GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 750530  Size: SH
  1. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
  2. Remove the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold 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 (3, 4) and ground strap (5) from the cylinder head.

  6. Object Number: 470914  Size: SH
  7. Remove the water crossover. Refer to Engine Coolant Crossover Pipe Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  8. Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side in Engine Exhaust.
  9. Remove and discard the cylinder head bolts (1, 2, and 3).

  10. Object Number: 470916  Size: SH

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

  11. Remove the cylinder head.

  12. Object Number: 470974  Size: SH
  13. Remove and discard the cylinder head gasket.
  14. 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. Install a NEW cylinder head gasket.

  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 GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480), or equivalent to the cylinder head bolts.
  6. Install the cylinder head bolts (1, 2, and 3).

  7. Object Number: 470987  Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

    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 in sequence a first pass to 30 N·m (22 lb ft)
    2. Tighten the bolts in sequence a second pass to 30  N·m (22 lb ft) then an additional 120 degrees using J 36660-A .
    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 36660-A .
  10. Install the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side in Engine Exhaust.
  11. Install the water crossover. Refer to Engine Coolant Crossover Pipe Replacement in Engine Cooling.

  12. Object Number: 750530  Size: SH
  13. Position the engine harness grounds (3 , 4) and ground strap (5) 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 .
  18. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.