GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 8062 Valve Spring Compressor Head-Off
    • EN 46116 Valve Stem Seal Remover/Installer
    • EN 46117 Valve Stem Key Remover/Installer
    • EN 46119 Off-Vehicle Valve Spring Compressor Adaptor

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1799148  Size: SH
  1. Install the cylinder head coolant threaded plugs (1).
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the cylinder head coolant threaded plugs to 31 N·m (23 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1799136  Size: SH
  3. Install the cylinder head oil gallery expansion plugs (1).

  4. Object Number: 1799134  Size: SH

    Important: Never reuse a valve stem oil seal. Always use new seals when assembling the cylinder head.

  5. Fit the valve stem oil seals onto the guides using EN 46116  (1).
  6. Important: Force should only be applied to the valve spring contact area of the new valve stem oil seal during installation.

  7. Push and twist the valve stem oil seal into position on the valve guide until the seal positively locks on the guide using EN 46116 .
  8. Lubricate the valve stem and valve guide ID with clean engine oil.

  9. Object Number: 1799133  Size: SH

    Important: The valve stem oil seal must not come loose from the valve guide when the valve (1) is installed.

  10. Insert the valve into the valve guide until it bottoms on the valve seat.

  11. Object Number: 1799128  Size: SH
  12. Position the valve spring (2) on the spring seat (1).
  13. Place the valve spring retainer onto the valve spring.

  14. Object Number: 1799046  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.

    Notice: Do not compress the valve springs to less than 24.0 mm (0.943 in). Contact between the valve spring retainer and the valve stem oil seal can cause potential valve stem oil seal damage.

  15. Compress the valve spring using J 8092 and EN 46119 .

  16. Object Number: 1801639  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure correct directional placement of valve collets in EN 46117 . The valve collets must be installed with the tapered end towards the valve stem seal.

  17. With the spring compressed, install the valve collets into EN 46117 .

  18. Object Number: 1799064  Size: SH
  19. Place the collets into position by pushing the tool (1) downward and releasing tension on the valve spring compressor (2).
  20. Verify the valve collets are installed by placing a rag over the valve tip and tapping with a dead-blow hammer. The valve collets and the spring should remain in place.