GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 36660-A Torque/Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the valve rocker arms and pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  2. Remove the engine coolant air bleed pipe. Refer to Coolant Air Bleed Pipe Assembly Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  3. Remove the power steering pump rear bracket. Refer to Power Steering Pump Rear Bracket Replacement in Power Steering System.
  4. Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side in Engine Exhaust.

  5. Object Number: 379365  Size: SH
  6. Remove the engine wiring harness ground bolts (2, 3) from the rear of the cylinder head.
  7. Reposition the ground wires.


    Object Number: 260146  Size: SH

    Important: The cylinder head bolts are NOT reusable.

  8. Remove the cylinder head bolts.
  9. Notice: After removal, place the cylinder head on 2 wood blocks in order to prevent damage to the sealing surfaces.

  10. Remove the cylinder head.

  11. Object Number: 63169  Size: SH
  12. Remove the cylinder head gasket.
  13. Discard the gasket.
  14. Discard the cylinder head bolts.
  15. Clean and inspect the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical - 5.7 L Unit Repair.

Installation Procedure

Important: 

   • 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).
   • The cylinder head gasket must be installed in the proper direction and position.

Caution: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.

Notice: 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.


    Object Number: 63235  Size: SH
  1. Clean the engine block cylinder head bolt holes, if required.
  2. Thread repair tool J 42385-107 may be used to clean the threads of old threadlocking material.

  3. Spray cleaner GM P/N 12346139, P/N 12377981, (Canadian P/N 10953463), or equivalent into the hole.
  4. Clean the cylinder head bolt holes with compressed air.
  5. Check the cylinder head locating pins for proper installation.

  6. Object Number: 63169  Size: SH
  7. Install the NEW cylinder head gasket onto the locating pins.

  8. Object Number: 490861  Size: SH

    Important: when properly installed, the tab on the left cylinder head gasket will be located left of center, or closer to the front of the engine, and the words "This Side Up", and the engine displacement, will be visible.

  9. Inspect the gasket for proper installation.

  10. Object Number: 260146  Size: SH
  11. Install the cylinder head onto the locating pins and the gasket.
  12. Install the NEW cylinder head bolts.

  13. Object Number: 260150  Size: SH

    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.

  14. Tighten the cylinder head bolts.
  15. 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 the J 36660-A .
    3. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts (1-8) to 90 degrees and the M11 cylinder head bolts (9 and 10) to 50 degrees a final pass in sequence using J 36660-A .
    4. Tighten the M8 cylinder head bolts (11-15) to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
    5. Begin with the center bolt (11) and alternating side-to-side, work outward tightening all of the bolts.


    Object Number: 379365  Size: SH
  16. Install the engine wiring harness ground bolts (2, 3) to the cylinder head.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the engine wiring harness ground bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  18. Install the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side in Engine Exhaust.
  19. Install the power steering pump rear bracket. Refer to Power Steering Pump Rear Bracket Replacement in Power Steering.
  20. Install the engine coolant air bleed pipe. Refer to Coolant Air Bleed Pipe Assembly Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  21. Install the valve rocker arms and pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .