GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 39411 Flywheel Holder
    • J 38824 Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 39313 Spark Plug Port Adapter
    • J 38819 Valve Keeper Installer
    • J 38820 Valve Stem Seal Remover and Installer
    • J 38820-2 Lifter Bore Protector
  1. Install flywheel holder J 39411 .
  2. Remove the left side cam cover. Refer to Camshaft Cover Replacement.
  3. Remove the right side cam cover. Refer to Camshaft Cover Replacement.
  4. Remove the camshaft. Refer to Camshaft Replacement .
  5. Important: If more than one lifter is removed, retain the valve lifters so that they may be reinstalled in the same bore from which they were removed.

  6. Store the valve lifters on their camshaft face so that residual oil is retained in the lifter.

  7. Object Number: 53012  Size: SH
  8. Fasten the valve spring compressor fixture to J 38824 to the cylinder head over the cylinder being worked on.

  9. Object Number: 53014  Size: SH
  10. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder being worked on and install the J 39313 .
  11. Attach shop air to the J 39313 .

  12. Object Number: 53839  Size: SH

    Important: The valve stem seal should not be removed unless replacement is required.

  13. Compress the valve spring and remove the valve keepers. A magnet is the most suitable tool for this activity, such as J 38819 .

  14. Object Number: 53011  Size: SH

    Important: Do not attempt to reuse the valve stem seal/seat assembly as the sealing lip will be damaged by the sharp edge of the lock groove in the valve stem during removal.

  15. To remove the valve stem seal, install lifter bore protector J 38820-2 and use the J 38820 in order to grip the seal / seat assembly. Remove the seal by exerting a twisting, pulling motion. Discard the seal.

Installation Procedure

  1. Lubricate the valve stem and the inner diameter of the new seal / seat assembly.

  2. Object Number: 53011  Size: SH
  3. Using a twisting pushing motion install the seal / seat using J 38820 . Lifter bore protector J 38820-2 should be in place during this operation.
  4. Position the spring retainer to the valve spring and compress the spring using J 38824 .

  5. Object Number: 53839  Size: SH
  6. Position the valve keepers under the fingers of theJ 38819 . Place the pilot end of the J 38819 over the valve stem and compress the tool until the keepers fall off the tool and drop into the retainer groove.
  7. Release valve spring tension from the J 38824 .
  8. Remove theJ 39313 .
  9. Install the valve lifters into the same bore from which they were removed.
  10. Install the camshaft. Refer to Camshaft Replacement .
  11. Install the cam cover plugs
  12. Install the spark plugs.
  13. Remove flywheel holder J 39411 .