GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 45059 Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
  3. Drain the engine oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .
  4. Lower the vehicle.
  5. Remove the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  6. Remove the valve rocker arms and the pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  7. Remove the exhaust crossover pipe. Refer to Exhaust Crossover Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  8. Remove the oil level indicator tube. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement .
  9. Remove the left spark plug wires from the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.5L.
  10. Remove the left spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.5L.
  11. Remove the left exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side in Engine Exhaust.

  12. Object Number: 190595  Size: SH
  13. Remove the left cylinder head bolts and discard.
  14. Remove the left cylinder head.

  15. Object Number: 190594  Size: SH
  16. Remove the left cylinder head gasket.
  17. Clean and inspect the cylinder head and the gasket mating surfaces. Refer to Engine Block Cleaning and Inspection and Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 190594  Size: SH
  1. Install a new left cylinder head gasket.

  2. Object Number: 190595  Size: SH
  3. Install the left cylinder head over the locator pins and the gasket.
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 826677  Size: SH
  5. Install the new cylinder head bolts.
  6. Tighten

    1. Tighten the bolts in sequence to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).
    2. Use the J 45059 to rotate the bolts in sequence an additional 95 degrees.
  7. Install the left exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side in Engine Exhaust.
  8. Install the left spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.5L.
  9. Install the left spark plug wires to the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.5L.
  10. Install the oil level indicator tube. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement .
  11. Install the exhaust crossover pipe. Refer to Exhaust Crossover Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  12. Install the valve rocker arms and pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  13. Install the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  14. Fill the crankcase with engine oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .
  15. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
  16. Inspect for leaks.