Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection

Special Tools

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

For equivalent regional tools, refer to 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 (LT1) , or Engine Mechanical Specifications (LT4) .

4. Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

   Use the J 9666  tester in order to measure the valve spring tension. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications (LT1) , or Engine Mechanical Specifications (LT4) .