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: 1658150  Size: SH
  1. Remove the generator bracket. Refer to Generator 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 left exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side.
  5. Remove the pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement.
  6. Note: The cylinder head bolts are of a torque-to-yield design and are NOT to be reused.

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

  9. Remove the cylinder head (218).

  10. Object Number: 1658153  Size: SH
  11. Remove and discard the cylinder head gasket (217).
  12. 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: 832969  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: 1658153  Size: SH

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

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

  7. Object Number: 1658150  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: 832971  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 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.
  13. Install the pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement.
  14. Install the left exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side.
  15. Install the coolant air bleed pipe. Refer to Coolant Air Bleed Pipe Assembly Replacement.
  16. Install the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement.
  17. Install the generator bracket. Refer to Generator Replacement.