GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cylinder Head Replacement Left

Special Tools

J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

Important: During disassembly, keep the valve train components together and identified so that they can be installed in their original locations.

Do a compression test and note the results before you do the following repairs:

   • Remove the cylinder head(s)
   • Disassemble the valve mechanism

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Depressurize the fuel system. Refer to Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure for the 3.1L engine.
  3. Drain the cooling system. Recover the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling and Flushing .
  4. Remove the top half of the air cleaner assembly. Remove the throttle body duct.

  5. Object Number: 54366  Size: SH
  6. Remove the exhaust crossover heat shield.

  7. Object Number: 54282  Size: SH
  8. Remove the exhaust crossover.
  9. Remove the valve rocker cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement .
  10. Remove the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  11. Remove the left exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .
  12. Remove the oil level indicator. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement .
  13. Important: Keep the pushrods in order. Install the pushrods in the original position.

  14. Remove the pushrods.

  15. Object Number: 52299  Size: SH
  16. Remove and discard the cylinder head bolts.
  17. Remove the cylinder head.
  18. Clean the mating surfaces on the following items:
  19. • Cylinder head
    • Cylinder block
    • Intake manifold
  20. Clean the cylinder block bolt threads.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 52299  Size: SH
  1. Place the cylinder head gasket in position over the dowel pins. Ensure that the This Side Up note is showing.
  2. Install the cylinder head.

  3. Object Number: 54295  Size: SH

    Notice: This component uses torque-to-yield bolts. When servicing this component do not reuse the bolts, New torque-to-yield bolts must be installed. Reusing used torque-to-yield bolts will not provide proper bolt torque and clamp load. Failure to install NEW torque-to-yield bolts may lead to engine damage.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Install the NEW cylinder head bolts.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 60 N·m (44 lb ft) in the sequence shown. Use the J 36660-A in order to tighten the bolts an additional 95 degrees.

  6. Install the intake gasket.
  7. Install the pushrods that are loosely retained by the rocker arms.
  8. • Install the pushrods in their original locations.
    • Coat the pushrod ends with prelube.
    • Use GM P/N 1052356 or the equivalent.
    • The intake pushrods are marked with yellow stripes. The intake pushrods are 5 3/4 inches long.
    • The exhaust pushrods are marked with green stripes. The exhaust pushrods are 6 inches long.
    • Make sure that the pushrods seat in the lifter.
  9. Install the rocker arm bolts. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  10. Install the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  11. Install the valve rocker cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement .
  12. Install the oil level indicator. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement .
  13. Install the left exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .

  14. Object Number: 54282  Size: SH
  15. Install the crossover pipe.

  16. Object Number: 54366  Size: SH
  17. Install the crossover heat shield.
  18. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Flushing and Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  19. Install the throttle body duct. Install the top half of the air cleaner assembly.
  20. Connect the negative battery cable.

Cylinder Head Replacement Right

Special Tools

J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

Important: During disassembly, keep the valve train components together and identified so that they can be installed in their original locations.

Do a compression test and note the results before you do the following repairs:

   • Remove the cylinder head(s).
   • Disassemble the valve mechanism.

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Depressurize the fuel system. Refer to Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure for the 3.1L engine.
  3. Drain the cooling system. Recover the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling and Flushing .
  4. Remove the top half of the air cleaner assembly. Remove the throttle body duct.

  5. Object Number: 54366  Size: SH
  6. Remove the exhaust crossover heat shield.

  7. Object Number: 54282  Size: SH
  8. Remove the exhaust crossover from both of the exhaust manifolds.
  9. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  10. Remove the right exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .
  11. Lower the vehicle.
  12. Remove the spark plug wires at the right cylinder head.
  13. Remove the valve rocker cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement .
  14. Remove the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  15. Important: Keep the pushrods in order. Install the pushrods in the original position.

  16. Remove the pushrods.

  17. Object Number: 52299  Size: SH
  18. Remove and discard the cylinder head bolts.
  19. Remove the cylinder head.
  20. Clean the mating surfaces on the following items:
  21. • Cylinder head
    • Cylinder block
    • Intake manifold
  22. Clean the cylinder block bolt threads.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 52299  Size: SH
  1. Place the cylinder head gasket in position over the dowel pins. Ensure that the This Side Up note is showing.
  2. Install the cylinder head.

  3. Object Number: 54295  Size: SH

    Notice: This component uses torque-to-yield bolts. When servicing this component do not reuse the bolts, New torque-to-yield bolts must be installed. Reusing used torque-to-yield bolts will not provide proper bolt torque and clamp load. Failure to install NEW torque-to-yield bolts may lead to engine damage.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Install the NEW cylinder head bolts.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 60 N·m (44 lb ft) in the sequence shown. Use the J 36660-A in order to tighten the bolts an additional 95 degrees.

  6. Install the intake gasket.
  7. Install the pushrods that are loosely retained by the rocker arms.
  8. • Install the pushrods in the original locations.
    • Coat the ends of the pushrods with prelube.
    • Use GM P/N 1052356 or the equivalent.
    • The intake pushrods are marked with yellow stripes. The intake pushrods are 5 3/4 inches long.
    • The exhaust pushrods are marked with green stripes. The exhaust pushrods are 6 inches long.
    • Make sure that the pushrods seat in the lifter.
  9. Install the rocker arm bolts. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .
  10. Install the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  11. Install the valve rocker cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement .
  12. Install the spark plug wires to the cylinder head.
  13. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  14. Install the right exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .
  15. Lower the vehicle.

  16. Object Number: 54282  Size: SH
  17. Install the exhaust crossover at the right manifold.

  18. Object Number: 54366  Size: SH
  19. Install the crossover heat shield.
  20. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling and Flushing .
  21. Install the throttle body duct. Install the top half of the air cleaner.
  22. Connect the negative battery cable.