Checking Valve Spring Installed Height
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Yukon XL, 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Install the valve rotator (3), the valve (4), the valve spring cap (1) and the valve stem keys (5) into the cylinder head.
- Using a snap gage or inside micrometer, measure the distance from the top of the valve rotator to the bottom of the valve spring cap. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications for proper valve spring installed height specifications.
Important:
- Never shim the spring to obtain an installed height under the specified amount.
- Install the valve spring seat shims under the rotator, between the rotator and the cylinder head spring seat.
- Add a maximum of one valve spring seat shim, up to 0.726 mm (0.030 in) thick to achieve the valve spring installed height specification.
- The combination of valve spring seat shims to correct valve spring installed height and valve spring tension should not exceed 1.524 mm (0.060 in) thick.
- Install a valve spring seat shim if the valve spring installed height measurement is above the specification.
- Recheck the valve spring installed height, replace the cylinder head if the valve spring installed height cannot be obtained.