Valve Installation

Important:  If the valves have been refaced and/or the valve seats ground, or insufficient valve spring force is believed to be the cause of poor engine performance, it may be necessary to check the valve spring installed heights prior to final assembly.

1. Clean the cylinder head valve spring seat area.

   Important:  When reusing the valves and related components, install the parts in their original location.

2. Lubricate the valve stems with engine oil and install the valves fully seated into their proper ports. Refer to SEPARATING PARTS  .
3. Lubricate the outside diameter of the valve guide with engine oil.
   Fig 1: Installing Valve Springs

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Important:  The 2.2 L OHV engine uses a unique valve spring seat and seal combination unit. Under no circumstances should this seal and seat unit be replaced with a different type of seal. Use care to ensure that the valve stem seal and spring seat are not damaged during installation.

4. Using the J 38820  , install the valve spring seat and seal unit.

   Push and twist the valve seal into position on the valve guide until the spring seat flange is flush with the cylinder head surface. Do not use excessive force or a hammer to install the seal on the guide. The seal will go on if it is straight and properly lubricated, using hand pressure only.

   Important:  The valve spring loads should be checked prior to final assembly.

5. Install the valve spring.
6. Install the valve spring retainer.
7. Compress the valve spring using the J 8062  .
8. Install the valve stem keys.
   1. 8.1. Use grease to hold the keys in place and remove the J 8062  .
   2. 8.2. Make sure the keys seat properly in the groove of the valve stem and in the tapered seat of the spring retainer.
   3. 8.3. Tap the end to the valve stem with a plastic faced hammer to seat the keys (if necessary).