GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 45059 Angle Meter

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1235690  Size: SH
  1. Remove the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  2. Remove the water crossover. Refer to Engine Coolant Crossover Pipe Replacement .
  3. Remove the valve rocker arms and pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  4. Remove the engine harness ground bolts.
  5. Reposition the engine harness grounds (1 and 5) and ground strap (4) from the cylinder head.

  6. Object Number: 470914  Size: SH
  7. Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side .
  8. Remove and discard the cylinder head bolts (1, 2, 3).

  9. Object Number: 470916  Size: SH

    Important: Place the cylinder head on 2 wood blocks to prevent damage to the sealing surfaces.

  10. Remove the cylinder head.

  11. Object Number: 470974  Size: SH
  12. Remove and discard the cylinder head gasket.
  13. Clean and inspect the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure

Important: Make sure the threaded holes in the engine block are clean and not damaged. Do not use sealer on any engines that use a composition type gasket. Align the cylinder head gasket locating marks to face up. Ensure that the head gasket tabs are located over the numbers 1 and 2 cylinders for correct installation.


    Object Number: 470974  Size: SH
  1. Place a NEW cylinder head gasket into position.

  2. Object Number: 470916  Size: SH
  3. Install the cylinder head.

  4. Object Number: 470914  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not reuse the cylinder head bolts. NEW cylinder head bolts must be used. The cylinder head bolts are torque-to-yield bolts and cannot be reused once the initial torque is applied. During the initial torque of the cylinder head bolt the cylinder head bolt is stretched to achieve proper clamp load. Proper clamp load will not be achieved if a used cylinder head bolt is torqued again. A stretched cylinder head bolt can also break when torqued. Failure to replace the used cylinder head bolts with NEW cylinder head bolts can lead to improper clamp loads and extensive engine damage.

    Important: The sealer must be applied to a minimum of eight threads starting at the point of the cylinder head bolt.

  5. If not pre-applied to the NEW cylinder head bolts, apply sealant. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers for the correct part number.
  6. Install the cylinder head bolts (1, 2, 3).
  7. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 470987  Size: SH

    Important: The long bolts are used in locations 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 16, and 17. The medium length bolts are used in locations 15 and 18. The short bolts are used in locations 4, 5, 12, and 13.

  8. Tighten the cylinder head bolts.
  9. Tighten

    1. Tighten the bolts a first pass in sequence to 30 N·m (22 lb ft)
    2. Tighten the bolts a second pass in sequence to 30  N·m (22 lb ft) then an additional 120 degrees using J 45059 .
    3. Tighten the bolts (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17) an additional 60 degrees, bolts (15, and 18) an additional 45 degrees, and bolts (4, 5, 12, and 13) an additional 30 degrees a final pass in sequence using J 45059 .
  10. Install the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side .
  11. Install the water crossover. Refer to Engine Coolant Crossover Pipe Replacement .

  12. Object Number: 1235690  Size: SH
  13. Position the engine harness grounds (1, 5) and ground strap (4) to the cylinder head.
  14. Install the engine harness ground bolts.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).

  16. Install the valve rocker arms and pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  17. Install the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .