GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 400331  Size: SH
  1. Disconnect both the battery negative cables from the batteries. Refer to Battery Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  2. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
  3. Remove the front lower cylinder head bolt (5) and drain the coolant from the engine block.
  4. 3.1. Insert a cooper tube (3/8 inch  x  12 to 18 inch long) and a hose into the bolt hole (5).
    3.2. Siphon the coolant from the engine block into a suitable drain pan.
  5. Remove the engine assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Engine Replacement .
  6. Remove the upper intake manifold from the engine assembly. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  7. Remove the lower intake manifold from the engine assembly. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  8. Remove the left accessory bracket from the engine assembly (for the left cylinder head only). Refer to Accessory Brackets Replacement .
  9. Remove the right accessory bracket from the engine assembly (for the right cylinder head only). Refer to Accessory Brackets Replacement .
  10. Remove the thermostat housing from the cylinder heads. Refer to Thermostat Housing Crossover Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  11. Remove the turbocharger from the engine assembly. Refer to Turbocharger Replacement .
  12. Remove the exhaust manifold from the cylinder head. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .
  13. Remove the valve rocker arm cover from the cylinder head. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement .
  14. Remove the valve rocker arm, shaft, and push rods from the cylinder head. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm, Shaft, and Push Rod Replacement .

  15. Object Number: 362141  Size: SH
  16. Remove the cylinder head bolts (in sequence) from the engine block.

  17. Object Number: 59803  Size: SH
  18. Remove the cylinder head from the engine block.

  19. Object Number: 311338  Size: SH

    Important: Make sure that the bottom mounting bolt for the wastegate bracket for the turbocharger has been removed before removing the right cylinder head.

  20. Remove the cylinder head gasket from the engine block.
  21. Clean the gasket mating surface on the engine block.
  22. Clean the threads on the cylinder head bolts.

Installation Procedure

Important: The cylinder head gasket material is soft. Handle the cylinder head gasket with care and make sure that the sealing surfaces are not damaged. The engine block surfaces must be clean. Do not use a sealer on the cylinder head gaskets. The cylinder head gaskets are manufactured with the proper amount of sealant "Printed" on its surface. Additional sealer may cause leakage or a malfunction. In addition, some sealers may attack the sealant already on the cylinder head gasket.


    Object Number: 311338  Size: SH
  1. Install the cylinder head gaskets to the engine block.
  2. Apply thread sealant to the cylinder head bolts before installing.

  3. Object Number: 59803  Size: SH
  4. Install the cylinder head assembly to the engine block.

  5. Object Number: 60278  Size: SH

    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.

  6. Install the cylinder head bolts and tighten in sequence in four passes.
  7. Tighten

    1. Tighten the bolts to 25 N·m (20 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the bolts to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).
    3. Retighten the bolts to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).
    4. In sequence, tighten all bolts an additional 90 to 100 degrees (1/4 + turn).
  8. Install the valve rocker arm, shaft, and push rods to the cylinder head. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm, Shaft, and Push Rod Replacement .
  9. Install the valve rocker arm cover to the cylinder head. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement .
  10. Install the left accessory bracket to the engine assembly (for the left cylinder head only). Refer to Accessory Brackets Replacement .
  11. Install the right accessory bracket to the engine assembly (for the right cylinder head only). Refer to Accessory Brackets Replacement .
  12. Install the thermostat housing to the cylinder heads. Refer to Thermostat Housing Crossover Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  13. Install the exhaust manifold (s) to the cylinder head. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement .
  14. Install the turbocharger assembly to the engine. Refer to Turbocharger Replacement .
  15. Install the lower intake manifold to the engine assembly. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  16. Install the engine assembly in the vehicle. Refer to Engine Replacement .
  17. Install the upper intake manifold to the engine assembly. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .
  18. Refill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling
  19. Connect both the battery negative cables from the batteries. Refer to Battery Replacement in Engine Electrical.