Removal Procedure

Important:  Any time the camshaft housing to the cylinder head bolts are loosened or removed, the camshaft housing to the cylinder head gasket must be replaced.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the ignition coil and module assembly.
Fig 1: Ignition Coil And Module Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. Disconnect the electrical connection from the oil pressure switch.
4. Disconnect the timing chain housing at the camshaft housing, but do not remove it from the vehicle. Refer to Timing Chain Housing Replacement .
   NOTE: Turn the camshaft housing upside down as soon as it is removed from the cylinder head. The lifters will fall out of the camshaft housing if it is not turned upside down. The lifters can be damaged if they fall out and hit a hard surface.

   Important:  Use the reverse of the tightening procedure when loosening the camshaft housing to the cylinder head retaining bolts.

5. Remove the camshaft housing. Refer to Exhaust Camshaft, Housing & Lifter Replacement  or Intake Camshaft, Housing & Lifter Replacement  .
Fig 2: Camshaft Housing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Remove the spark plug.
7. Using a suitable adapter, apply air pressure to the cylinder.
8. Compress the valve spring. Use the J 5892-D  and the J 36588. 
   Fig 3: Valve Spring Compressor

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. Disassemble the following components:
   • The valve keys
   • The retainer
   • The spring
   • The valve seal using J 36017 
   • The rotator (intake)
   • The valve spring seat (exhaust)
   Fig 4: Valve Spring Components

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.