GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • EN 46547 Flywheel Holding Tool
    • J 38820 Valve Stem Seal Installer
    • J 39313 Spark Plug Port Adapter
    • J 43059 Valve Retainer Remover/Installer
    • J-44228-A Valve Spring Compressor

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .

  2. Object Number: 1302113  Size: SH
  3. Remove the service slot plug.

  4. Object Number: 1386661  Size: SH
  5. Install the EN 46547  (1) into the flywheel teeth.
  6. Lower the vehicle.
  7. Remove the camshafts. Refer to Camshaft Replacement .
  8. Remove the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement .

  9. Object Number: 760725  Size: SH
  10. Install the base plate of the J-44228-A over the spark plug hole of the cylinder to be serviced.
  11. Install the J 39313 in the spark plug hole.
  12. Apply constant air pressure to the J 39313 in order to keep the valve closed.
  13. Install the arm and swivel nut of the J-44228-A over the stud corresponding to the valve to be serviced.
  14. Caution: Compressed valve springs have high tension against the valve spring compressor. Valve springs that are not properly compressed by or released from the valve spring compressor can be ejected from the valve spring compressor with intense force. Use care when compressing or releasing the valve spring with the valve spring compressor and when removing or installing the valve stem keys. Failing to use care may cause personal injury.

  15. Tighten the swivel nut of the J-44228-A down only enough to allow access for removal of the valve locks.

  16. Object Number: 858296  Size: SH
  17. Remove the valve locks. A magnet is the most suitable tool for this activity.
  18. Loosen the swivel nut of the J-44228-A and swing the arm away from the valve spring retainer.

  19. Object Number: 858298  Size: SH
  20. Remove the valve spring retainer and valve spring.

  21. Object Number: 858302  Size: SH
  22. Use the J 38820 in order to grip the seal. Remove the seal by exerting a twisting, pulling motion.
  23. Discard the old valve stem seal.

  24. Inspect and measure the valve spring. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 858302  Size: SH
  1. Lubricate the valve stem and inner diameter of the new seal with clean engine oil.
  2. Using a twisting, pushing motion install the NEW valve stem seal using the J 38820 .

  3. Object Number: 858298  Size: SH
  4. Install the valve spring and valve spring retainer.

  5. Object Number: 760725  Size: SH
  6. Swing the arm over the valve spring retainer and tighten the swivel nut of the J-44228-A down only enough to allow access for installation of the valve locks.
  7. Position the valve locks to the valve stem retainer groove using the J 43059 .
  8. Remove the swivel nut and arm of the J-44228-A
  9. Install the arm and swivel nut of the J-44228-A over the stud of any other valves being serviced for this cylinder and repeat removal steps 11 through 16 and installation steps 1 through 7.
  10. Relieve the air pressure to the cylinder being serviced.
  11. Remove the J 39313 from the spark plug hole.
  12. Remove the base plate of the J-44228-A .
  13. Repeat removal steps 7 through 16 and installation steps 1 through 10 on any other cylinders being serviced.
  14. Install the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement .
  15. Install the camshafts. Refer to Camshaft Replacement .
  16. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .

  17. Object Number: 1386661  Size: SH
  18. Remove the EN 46547  (1) from the flywheel teeth.

  19. Object Number: 1302113  Size: SH
  20. Install the service slot plug.
  21. Lower the vehicle.