GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter
    • J 42038 Camshaft Holding Fixture
    • J 43032 Crankshaft Socket

    Object Number: 234444  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the crankshaft is in the TDC position using the J 43032 .

  1. Select the proper camshaft for the particular installation location. The left cylinder head camshafts (1, 2) are longer than those for the right cylinder head (3, 4). However, both sets of camshafts share the same placement of identification rings. The ring placement is defined as follows:
  2. 1.1. The identification ring for the intake camshafts (1, 3) is located between the first and second sets of lobes.
    1.2. The identification ring for the exhaust camshafts (2, 4) is located between the second and third sets of lobes.

    Object Number: 576499  Size: SH
  3. Apply a liberal amount of lubricant GM P/N United States 12345501, GM P/N Canada 992704, or equivalent to the camshaft journals and the cylinder head camshaft carriers.
  4. Place the intake (1) and exhaust (2) camshafts in position in the cylinder head.
  5. Important: Ensure each valve rocker arm is properly aligned to the valve tip, the valve lifter and the camshaft lobe. Inspect the alignment prior to and after the camshaft caps are tightened to specifications.

  6. Position the camshaft lobes in a neutral position with the front notch for the camshaft sprocket drive pins near the top of their rotation and the rear flats of the camshaft near the installation position of the J 42038 .

  7. Object Number: 287736  Size: SH
  8. Observe the markings on the bearing caps. Each bearing cap is marked in order to identify its location. The markings have the following meanings:
  9. • The raised feature must always be oriented toward the outboard side of the engine.
    • The I indicates the intake camshaft.
    • The E indicates the exhaust camshaft.
    • The number indicates the journal position from the front of the engine.
  10. Apply a liberal amount of lubricant GM P/N United States 12345501, GM P/N Canada 992704, or equivalent to the camshaft bearing caps.

  11. Object Number: 576496  Size: SH
  12. Install the camshaft bearing thrust caps in the first journal of each camshaft. The thrust caps are wider than the others and have machined undercuts not present on the other caps. Ensure that the orientation marking is closest to the engine outboard side.
  13. Install the remaining bearing caps with their orientation mark closest to the engine outboard side.
  14. Hand start all the camshaft bearing cap bolts.
  15. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  16. Tighten the camshaft bearing cap bolts.
  17. Tighten

    1. Tighten the camshaft bearing cap bolts to 8 N·m (71 lb in).
    2. Tighten the camshaft bearing cap bolts an additional 22 degrees using theJ 36660-A .

    Object Number: 287745  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure each valve rocker arm is properly aligned to the valve tip, the valve lifter and the camshaft lobe. Inspect the alignment prior to and after the camshaft caps are tightened to specifications.

    Important: There should be no need to rotate the camshaft more then 10 degrees.

  18. Using the hex cast into the camshaft, rotate the camshaft so the rear camshaft flat is facing the cylinder head in order to install the J 42038 .
  19. Install the J 42038 at the rear of the cylinder head.

  20. Object Number: 264870  Size: SH

    Important:  All camshafts must be locked in place before installation of the secondary timing chains.

  21. Ensure that the J 42038 is fully seated and locked onto the camshafts.