GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2003 🢒 Grand Am 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side

Removal Procedure
  1. Partially drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.

    2. Object Number: 63660 Size: SH
  2. Remove the front ignition wire harness at the upper intake manifold and at the spark plugs.

    3. Object Number: 187084 Size: SH
  3. Remove the thermostat bypass pipe. Refer to Thermostat Bypass Pipes Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  4. Disconnect the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) vacuum hose.

    5. Object Number: 54369 Size: SH

    Notice: Valve rocker arm cover gasket and sealant must be carefully trimmed away from lower intake manifold gasket. Failure to do so will damage the lower intake manifold gasket, causing a severe oil leak.

  5. Remove the valve rocker cover bolts.

    6. Important: When removing the valve rocker arm cover, ensure the gasket stays in place attached to the cylinder head.

  6. Remove the valve rocker cover.

    7. Bump the end of the valve rocker cover with the palm of your hand or a soft rubber mallet if the cover adheres to the cylinder head.


    Object Number: 190588 Size: SH
  7. Trim the valve cover gasket and sealant away from the lower intake manifold gasket at the cylinder head to lower intake manifold joints (1).
  8. Remove the valve cover gasket.
  9. Clean the sealing surface on the cylinder head with degreaser.
  10. Clean the valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 190588 Size: SH

    Important: All gasket mating surfaces need to be free of oil and foreign material. Use GM P/N 12346139 (Canadian P/N 10953463) or equivalent, to clean surfaces.

    Important: Apply sealant GM P/N 12378521 (Canadian P/N 88901148), or equivalent at the cylinder head to lower intake manifold joint.

  1. Apply sealant at the cylinder head to lower intake manifold joints (1).

    2. Object Number: 54369 Size: SH
  2. Install a new gasket to the valve rocker cover. Ensure that the gasket is properly seated in the groove of the valve rocker arm cover.
  3. Install the valve rocker cover.

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

  4. Install the valve rocker cover bolts.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  5. Connect the PCV valve vacuum line.

    6. Object Number: 187084 Size: SH
  6. Install the thermostat bypass pipe. Refer to Thermostat Bypass Pipes Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  7. Install the front ignition wire harness.
  8. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.