GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 45059 Angle Meter
    • J 42385-100 Thread Repair Kit (Cylinder Head/Main Bearing Bolt)

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 651879  Size: SH
  1. Remove the valve rocker arms and pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  2. Remove the engine coolant air bleed pipe and covers. Refer to Coolant Air Bleed Pipe Assembly Replacement .
  3. Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Right Side .
  4. Remove the oil level indicator tube bolt.
  5. Reposition the oil level indicator tube, if necessary.
  6. Remove the wiring harness from the clip at the rear of the cylinder head.

  7. Object Number: 260149  Size: SH

    Important: The cylinder head bolts are NOT reusable.

  8. Remove the cylinder head bolts.
  9. Notice: After removal, place the cylinder head on 2 wood blocks in order to prevent damage to the sealing surfaces.

  10. Remove the cylinder head.

  11. Object Number: 1402038  Size: SH
  12. Remove the cylinder head gasket (217).
  13. Discard the gasket.
  14. Discard the cylinder head bolts.
  15. Clean and inspect the cylinder head. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure

Caution: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.

Notice: Clean all dirt, debris, and coolant from the engine block cylinder head bolt holes. Failure to remove all foreign material may result in damaged threads, improperly tightened fasteners or damage to components.


    Object Number: 1408871  Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Do not use the cylinder head bolts again. Install NEW cylinder head bolts during assembly.
       • Do not use any type of sealant on the cylinder head gasket, unless specified.
       • The cylinder head gaskets must be installed in the proper direction and position.

  1. Clean the engine block cylinder head bolt holes, if required.
  2. Thread repair tool J 42385-107 may be used to clean the threads of old threadlocking material.

  3. Spray cleaner into the hole. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers for the correct part number.
  4. Clean the cylinder head bolt holes with compressed air.
  5. Install the cylinder head locating pins (230).

  6. Object Number: 1481465  Size: SH
  7. Inspect the locating pins for proper installation.

  8. Object Number: 1657988  Size: SH
  9. Inspect the displacement markings on the gasket for proper usage.

  10. Object Number: 1408871  Size: SH
  11. Install the NEW cylinder head gasket (217) onto the locating pins.

  12. Object Number: 1408870  Size: SH
  13. Install the cylinder head (218) onto the locating pins and the gasket.
  14. Install the NEW cylinder head bolts (220, 221).
  15. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 260150  Size: SH
  16. Tighten the cylinder head bolts.
  17. Tighten

    1. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts (1-10) a first pass in sequence to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts (1-10) a second pass in sequence to 90 degrees using the J 45059 .
    3. Tighten the M11 cylinder head bolts (1-10) a final pass in sequence to 70 degrees using the J 45059 .
    4. Tighten the M8 cylinder head bolts (11-15) to 30 N·m (22 lb ft). Begin with the center bolt (11) and alternating side-to-side, work outward tightening all of the bolts.
  18. Install the wiring harness to the clip at the rear of the cylinder head.

  19. Object Number: 651879  Size: SH
  20. Position the oil level indicator tube into place.
  21. Install the oil level indicator tube bolt.
  22. Tighten
    Tighten the oil level indicator tube bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  23. Install the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Right Side .
  24. Install the engine coolant air bleed pipe. Refer to Coolant Air Bleed Pipe Assembly Replacement .
  25. Install the valve rocker arms and pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .