number: 260093  Size: SH
  10. Remove the exhaust manifold bolts, manifold, and manifold gasket.
  11. Discard the gasket.

  12. Object Number: 492768  Size: SH
  13. Remove the heat shield bolts (3), and shield (2) from the exhaust manifold (1).
  14. Clean and inspect the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 492768  Size: SH
  1. Install the heat shield (2), and bolts (3) to the exhaust manifold (1), if necessary.
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 9 N·m (80 lb in).


    Object Number: 260093  Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Tighten the exhaust manifold bolts as specified in the service procedure. Improperly installed and/or leaking exhaust manifold gaskets may affect vehicle emissions and/or On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II system performance.
       • The cylinder head exhaust manifold bolt hole threads must be clean and free of debris or threadlocking material.
       • Do not apply sealant to the first three threads of the bolt.

  3. Apply a 5 mm (0.2 in) wide band of threadlock GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) or equivalent to the threads of the exhaust manifold bolts.
  4. Install the NEW manifold gasket, exhaust manifold, and bolts.
  5. Tighten

    1. Tighten the exhaust manifold bolts a first pass to 15 N·m (11 lb ft). Tighten the exhaust manifold bolts beginning with the center two bolts. Alternate from side-to-side, and work toward the outside bolts.
    2. Tighten the exhaust manifold bolts a final pass to 25 N·m (18 lb ft). Tighten the exhaust manifold bolts beginning with the center two bolts. Alternate from side-to-side, and work toward the outside bolts.
  6. Using a flat punch, bend over the exposed edge of the exhaust manifold gasket at the front of the right cylinder head.
  7. Install the oil level indicator tube. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Removal .
  8. Install the spark plug wires.
  9. Install the inlet heater hose. Refer to Heater Inlet Hose Replacement .
  10. Install the outlet heater hose. Refer to Heater Outlet Hose Replacement .
  11. Install the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement .
  12. Raise the vehicle.

  13. Object Number: 664837  Size: SH
  14. Install the exhaust manifold pipe nuts.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  16. Lower the vehicle.
  17. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .