Installation Procedure

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.

1. Assemble the valve into the proper valve guide.
2. Select the proper valve stem oil seal for the specific valve guide.
3. Lubricate the valve stem oil seal and the outside diameter of the valve guide with clean engine oil.
4. Assemble the valve stem oil seal onto the valve stem.
   WARNING: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.
5. Using the J 42073  , install the valve stem oil seal onto the valve guide.
   Fig 1: Installing Valve Stem Oil Seal Using J 42073

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
   1. Tap the valve stem oil seal onto the valve guide until the J 42073  bottoms against the valve spring seat.
   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: Measuring Gap Between Bottom Edge Of Valve Stem Oil Seal & Valve Guide

      Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Install the valve spring (3).
7. Install the valve spring cap (2) onto the valve spring (3), over the valve stem.
   Fig 3: Installing Valve Spring & Valve Spring Cap

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
   WARNING: 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.
8. 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.

9. Apply steady pressure on the valve spring cap until the valve keys are accessible.
   Fig 4: Compressing Valve Spring Using J 5892-D

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
   CAUTION: 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.
10. Use the J 38606  if the clearance does not permit use of the J 5892-D  .
11. Install the valve stem O-ring seal.
12. Install the valve stem keys.

    Use grease in order to hold the valve stem keys in place.

13. Carefully release the valve spring pressure, making sure the valve stem keys stay in place.
    Fig 5: Engaging J 38606 Jaws Onto Valve Spring

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    CAUTION: The valve stem keys must correctly seat in the valve spring cap. Engine damage may occur by not installing properly.
14. Remove the J 5892-D  or the J 38606  .
    1. Look to ensure that the valve stem keys seat properly in the upper groove of the valve stem.
    2. Tap the end of the valve stem with a plastic faced hammer in order to seat the valve stem keys, if necessary.
15. Remove the J 22794  .
    Fig 6: Removing J 22794

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
16. Install the spark plugs. Refer to SPARK PLUGS .
17. Install the valve rocker arms to the cylinder head. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
18. Install the valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left  or Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Right  .