Cylinder Head Assemble

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Special Tools

EN-8062 Valve Spring Compressor - Head Off
EN-46116 Valve Stem Seal Remover/Installer
EN-46117 Valve Stem Key Remover/Installer
EN-46119 Off-Vehicle Valve Spring Compressor Adapter

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Install the cylinder head coolant threaded plugs and tighten to 75 N.m (55 lb ft).

Fig 1: View Of Cylinder Head Coolant Threaded Plugs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .
Install the NEW cylinder head oil gallery expansion plugs.

Fig 2: View Of Cylinder Head Oil Gallery Expansion Plugs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Place the valve stem oil seals onto the guides.

Fig 3: Removing/Installing Valve Stem Oil Seals
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Mount a new valve stem oil seal using the EN-46116 remover/installer.
NOTE: NEVER reuse a valve stem oil seal. Always use new seals when assembling the cylinder head.
Push and twist the valve stem oil seal into position on the valve guide until the seal positively locks on the guide using the EN-46116 remover/installer.
NOTE: Force should only be applied to the valve spring contact area of the new valve stem oil seal during installation.
Lubricate the valve stem and valve guide ID with clean engine oil. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants and Sealers for recommended lubricant.
Insert the valve into the valve guide until it bottoms on the valve seat.

Fig 4: View of Oil Seal and Valve Guide
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE: The valve stem oil seal must not come loose from the valve guide when the valve is installed.
Position the valve spring on the spring seat.

Fig 5: View Of Valve Spring & Retainer
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Place the valve spring retainer onto the valve spring.
Compress the valve spring using the EN-8062 compressor and the EN-46119 adapter.

Fig 6: Compressing Valve Spring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

WARNING: Compressed valve springs have high tension against the valve spring compressor. Valve springs that are not properly compressed by or released from the valve spring compressor can be ejected from the valve spring compressor with intense force. Use care when compressing or releasing the valve spring with the valve spring compressor and when removing or installing the valve stem keys. Failing to use care may cause personal injury.

CAUTION: Do not compress the valve springs to less than 24.0 mm (0.943 in). Contact between the valve spring retainer and the valve stem oil seal can cause potential valve stem oil seal damage.
With the spring compressed, install the valve keepers into the EN-46117 remover/installer.

Fig 7: View Of Valve Keepers
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE: Ensure proper directional placement of valve keepers in the EN-46117 remover/installer. The valve keepers must be installed with the tapered end towards the valve stem seal.
Place the keepers into position by pushing the tool downward. While holding the tool lightly together in the area between the O-rings, using the thumb and forefinger, release tension on the EN-46119 adapter and the EN-8062 compressor. This will slowly push the EN-46117 remover/installer off the valve stem, leaving the keepers in place.

Fig 8: Identifying Valve Spring Compressor & Adapter
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Verify that the valve keepers are installed by placing a rag over the valve tip and tapping with a dead-blow hammer.
Install the fuel rail with injectors (2) into the cylinder head evenly.

Fig 9: Fuel Rail Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE: If the fuel rail was removed from the cylinder head, the fuel injector tip seals must be replaced. Refer to Fuel Rail and Injectors Cleaning and Inspection .
Install and hand tighten the three fuel rail bolts (1) to seat the injectors in the injector bores.
Tighten the fuel rail bolts in the sequence shown to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).

Fig 10: Fuel Rail Bolt Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY