GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 63660  Size: SH
  1. Partially drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  2. Remove the front ignition wire harness at the upper intake manifold and at the spark plugs.
  3. Remove the thermostat bypass pipe. Refer to Thermostat Bypass Pipes Replacement .
  4. Disconnect the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) vacuum hose.

  5. Object Number: 54369  Size: SH

    Important: The valve rocker arm cover gasket and sealant must be carefully trimmed away from the lower intake manifold gasket. Failure to do so will damage the lower intake manifold gasket, causing a severe oil leak.

  6. Remove the valve rocker arm cover bolts.
  7. Important: When removing the valve rocker arm cover, ensure the gasket stays in place attached to the cylinder head.

  8. Remove the valve rocker arm cover. Bump the end of the valve rocker cover with the palm of your hand or a soft rubber mallet if the cover adheres to the cylinder head.

  9. Object Number: 190588  Size: SH
  10. Trim the valve cover and sealant away from the lower intake manifold gasket at the cylinder head to the lower intake manifold joints (1).
  11. Remove the valve cover gasket.
  12. Clean the sealing surface on the cylinder head with degreaser.
  13. Clean the valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 190588  Size: SH

    Important: Apply sealant at the cylinder head to the lower intake manifold joint. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers for the 3.5L engine.

  1. Apply sealant at the cylinder head to the lower intake manifold joints (1).

  2. Object Number: 54369  Size: SH
  3. Install a new gasket to the valve rocker arm cover. Ensure that the gasket is properly seated in the groove of the valve rocker arm cover.
  4. Install the valve rocker cover.
  5. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: Use an alternating criss-cross pattern when tightening the valve rocker cover bolts. Failure to do so may result in oil leakage from the valve cover due to improper seating of the gasket.

  6. Install the valve rocker arm cover bolts.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  8. Connect the PCV valve vacuum line.
  9. Install the thermostat bypass pipe. Refer to Thermostat Bypass Pipes Replacement .

  10. Object Number: 63660  Size: SH
  11. Install the front ignition wire harness.
  12. Refill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .