GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 1999 🢒 Sonoma Pickup - 2WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Valve Stem Oil Seal and Valve Spring Replacement

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 22794 Spark Plug Port Adapter
    • J 38606 Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 5892-D Valve Spring Compressor

    Object Number: 4045 Size: SH
  1. Remove the valve rocker arms. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  2. Remove the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Electrical.

    3. Object Number: 218209 Size: SH
  3. Install the J 22794 into the spark plug hole.
  4. Apply compressed air in order to hold the valves in place.
  5. Install a valve rocker arm nut.

    6. Object Number: 1964 Size: SH
  6. Use the J 5892-D in order to compress the valve spring.

    7. Object Number: 218211 Size: SH
  7. Use J 38606 when J 5892-D will not fit.

    8. Object Number: 334505 Size: SH
  8. Remove the valve stem keys (1).
  9. Carefully release the valve spring tension.
  10. Remove the J 5892-D or the J 38606 .
  11. Remove the valve spring cap (2) and the valve spring (3).
  12. Remove the valve stem oil seal (4).

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 22794 Spark Plug Port Adapter
    • J 38606 Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 42073 Valve Stem Seal Installer
    • J 5892-D Valve Spring Compressor

    Object Number: 200320 Size: SH

    Important: The exhaust valve oil seal has the letters EX (1) molded into the top of the seal. The seal material is brown in color (2) with a white stripe (3) painted on the outside diameter of the seal or the material may be off-white in color (2) with no paint stripe. The intake valve seal is black in color. The exhaust and intake valve seals are not interchangeable.

  1. Select the proper valve stem oil seal for the specific valve guide.
  2. Lubricate the valve stem oil seal and the outside diameter of the valve guide with clean engine oil.
  3. Assemble the valve stem oil seal onto the valve guide using the J 42073 and a hammer.
  4. Install the valve stem oil seal onto the valve guide until the installation tool bottoms against the valve spring seat.

    5. Object Number: 36373 Size: SH
  5. Inspect the valve stem oil seal. The valve stem oil seal should not be bottomed against the valve guide.

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


    Object Number: 334505 Size: SH
  6. Install the valve spring (3).
  7. Install the valve spring cap (2) on the valve stem.
  8. Compress the valve spring (3) using the J 5892-D .

    9. Object Number: 218211 Size: SH
  9. Use the J 38606 if the clearance does not permit use of J 5892-D .
  10. Install the valve stem keys.

    11. Use grease in order to hold the valve stem keys in place.


    Object Number: 1964 Size: SH
  11. Carefully release the valve spring pressure, making sure the valve stem keys stay in place.
  12. Remove the J 5892-D or the J 38606 and the J 22794

    13. Object Number: 4045 Size: SH
  13. Install the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  14. Install the valve rocker arms to the cylinder head. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .