Installation Procedure

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

IMPORTANT: The exhaust valve oil stem seal has the letters EX (1) molded into the top of the seal. The exhaust valve oil stem seal material is brown in color (2) with a white stripe (3) painted onto the outside diameter of the seal, or the material may be red in color (2) with no paint stripe. The intake valve oil seal is black in color.

Assemble the valve into the proper valve guide.
Select the proper valve stem oil seal for the specific valve guide.
Lubricate the valve stem oil seal and the outside diameter of the valve guide with clean engine oil.
Assemble the valve stem oil seal onto the valve stem.

Fig 1: Install Valve Oil Stem Seal Using J 42073
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Using the J 42073 , install the valve stem oil seal onto the valve guide.
1. 5.1. Tap the valve stem oil seal onto the valve guide until the J 42073 bottoms against the valve spring seat.
2. 5.2. Inspect the valve stem oil seal. The valve stem oil seal should not be bottomed against the valve guide.
  There should be a 1-2 mm (0.03937-0.07874 in) gap between the bottom edge of the valve stem oil seal and the valve guide.
Fig 2: Gap Between Bottom Edge Of Valve Stem Oil Seal & Valve Guide
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the valve spring (3).
Install the valve spring cap (2) onto the valve spring (3), over the valve stem.

Fig 3: Valve Keys, Valve Spring Cap, Valve Spring & Valve Stem Oil Seal
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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.
Use the J 5892-D in order to compress the valve spring.
Hook the slotted end of J 5892-D under the washer on the valve rocker arm bolt.
Apply steady pressure on the valve spring cap until the valve keys are accessible.

Fig 4: Compress Valve Spring By Using J 5892-D
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Completely engage the J 38606 jaws on the valve spring. The J 38606 may slip off and scratch the valve spring. Replace the valve spring if the valve spring becomes scratch.
Use the J 38606 if the clearance does not permit use of the J 5892-D .
Install the valve stem O-ring seal.
Install the valve stem keys.
Use grease in order to hold the valve stem keys in place.
Carefully release the valve spring pressure, making sure the valve stem keys stay in place.
NOTE: The valve stem keys must correctly seat in the valve spring cap. Engine damage may occur by not installing properly.
Remove the J 5892-D or the J 38606 .
1. 14.1. Look to ensure that the valve stem keys seat properly in the upper groove of the valve stem.
2. 14.2. Tap the end of the valve stem with a plastic faced hammer in order to seat the valve stem keys, if necessary.

Fig 5: J 38606 & J 22794

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the J 22794.
Install the spark plugs. Refer to SPARK PLUG .
Install the valve rocker arms. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .

Fig 6: J 22794 (Spark Plug Port Adapter)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.