Cylinder Head Assemble

Special Tools

• J 38820  Valve Stem Seal Installer
• J 8062  Valve Spring Compressor - Head Off
• J 38821  Valve Spring Compressor Adapter
• J-43059-A  Valve Retainer Remover/Installer

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Fig 1: View of Expansion Coolant Plugs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
1. Install the expansion coolant plugs into the left cylinder head.
Fig 2: View of Threaded Coolant Plugs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
CAUTION:

Refer to Fastener Caution .

2. Install the threaded coolant plugs into the left cylinder head and tighten to 80 N.m (59 lb ft).
Fig 3: View of Expansion Coolant Plugs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
3. Install the expansion coolant plugs into the right cylinder head.
Fig 4: View of Threaded Coolant Plugs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
4. Install the threaded coolant plugs into the right cylinder head and tighten to 80 N.m (59 lb ft).
Fig 5: View of Exhaust Manifold Studs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
5. Install the exhaust manifold studs into the right cylinder head and tighten to 6 N.m (53 lb in).
Fig 6: Replacing Valve Seal
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
6. Lubricate the valve stem with clean engine oil.
7. Insert the valve into the valve guide until it bottoms on the valve seat.
8. Lubricate the new valve seal with engine oil.
9. Using the J 38820  installer, install the new valve seal using the following procedure:
   1. Place the valve lifter bore protector into the lifter bore.
   2. Mount the new valve seal in the J 38820  installer.
   3. Push and twist the new valve seal into position on the valve guide until the seal positively locks on the guide.
Fig 7: Identifying Valve Spring Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
10. Position the valve spring on the spring seat.
Fig 8: Compressing Valve Springs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
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.

CAUTION:

Do not compress the valve springs to less than 24.0 mm (0.943 in). Contact between the valve spring retainer and the valve stem oil seal can cause potential valve stem oil seal damage.

11. Compress the valve spring using the J 8062  compressor and the J 38821  adapter.
Fig 9: View Of Valve Keepers & Valve Stem Key Remover/Installer
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
12. With the spring compressed, install the valve keepers into the J-43059-A  remover/installer.
Fig 10: Installing Valve Keepers
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
13. Place the keepers into position by pushing the tool downward.
14. Release the tension on the spring compressor and remove the J 38821  adapter.
15. Verify that the valve keepers are installed by placing a rag over the valve tip and tapping with a dead-blow hammer. The valve keepers and the spring should remain in place.
16. Repeat this procedure for the remaining valves.