Valve Installation

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.

CAUTION: Refer to SAFETY GLASSES CAUTION in Cautions and Notices.

CAUTION: 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.

Lubricate the valve stems (6) with clean engine oil.
Insert the valves into their proper locations.
Install the necessary valve spring shims onto the cylinder head, if applicable.
Lubricate the rotators (5) with clean engine oil.
Install the rotators over the guide and on top of the cylinder head or valve spring shims, if applicable.

Fig 1: Valve & Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: When installing valve stem oil seals onto the valve guides, be careful not to tear the seal lip.

Important: When installing valve seals, J 43105 must be used to achieve correct installation. Failure to use J 43105 may cause excessive oil consumption.
Lubricate the valve stem seal and the outside diameter of the valve guide with clean engine oil.
Install the valve stem oil seals (2) over the valve tip and onto the valve guides using J 43105 . Tap the valve stem seal onto the valve guide until the J 43105 fully seats the seal.

Fig 2: Installing Valve Stem Oil Seals Using J 43105
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: When installing valve springs, the small end of the valve spring must be installed up.
Install the valve springs (3).
Install the valve spring caps (2).

Fig 3: Valve & Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Use the J 8062 in order to compress the valve spring. Compress the spring enough to clearly see the valve stem key grooves of the valve.
Install the valve stem keys.
- Use grease to hold the keys in place.
- Ensure that the keys seat properly in the upper groove of the valve stem.
Release and remove the J 8062 .
Lightly tap the end of the valve stem with a plastic-faced hammer to seat the keys.

Fig 4: Compressing Valve Spring Using J 8062
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Apply sealant GM P/N United States 12346004, GM P/N Canada 10953480, or equivalent to the threads of the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.
NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
Install the ECT sensor into the right cylinder head.
Tighten

Tighten the ECT sensor to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
Install the ECT sensor bracket and bolt.
Tighten

Tighten the ECT sensor bracket bolt to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).

Fig 5: ECT Sensor & Bracket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the cylinder head coolant hole plug into the left cylinder head.
Tighten

Tighten the cylinder head coolant hole plug to 23 N.m (17 lb ft).

Fig 6: Cylinder Head Coolant Hole Plug
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.