GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the engine cover. Refer to Engine Cover Replacement .
  2. Remove the cooling layer. Refer to Cooling Layer Removal .
  3. If equipped, remove the air compressor. Refer to Air Compressor Replacement .
  4. If equipped, remove the air compressor bracket. Refer to Air Compressor Bracket Replacement - Front .
  5. Remove the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  6. Remove the valve rocker arms and push rods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  7. Disconnect the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor electrical connector.

  8. Object Number: 742258  Size: SH
  9. Remove the engine harness clip bolt (5).
  10. Remove the ground strap bolt (3).
  11. Reposition the engine harness.

  12. Object Number: 742261  Size: SH
  13. Remove the engine harness bracket bolts and bracket.
  14. Remove the water crossover. Refer to Engine Coolant Crossover Pipe Replacement .
  15. Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side .

  16. Object Number: 470914  Size: SH
  17. Remove and discard the cylinder head bolts (1, 2, 3).

  18. Object Number: 470916  Size: SH

    Important: Place the cylinder head on 2 wood blocks to prevent damage to the sealing surface.

  19. Remove the cylinder head.

  20. Object Number: 470974  Size: SH
  21. Remove and discard the cylinder head gasket.
  22. Clean and inspect the cylinder head.

Installation Procedure

Important: Make sure the threaded holes in the engine block are clean and not damaged. Do not use sealer on any engines that use a composition type gasket. Align the cylinder head gasket locating marks to face up. Ensure that the head gasket tabs are located over the numbers 1 and 2 cylinders for correct installation.


    Object Number: 470974  Size: SH
  1. Place a new cylinder head gasket into position.

  2. Object Number: 470916  Size: SH
  3. Install the cylinder head.

  4. Object Number: 470914  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not reuse the cylinder head bolts. NEW cylinder head bolts must be used. The cylinder head bolts are torque-to-yield bolts and cannot be reused once the initial torque is applied. During the initial torque of the cylinder head bolt the cylinder head bolt is stretched to achieve proper clamp load. Proper clamp load will not be achieved if a used cylinder head bolt is torqued again. A stretched cylinder head bolt can also break when torqued. Failure to replace the used cylinder head bolts with NEW cylinder head bolts can lead to improper clamp loads and extensive engine damage.

    Notice: Do not reuse a cylinder head gasket once the initial clamping loads are applied. The initial tightening sequence procedure of the cylinder head bolts compresses the cylinder head gasket. If any bolt must be loosened once the initial sequence is started the cylinder head gasket must be replaced. Failure to replace the cylinder head gasket can lead to cylinder head bolt breakage or cylinder head gasket failure. A broken cylinder head bolt or failed cylinder head gasket can lead to extensive engine damage.

    Notice: The cylinder head bolt tightening sequence must be followed. The final angle tightening sequence of the cylinder head bolts varies depending on the length of the cylinder head bolt. Failure to angle tighten the specific length bolt the proper number of degrees can lead to cylinder head bolt failure or improper clamping load of the cylinder head gasket. Cylinder head bolt or cylinder head gasket failure can lead to extensive engine damage.

    Important: The sealer must be applied to a minimum of eight threads starting at the point of the cylinder head bolt.

  5. If not pre-applied to the new cylinder head bolts (1, 2, 3), apply sealer to the cylinder head bolts. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers for the correct part number.
  6. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 470987  Size: SH

    Important: The long bolts are used in locations 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 16, and 17. The medium length bolts are used in locations 15 and 18. The short bolts are used in locations 4, 5, 12, and 13.

  7. Install the cylinder head bolts.
  8. Tighten

    1. Tighten the cylinder head bolts a first pass in sequence to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the cylinder head bolts a second pass in sequence to 30 N·m (22 lb ft) then an additional 120 degrees using J 36660-A .
    3. Tighten the bolts (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 16, and 17) an additional 60 degrees, bolts (15 and 18) an additional 45 degrees, and bolts (4, 5, 12, 13) an additional 30 degrees a final pass in sequence using J 36660-A .
  9. Install the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side .
  10. Install the water crossover. Refer to Engine Coolant Crossover Pipe Replacement .
  11. If equipped, install the air compressor bracket. Refer to Air Compressor Bracket Replacement - Front .
  12. If equipped, install the air compressor. Refer to Air Compressor Replacement .

  13. Object Number: 742261  Size: SH
  14. Install the engine harness bracket and bolts.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the engine harness bracket bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 742258  Size: SH
  16. Position the engine harness.
  17. Install the ground strap bolt (3).
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the ground strap bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  19. Install the engine harness clip bolt (5).
  20. Tighten
    Tighten the engine harness clip bolt to 12 N·m (106 lb in).


    Object Number: 742254  Size: SH
  21. Install the engine harness clip bolt (5).
  22. Tighten
    Tighten the engine harness clip bolt to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

  23. Connect the CKP sensor electrical connector (4).
  24. Install the valve rocker arms and push rods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  25. Install the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  26. Install the cooling layer. Refer to Cooling Layer Installation .
  27. Install the engine cover. Refer to Engine Cover Replacement .