GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 22794 Spark Plug Port Adapter
    • J 38606 Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 5892-D Valve Spring Compressor

    Object Number: 4045  Size: SH
  1. Remove the valve rocker arms.
  2. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .

  3. Remove the spark plugs.
  4. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Electrical.


    Object Number: 218209  Size: SH
  5. Install the J 22794 into the spark plug hole.
  6. Apply compressed air in order to hold the valves in place.
  7. Install a valve rocker arm nut.

  8. Object Number: 1964  Size: SH
  9. Use the J 5892-D in order to compress the valve spring.

  10. Object Number: 218211  Size: SH
  11. Use J 38606 when J 5892-D will not fit.
  12. Remove the valve keys.

  13. Object Number: 31715  Size: SH
  14. Carefully release the valve spring tension.
  15. Remove the J 5892-D or the J 38606 .
  16. Remove the cap (2) and spring (4).
  17. Remove the valve seal (3).

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 22794 Spark Plug Port Adapter
    • J 38606 Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 42073 Valve Stem Oil Seal Installer
    • J 5892-D Valve Spring Compressor

    Object Number: 200320  Size: SH
  1. Select the proper valve stem oil seal for the specific valve guide.
  2. Important: The exhaust valve oil seal has the letters EX (1) molded into the top of the seal. The seal material is brown in color (2) with a white stripe (3) painted on the outside diameter of the seal.

  3. Lubricate the valve stem oil seal and guide with clean engine oil.
  4. The exhaust and intake valve seals are not interchangeable.

  5. Assemble the valve stem oil seal onto the valve guide using the J 42073 and a hammer.
  6. Install the oil seal onto the valve guide until the installation tool bottoms against the valve spring seat.


    Object Number: 36373  Size: SH
  7. Inspect the oil seal. The seal should not be bottomed against the valve guide.
  8. There should be a 1 to 2 mm (0.03937-0.07874 in) gap between the bottom edge of the seal and the valve guide.


    Object Number: 31715  Size: SH
  9. Install the valve spring (4).
  10. Install the cap (2) on the valve stem (5). Use the J 5892-D .

  11. Object Number: 218211  Size: SH
  12. Use the J 38606 if the clearance does not permit use of J 5892-D .
  13. Install the valve keys (1).
  14. Use grease in order to hold the valve keys in place.

    Notice: Make sure that the valve keys are properly seated in the valve spring retainer. Engine damage could occur if not properly installed.


    Object Number: 1964  Size: SH
  15. Carefully release the valve spring pressure, making sure the valve keys stay in place.
  16. Remove the J 22794 J 5892-D or the J 38606 .

  17. Object Number: 4045  Size: SH
  18. Install the spark plugs.
  19. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Electrical.

  20. Install the valve rocker arms to the cylinder head.
  21. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement .