GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cylinder Head Replacement Left Front

Special Tools

J 36660-A Electronic Torque Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

  1. Perform an engine compression and leak-down test. Refer to Engine Compression Test and Cylinder Leakage Test .
  2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to General Information.
  3. Drain the engine coolant. Refer to Cooling and Radiator.
  4. Remove the oil filter.
  5. Drain the engine oil.
  6. Lower the vehicle.
  7. Remove the fuel injector sight shield. Refer to Fuel Injector Sight Shield Replacement .
  8. Remove the upper intake manifold. Refer to Upper Intake Manifold Replacement .
  9. Remove the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  10. Remove the valve rocker arms and pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  11. Remove the exhaust crosssover pipe. Refer to Exhaust Crossover Replacement .
  12. Remove the right engine mount strut bracket. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Bracket Replacement .
  13. Remove the oil level indicator tube. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement .
  14. Remove the left (front) spark plug wires from the spark plugs. Refer to Ignition System.
  15. Remove the left (front) spark plugs. Refer to Ignition System.
  16. Remove the left (front) exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .

  17. Object Number: 52299  Size: SH
  18. Remove the and discard left (front) cylinder head bolts.
  19. Remove the left (front) cylinder head.

  20. Object Number: 54362  Size: SH
  21. Remove the left (front) cylinder head gasket.
  22. Clean the following areas:
  23. • The gasket sealing surfaces on the cylinder head, the cylinder block, and the intake manifolds
    • The cylinder block bolt threads

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 54362  Size: SH
  1. Install a new left (front) cylinder head gasket.

  2. Object Number: 52299  Size: SH
  3. Install the left (front) cylinder head over the locator pins and over the gasket.

  4. Object Number: 54295  Size: SH

    Notice: This component uses torque-to-yield bolts. When servicing this component do not reuse the bolts, New torque-to-yield bolts must be installed. Reusing used torque-to-yield bolts will not provide proper bolt torque and clamp load. Failure to install NEW torque-to-yield bolts may lead to engine damage.

    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.

  5. Tighten the left (front) cylinder head bolts in sequence.
  6. Tighten

        • Tighten the bolts in sequence to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).
        • Use J 36660-A in order to turn the bolts in sequence an additional 95 degrees.
  7. Install the left (front) exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .
  8. Install the left (front) spark plugs. Refer to Ignition System.
  9. Install the left (front) spark plug wires to the spark plugs. Refer to Ignition System.
  10. Install the oil level indicator tube. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement .
  11. Install the right engine mount strut bracket. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Bracket Replacement .
  12. Install the exhaust crossover pipe. Refer to Exhaust Crossover Replacement .
  13. Install the valve rocker arms and pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  14. Install the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  15. Install the upper intake manifold. Refer to Upper Intake Manifold Replacement .
  16. Install the fuel injector sight shield. Refer to Fuel Injector Sight Shield Replacement .
  17. Install a new oil filter.
  18. Fill the engine with new oil. Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication.
  19. Fill the cooling system with coolant. Refer to Cooling and Radiator.

Cylinder Head Replacement Right Rear

Special Tools

J 36660-A Electronic Torque Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

  1. Perform an engine compression and leak-down test. Refer to Engine Compression Test and Cylinder Leakage Test .
  2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to General Information.
  3. Drain the engine coolant. Refer to Cooling and Radiator.
  4. Remove the oil filter.
  5. Drain the engine oil.
  6. Lower the vehicle.
  7. Remove the fuel injector sight shield. Refer to Fuel Injector Sight Shield Replacement .
  8. Remove the upper intake manifold. Refer to Upper Intake Manifold Replacement .
  9. Remove the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  10. Remove the valve rocker arms and pushrods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  11. Remove the exhaust crosssover pipe. Refer to Exhaust Crossover Replacement .
  12. Remove the right (rear) spark plug wires from the spark plugs. Refer to Ignition System.
  13. Remove the right (rear) spark plugs. Refer to Ignition System.
  14. Remove the right (rear) exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .

  15. Object Number: 52299  Size: SH
  16. Remove and discard the right (rear) cylinder head bolts.
  17. Remove the right (rear) cylinder head.

  18. Object Number: 54362  Size: SH
  19. Remove the right (rear) cylinder head gasket.
  20. Clean the following areas:
  21. • The gasket sealing surfaces on the cylinder head, the cylinder block, and the intake manifolds
    • The cylinder block bolt threads

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 54362  Size: SH
  1. Install a new right (rear) cylinder head gasket.

  2. Object Number: 52299  Size: SH
  3. Install the right (rear) cylinder head over the locator pins and over the gasket.

  4. Object Number: 54295  Size: SH

    Notice: This component uses torque-to-yield bolts. When servicing this component do not reuse the bolts, New torque-to-yield bolts must be installed. Reusing used torque-to-yield bolts will not provide proper bolt torque and clamp load. Failure to install NEW torque-to-yield bolts may lead to engine damage.

    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.

  5. Tighten the right (rear) cylinder head bolts in sequence.
  6. Tighten

        • Tighten the bolts in sequence to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).
        • Use J 36660-A in order to turn the bolts in sequence an additional 95 degrees.
  7. Install the right (rear) exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .
  8. Install the right (rear) spark plugs. Refer to Ignition System.
  9. Install the right (rear) spark plug wires to the spark plugs. Refer to Ignition System.
  10. Install the exhaust crossover pipe. Refer to Exhaust Crossover Replacement .
  11. Install the pushrods and valve rocker arms. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  12. Install the lower intake manifold. Refer to Lower Intake Manifold Replacement .
  13. Install the upper intake manifold. Refer to Upper Intake Manifold Replacement .
  14. Install the fuel injector sight shield. Refer to Fuel Injector Sight Shield Replacement .
  15. Install a new oil filter. Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication.
  16. Fill the engine with new oil. Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication.
  17. Fill the cooling system with coolant. Refer to Cooling and Radiator.