GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 8062 Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 42073 Valve Stem Seal Installer

    Object Number: 480558  Size: SH

    Important: The exhaust valve oil stem seal has the letters EX (1) molded into the top of the seal. The exhaust valve oil stem seal material is brown in color (2) with a white stripe (3) painted onto the outside diameter of the seal, or the material may be red in color (2) with no paint stripe. The intake valve oil seal is black in color.

  1. Assemble the valve into the proper valve guide.
  2. Select the proper valve stem oil seal for the specific valve guide.
  3. Lubricate the valve stem oil seal and the outside diameter of the valve guide with clean engine oil.
  4. Assemble the valve stem oil seal onto the valve stem.

  5. Object Number: 36373  Size: SH

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

  6. Using the J 42073 , install the valve stem oil seal onto the valve guide.
  7. 5.1. Tap the valve stem oil seal onto the valve guide until the J 42073 bottoms against the valve spring seat.
    5.2. Inspect the valve stem oil seal. The valve stem oil seal should not be bottomed against the valve guide.

    There should be a 1-2 mm (0.03937-0.07874 in) gap between the bottom edge of the valve stem oil seal and the valve guide.


    Object Number: 480555  Size: SH
  8. Install the valve spring (3).
  9. Install the valve spring cap (2) onto the valve spring (3), over the valve stem.

  10. Object Number: 480554  Size: SH

    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.

  11. Use the J 8062 to compress the valve spring.
  12. Install the valve stem O-ring seal.
  13. Install the valve stem keys.
  14. 10.1. Use grease to hold the valve stem keys in place while disconnecting the J 8062 .
    10.2. Tap the end of the valve stem with a plastic-faced hammer to seat the valve stem keys.
    10.3. Inspect the valve stem keys to ensure that they are seated in the upper groove of the valve stem.