GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2006 🢒 GTO 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 6.0L 🢒 Cylinder Head Replacement - Left Side

Tools Required

    • J 45059 Angle Meter
    • J 42385-100 Head/Main Bolt Thread Repair Kit

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 1552414 Size: SH
  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 and cover. Refer to Coolant Air Bleed Pipe Assembly Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  3. Remove the generator bracket. Refer to Generator Bracket Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  4. Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side in Engine Exhaust.
  5. Remove the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  6. Remove the engine wiring harness strap and the wiring harness ground bolt (5) from the rear of the left cylinder head.
  7. Reposition the engine wire harness ground strap (6) away from the cylinder head.
  8. Remove the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement in Power Steering System.
  9. Remove the power steering pump bracket. Refer to Power Steering Pump Bracket Replacement in Power Steering System.
  10. Remove the coolant temperature sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement .

    11. Object Number: 1408868 Size: SH

    Important: The cylinder head bolts are NOT reusable.

  11. Remove the cylinder head bolts.

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

  12. Remove the cylinder head (218).

    13. Object Number: 1408869 Size: SH
  13. Remove the cylinder head gasket.
  14. Discard the gasket (217).
  15. Discard the M11 cylinder head bolts.
  16. Clean and inspect the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure

    Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

    Notice: Refer to Cleaning Engine Block Cylinder Head Bolt Holes Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1408869 Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Do not use the cylinder head bolts again. Install NEW cylinder head bolts during assembly.
       • Do not use any type of sealant on the cylinder head gasket, unless specified.
       • The cylinder head gaskets must be installed in the proper direction and position.

  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.

  2. Spray cleaner GM P/N 12346139 (Canadian P/N 10953463), GM P/N 12377981 (Canadian P/N 10953463), or equivalent into the hole.
  3. Clean the cylinder head bolt holes with compressed air.
  4. Install the cylinder head locating pins (230).

    5. Object Number: 1481465 Size: SH
  5. Inspect the locating pins for proper installation.

    6. Object Number: 1548586 Size: SH
  6. Inspect the displacement markings on the gasket for proper usage.

    7. Object Number: 1408869 Size: SH
  7. Install the NEW cylinder head gasket (217) onto the locating pins.

    8. Object Number: 1408868 Size: SH
  8. Install the cylinder head (218) onto the locating pins and the gasket.
  9. Install the NEW cylinder head bolts (219, 220).

    10. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 260150 Size: SH
  10. Tighten the cylinder head bolts.

    11. 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 45074 .
    3. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts (1-10) a final pass in sequence to 70 degrees using the J 45074 .
    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.
  11. Install the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .

    12. Object Number: 1552414 Size: SH
  12. Install the coolant temperature sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement .
  13. Position the engine wire harness ground strap (6) against the cylinder head.
  14. Install the engine wiring harness ground bolt (5) to the rear of the left cylinder head.

    15. Tighten
    Tighten the engine wire harness ground bolt to 32 N·m (24 lb ft).

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