GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers
    • J 45059 Angle Meter

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1812505  Size: SH
  1. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  2. Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .
  3. Remove the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  4. Reposition the coolant recovery inlet hose clamp (2).
  5. Remove the coolant recovery inlet hose (1) from the cylinder head.

  6. Object Number: 1656126  Size: SH
  7. Reposition the radiator inlet hose clamp using the J 38185 .
  8. Remove the radiator inlet hose from the cylinder head.
  9. Remove the timing chain. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement .

  10. Object Number: 465863  Size: SH
  11. Remove the cylinder head bolts in the sequence shown. Discard the bolts.

  12. Object Number: 412427  Size: SH
  13. Remove the cylinder head.
  14. Remove the cylinder head gasket.
  15. Clean all of the gasket surfaces.
  16. Use the following steps when cleaning the cylinder head and cylinder block surfaces:
  17. • Use a razor blade gasket scraper to clean the cylinder head and cylinder block gasket surfaces. Do not scratch or gouge either surface.

       Important: DO NOT use any other method or technique to clean these gasket surfaces.

    • Use a NEW razor blade on the cylinder head and a NEW blade on the cylinder block.

       Important: Be careful not to gouge or scratch the gasket surfaces. DO NOT gouge or scrape the combustion chamber surfaces. The feel of the gasket surface is important, not the appearance. There will be indentations from the gasket left in the cylinder head after all of the gasket material is removed. These small indentations will be filled in by the NEW gasket.

    • Hold the razor blade as parallel to the gasket surface as possible.
  18. Clean the old sealer/lube and any dirt from around the bolt holes.
  19. Important: DO NOT use a tap to clean the cylinder head bolt holes.

  20. Clean the bolts holes with a nylon bristle brush.
  21. When cleaning the cylinder head bolt holes use suitable commercial spray liquid solvent and compressed air from an extended-tip blow gun in order to reach the bottom of the holes.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 412427  Size: SH

    Important: DO NOT use any sealing material.

  1. Install the cylinder head gasket.
  2. Install the cylinder head.
  3. Lightly apply clean engine oil to the threads and the bottom side flange of the head bolts and allow the oil to drain before installing.
  4. Install NEW cylinder head bolts.
  5. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 412510  Size: SH
  6. Install and tighten the cylinder head bolts in the sequence shown.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft) plus an additional 155 degrees using the J 45059 .


    Object Number: 412425  Size: SH
  8. Install the NEW front cylinder head bolts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

  10. Install the timing chain. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement .

  11. Object Number: 1656126  Size: SH
  12. Install the radiator inlet hose to the cylinder head.
  13. Position the radiator inlet hose clamp using the J 38185 .

  14. Object Number: 1812505  Size: SH
  15. Install the coolant recovery inlet hose (1) to the cylinder head.
  16. Position the coolant recovery inlet hose clamp (2).
  17. Install the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .
  18. Install the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  19. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .