GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 28410 Gasket Remover
    • J 45059 Angle Meter

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 522798  Size: SH
  1. Remove the left exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side .
  2. Remove the engine mount strut bracket. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Bracket Replacement - Right Side .
  3. Remove the generator. Refer to Generator Replacement .
  4. Remove the water crossover. Refer to Engine Coolant Crossover Pipe Replacement .
  5. Remove the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  6. Remove the camshaft cover. Refer to Camshaft Cover Replacement - Left Side .
  7. Remove the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement .
  8. Remove the left secondary camshaft drive chain. Refer to Secondary Camshaft Drive Chain Replacement - Left Side .
  9. Remove the 3 M6 cylinder head bolts.
  10. Important: DO NOT reuse the M11 cylinder head bolts.

  11. Remove and discard the 10 M11 cylinder head bolts.

  12. Object Number: 522794  Size: SH
  13. Remove the left cylinder head. Make sure that no locating pins are stuck in the cylinder head.
  14. Important: You must clean the thread sealant material from the cylinder head bolt holes in the cylinder block. Failure to do so could cause false torque readings during reassembly.

  15. After removing the cylinder head, remove any remaining bolt thread sealant material from the threaded cylinder block holes.

  16. Object Number: 522790  Size: SH

    Important: DO NOT reuse the cylinder head gasket.

  17. Remove and discard the left cylinder head gasket.
  18. Remove all remaining gasket material from the cylinder head and cylinder block using the J 28410 .
  19. Place the cylinder head on a clean, flat surface with the combustion chambers face-up in order to prevent damage to the deck face.
  20. Clean and inspect the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 522731  Size: SH
  1. Make sure all the cylinder head locating pins are securely installed in the cylinder block deck face.
  2. Important: Failure to remove all the old thread sealant material from the cylinder block could cause false torque readings.

  3. Make sure all old thread sealant material is removed from the cylinder head bolt holes in the cylinder block.

  4. Object Number: 522790  Size: SH
  5. Install a NEW cylinder head gasket using the locating pins for retention.

  6. Object Number: 522794  Size: SH
  7. Align the cylinder head with the locating pins.
  8. Place the cylinder head in position on the cylinder block.

  9. Object Number: 522798  Size: SH
  10. Install 10 NEW M11 cylinder head bolts until snug.
  11. Install the 3 M6 cylinder head bolts until snug.
  12. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 522802  Size: SH
  13. Tighten the 10 M11 cylinder head bolts.
  14. Tighten

    1. Tighten the bolts (1-10) a first pass in the sequence shown to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the bolts a second pass in the sequence shown an additional 70 degrees using the J 45059 .
    3. Tighten the bolts a third pass in the sequence shown an additional 60 degrees using the J 45059 .
    4. Tighten the bolts a final pass in the sequence shown an additional 45 degrees (total 175 degrees) using the J 45059 .
  15. Tighten the 3 M6 bolts cylinder head.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

  17. Install the left secondary camshaft drive chain. Refer to Secondary Camshaft Drive Chain Replacement - Left Side .
  18. Install the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement .
  19. Install the camshaft cover. Refer to Camshaft Cover Replacement - Left Side .
  20. Install the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  21. Install the water crossover. Refer to Engine Coolant Crossover Pipe Replacement .
  22. Install the generator. Refer to Generator Replacement .
  23. Install the engine mount strut bracket. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Bracket Replacement - Right Side .
  24. Install the left exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side .