Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection

Special Tools

• J-8089  Carbon Removal Brush
• J-9666  Valve Spring Tester

Equivalent regional tools: Special Tools 

1. Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

   WARNING:

   Refer to Safety Glasses Warning .

   NOTE:

   • When cleaning a cylinder head in a thermal type oven, do not exceed 204°C (400°F).
   • Be careful not to scuff the chamber.

   Clean the following components:

   • Use the J-8089  brush in order to remove the carbon from the combustion chambers.
   • Gasket surfaces

     Refer to Replacing Engine Gaskets .

   • Valve stems and heads on a buffing wheel
   • Bolt hole threads

     Remove all dirt, debris, or threadlocking material from the bolt holes.

2. Inspect the cylinder head for the following conditions:
   1. Cracks in the exhaust ports and combustion chambers
   2. External cracks in the water chambers
   3. Gasket surfaces for excessive scratches or gouging

      Refer to Replacing Engine Gaskets .

   4. Bolt hole threads for debris or damaged threads

      Refer to Thread Repair , or Thread Repair Specifications .

3. Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

   Inspect the cylinder head for warpage. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications (LC8 VIN B) , or Engine Mechanical Specifications (L96 VIN G) .

4. Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

   Use the J-9666  tester in order to measure the valve spring tension. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications (LC8 VIN B) , or Engine Mechanical Specifications (L96 VIN G) .

5. Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

   Inspect for a leaking plug (1). Second design applications use a rivet-type plug at the top rear coolant passage of each cylinder head. If service of a leaking plug is required, it is necessary to remove the cylinder head from the engine to properly remove the plug. Refer to Cylinder Head Disassemble .