Valve Spring Inspection and Measurement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Cadillac DTS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tools

J 22738-B Valve Spring Tester

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Fig 1: Inspecting Valve Spring

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Place the valve spring in the J 22738-B tester.
Compress the J 22738-B tester to the valve open, valve spring compressed, dimension listed in the Engine Mechanical Specifications (LD8) , Engine Mechanical Specifications (L37) .

CAUTION:

DO NOT use shims in order to increase valve spring load. The use of shims will cause the valve spring to bottom out before the camshaft lobe is at peak lift and engine damage could result.

If low valve spring load is found to be too low, replace the valve spring, DO NOT shim.