GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 8089 Carbon Removal Brush
    • J 9666 Valve Spring Tester

    Object Number: 4957  Size: SH
  1. Use the J 8089 to clean the carbon from the combustion chambers and from the valves.
  2. Clean the valve guides.
  3. Use a buffing wheel to clean the valve stems and valve heads.
  4. Clean the cylinder head.
  5. Clean the engine block gasket surfaces.
  6. Clean the bolt hole threads in the cylinder heads and in the engine block.
  7. Cracks in the cylinder head usually occur between the exhaust valves or between the exhaust valve and the spark plug hole. Inspect for the following in the cylinder head:
  8. • Cracks in the exhaust ports
    • Cracks in the combustion chambers
    • Cracks to the water jackets

    Object Number: 156174  Size: SH
  9. Inspect the valves for the following:
  10. • Burned heads (1)
    • Cracked faces (2)
    • Bent stems (3)
    • Damaged stems (4)
  11. Inspect the valve seats for cracks.
  12. Inspect the valve seats for looseness.

  13. Object Number: 40075  Size: SH
  14. Perform the following steps to inspect the valve springs for squareness:
  15. • Place the valve spring on a level surface next to a square.
    • Rotate the valve spring.
    • Replace the valve spring if the valve spring is more than 1.58 mm (0.062 in) out of square.

    Object Number: 4960  Size: SH
  16. Use J 9666 to inspect the valve spring tension.
  17. Replace the valve spring if the spring length is less than 34 mm (1.338 in) when compressed at 250 N (56.6 lb).

Tools Required

    • J 8001 Dial Indicator Set
    • J 42096 Valve Guide Reamer
    • SA91101NE Feeler Gage Set
    • SA9177NE Straight Edge (24 in)
    • SA9183NE Spring Tester

    Object Number: 873904  Size: SH
  1. Clean the top of the pistons and the top of the block:
  2. 1.1. Turn the crankshaft and bring each piston to top dead center (TDC). Using a gasket scraper, remove all of the carbon from the piston top.

            Important: Cover the front of the engine with a shop towel to prevent debris from entering the engine.

    1.2. Remove all gasket material from the top of the block using a plastic or wood scraper.

            Caution: Wear safety glasses when using compressed air in order to prevent eye injury.

    1.3. Blow carbon and oil from the bolt holes.

    Object Number: 877380  Size: SH

    Notice: Intake and exhaust manifold stud threads can be damaged during removal and must be replaced when a new machined cylinder head casting is installed.

    Notice: Be careful not to damage the aluminum the aluminum cylinder head and block gasket sealing surfaces when removing the cylinder head or during cleaning.

  3. To remove gasket material, use a plastic or wood gasket scraper. Remove all gasket material from the manifold and head surfaces.

  4. Object Number: 877383  Size: SH
  5. Using a wire brush, remove all carbon from the combustion chambers.

  6. Object Number: 877385  Size: SH
  7. Using a valve guide brush and solvent, clean all of the valve guide bushings.
  8. Using a soft brush and solvent, thoroughly clean the cylinder head:
  9. • Intake and exhaust parts
    • Intake and exhaust valve seats

    Object Number: 894729  Size: SH
  10. Inspect the cylinder head for flatness. Using a precision SA9177NE and SA91101NE , measure the surfaces contacting the cylinder block and manifolds for warpage. If warpage is greater than the maximum, replace the cylinder head.
  11. Specifications
    The maximum warpage cylinder block side is 0.025 mm/100 mm (0.0010 in/3.917 in).


    Object Number: 877389  Size: SH
  12. Inspect the cylinder head for cracks. Using a dye penetrant, check the combustion chamber intake and exhaust ports, head surface, and the top of the head for cracks. If cracked, replace the cylinder head.

  13. Object Number: 877393  Size: SH
  14. Inspect the valve spring. Using calipers, measure the height of the valve spring at 4 locations. If the spring is bent, replace it.
  15. Specifications
    The intake and exhaust valve squareness service limit is 1.58 mm (0.0622 in) maximum.


    Object Number: 894177  Size: SH
  16. Inspect the valve spring again. Using calipers, measure the free length of the valve spring. If the free length is not within specification, replace the valve spring.
  17. Specifications
    The free length standard is 39.2 mm (1.543 in) minimum.


    Object Number: 874153  Size: SH
  18. Using a SA9183NE , or equivalent, fully collapse the spring 3 times, then measure the tension of the intake and exhaust valve springs at the specified installed length. If the installed tension is not as specified, replace the valve spring.
  19. Specifications
    The standard is 34 mm (1.338 in) at 252 N (56.6 lb).

  20. Clean the valves.
  21. 11.1. Using a gasket scraper or wire brush, remove all carbon from the valve head.
    11.2. Using a wire brush, thoroughly clean the valve.

    Object Number: 894162  Size: SH

    Notice: Small scratches, scores, or scuffs on the valve stem will damage and wear out the valve stem seal. Always lubricate the valve guide and valve stem before installing a new valve stem seal. If a valve stem seal is removed after installation, it must be discarded.

  22. Inspect the valve stems and guides for wear, scratches, and burrs.

  23. Object Number: 894164  Size: SH
  24. Replace the spring if the spring length is less than 34 mm (1.338 in) when subjected to a compressive force of 252 N (56.6 lbs).
  25. Perform the following steps to inspect the valve stem-to-valve guide clearance:
  26. 14.1. Clamp the J 8001 on the exhaust port side of the cylinder head.
    14.2. Locate the indicator so that the movement of the valve stem from side to side, crosswise to cylinder head, will cause a direct movement of the indicator stem.
    14.3. Measure the valve head with the valve protruding 10 mm (0.39 in) from the seat.
    14.4. Drop the valve head about 10 mm (0.39 in) off the valve seat.
    14.5. Use light pressure to move the stem of the valve from side to side to obtain a clearance reading.
    14.6. The intake valve clearance should be 0.03-0.057 mm (0.001-0.0022 in).
    14.7. The exhaust valve clearance should be 0.03-0.057 mm (0.001-0.0022 in).

    Object Number: 877394  Size: SH
  27. Measure the valve stem in 3 locations. If the valve clearance is out of specifications, then compare the lowest measurement to the specifications below. Replace the valve if the valve stem is out of specification:
  28. Specifications

        • The intake valve stem is 5.955-5.970 mm (0.2344-0.235 in).
        • The exhaust valve stem is 5.945-5.960 mm (0.234-0.2346 in).
  29. Ream the valve guide and use an oversized valve if the valve stem is not within the specification, using J 42096 .