Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspect the dowel pins (cylinder head locator) for proper installation.

Fig 1: Cleaning Cylinder Head Gasket Surfaces
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: Do not use any type sealer on the cylinder head gasket (unless specified).
Install the NEW cylinder head gasket in position over the dowel pins (cylinder head locator).

Fig 2: Installing Cylinder Head Gasket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the cylinder head onto the engine block.
Guide the cylinder head carefully into place over the dowel pins and the cylinder head gasket.

Fig 3: Installing Cylinder Head to Engine Block
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Apply sealant GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent to the threads of the cylinder head bolts.
NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
Install the cylinder head bolts finger tight.

Fig 4: Installing Cylinder Head Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Tighten the cylinder head bolts in sequence on the first pass.
Tighten

Tighten the bolts in sequence on the first pass to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).
Use the J 36660-A in order to tighten the cylinder head bolts in sequence on the final pass.
Tighten
- Rotate the long bolts (1, 4, 5, 8, and 9) an additional 75 degrees.
- Rotate the medium bolts (12 and 13) an additional 65 degrees.
- Rotate the short bolts (2, 3, 6, 7, 10, and 11) an additional 55 degrees.
Install the valve pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
Install the lower intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement - Lower .

Fig 5: Cylinder Head Bolts Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the spark plug wire harness and the spark plug wire support and bolts.
Tighten

Tighten only the rear spark plug wire support bolt to 12 N.m (106 lb in).
Remove the front spark plug wire support bolt. The front spark plug wire support bolt is used to fasten the oil level indicator tube, and will be installed within the oil level indicator tube installation procedure.
Install the spark plugs. Refer to SPARK PLUGS in Service & Adjustment Specifications - 4.3L in Engine Performance.
Install the oil level indicator tube and indicator. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement .
Install the exhaust manifold. Refer to EXHAUST MANIFOLD REPLACEMENT - RIGHT in Engine Exhaust.

Fig 6: Installing Spark Plug Wire Harness
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the bolt and the ground wires to the rear of the cylinder head.
Tighten

Tighten the ground wire bolt to 35 N.m (26 lb ft).

Fig 7: Installing Bolt and Ground Wires to Rear of Cylinder Head
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the bolt and the ground strap to the rear of the cylinder head.
Tighten

Tighten the ground strap bolt to 35 N.m (26 lb ft).

Fig 8: Installing Ground Strap to Rear of Cylinder Head
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the stud for the generator mounting bracket.
Tighten

Tighten the generator mounting bracket stud to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
Install the generator mounting bracket. Refer to GENERATOR in Generators & Regulators.
Fill the cooling system. Refer to DRAINING AND FILLING COOLING SYSTEM in Engine Cooling.
Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE DISCONNECT/CONNECT PROCEDURE in Battery.

Fig 9: Installing Generator Mounting Bracket Stud
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.