GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 8062 Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 43184 Valve Spring Compressor Adaptor

    Object Number: 262025  Size: SH
  1. Use a steel square and measure the deviation of the valve spring. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .
  2. If the deviation of any valve spring is greater than the specified maximum, the valve spring must be replaced.

  3. Object Number: 235408  Size: SH
  4. Use a Vernier caliper and measure the free length of the valve spring. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .
  5. If the free length of any valve spring is not within specifications, the valve spring must be replaced.

  6. Object Number: 235418  Size: SH
  7. Use a spring tester and measure the tension of the valve spring at the specified installed height. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .
  8. If the installed tension of any valve spring is not within specifications, the valve spring must be replaced.

  9. Object Number: 235534  Size: SH
  10. Inspect the valve spring seating surface of the valve spring seats for wear or gouging. Replace as required.
  11. Temporarily install the valves (1) into the cylinder head.
  12. Use the following steps to measure valve runout:
  13. 9.1. Apply a dab of Prussian blue on the entire valve face. Seat the valve but do not rotate it. The Prussian blue traces transferred to the valve seat are an indication of concentricity of the valve seat.
    9.2. Clean all traces of Prussian blue.
    9.3. Apply a dab of Prussian blue on the valve seat and repeat the check. The traces of Prussian blue transferred to the valve face indicates valve face concentricity.
    9.4. Recondition the valve seat or replace the valves, if required.

    Object Number: 235527  Size: SH

    Important: Pay close attention when installing the valve seals. The intake valve seals are light brown in color and the exhaust valve seals are gray in color.

  14. Install the new valve seals. Fully seat the seals on the valve guides.

  15. Object Number: 235534  Size: SH
  16. Install the spring seat (2).
  17. Install the spring (3).
  18. Install the retainer (4).
  19. Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 235535  Size: SH
  20. Compress the valve spring. Use the J 8062 and the J 43184 .

  21. Object Number: 262011  Size: SH
  22. Install the valve keepers.
  23. Slowly release the J 8062  (3) from the valve/spring assembly.

  24. Object Number: 235536  Size: SH
  25. Use a plastic faced hammer and lightly tap the valve stem tip and inspect for proper valve keeper seating.