GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 35667-A Cylinder Head Leakdown Tester
    • J 39313 Spark Plug Port Adapter

Important: A leakage test may be performed in order to measure cylinder/combustion chamber leakage. High cylinder leakage may indicate one or more of the following:

   • Worn or burnt valves.
   • Broken valve springs.
   • Stuck valve lifters.
   • Incorrect valve lash.
   • Damaged piston.
   • Worn piston rings.
   • Worn or scored cylinder bore.
   • Damaged cylinder head gasket.
   • Cracked or damaged cylinder head.
   • Cracked or damaged cylinder block.

    Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Disconnect the battery ground cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
  2. Remove the spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement.
  3. Rotate the crankshaft to place the piston in the cylinder being tested at Top Dead Center (TDC) of the compression stroke.
  4. Thread the J 39313 into the spark plug hole.
  5. Install the J 35667-A or equivalent.
  6. Important: It may be necessary to hold the crankshaft balancer bolt to prevent the engine from rotating.

  7. Apply air pressure to the J 35667-A J 35667-A and adjust according to the manufacturers instructions.
  8. Record the cylinder leakage value. Cylinder leakage that exceeds 25 percent is considered above acceptable and may require component service. In above acceptable leakage situations, inspect for the following conditions:
  9. • Air leakage sounds at the throttle body or air inlet hose may indicate a worn or burnt intake valve or a broken valve spring.
    • Air leakage sounds at the exhaust extension pipe may indicate a worn or burnt exhaust valve or a broken valve spring.
    • Air leakage sounds from the crankcase, oil level indicator tube, or oil fill tube may indicate worn piston rings, a damaged piston, a worn or scored cylinder bore, a damaged cylinder block or a damaged cylinder head.
    • Air bubbles in the cooling system may indicate a damaged cylinder head or a damaged cylinder head gasket.
  10. Perform the leakage test on the remaining cylinders and record the values.