GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 38824 Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 38821 Valve Spring Compressor Adapter
    • J 39313 Spark Plug Port Air Adapter
    • J 38819 Valve Keeper Installer
    • J 38820 Valve Stem Seal Remover and Installer
    • J 39411 Flywheel Holder
  1. Remove the transmission to oil pan brace.

  2. Object Number: 62338  Size: SH
  3. Install the J 39411 .
  4. Remove the camshaft cover. Refer to Camshaft Cover Replacement .
  5. Remove the camshaft. Refer to Camshaft Replacement .
  6. Store the valve lifters on their camshaft face so that the residual oil is retained in the lifter.

  7. Object Number: 53012  Size: SH

    Important: If more than one lifter is removed, retain the valve lifters in order so that they may be reinstalled in the same bore from which they were removed.

  8. Fasten the J 38824 and J 38821 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. Install the J 39313 .
  11. Attach shop air to the J 39313 .
  12. Compress the valve spring.

  13. Object Number: 53839  Size: SH
  14. Remove the valve keepers. Use the magnetic end of the J 38819 .
  15. Remove the J 38821 from the J 38824 .
  16. Remove the valve spring and retainer.
  17. Inspect the valve spring and retainer. Refer to Valve Spring Inspection and Measurement .
  18. Important: Do not remove the valve stem seal unless replacement is required.


    Object Number: 53011  Size: SH
  19. In order to remove the valve stem seal, install the J 38820.
  20. Use the J 38820 in order to grip the seal/seat assembly. Remove the seal by exerting a twisting, pulling motion.
  21. Discard the seal. Do not 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.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 38824 Valve Spring Compressor
    • J 38821 Valve Spring Compressor Adapter
    • J 39313 Spark Plug Port Adapter
    • J 38819 Valve Keeper Installer
    • J 38820 Valve Stem Seal Remover and Installer
    • J 39411 Flywheel Holder

    Object Number: 53011  Size: SH
  1. Lubricate the valve stem and the inner diameter of the new seal/seat assembly.
  2. Install the J 38820.
  3. Using a twisting, pushing motion, install the seal/seat. Use the J 38820 .
  4. Position the spring retainer to the valve spring.
  5. Install the valve spring and retainer.

  6. Object Number: 53012  Size: SH
  7. Compress the spring using the J 38824 and J 38821 .

  8. Object Number: 53839  Size: SH
  9. Position the valve keepers under the fingers of the J 38819 . Place the pilot end of the J 38819 over the valve stem.
  10. Compress the tool until the keepers fall off the tool and drop into the retainer groove.

  11. Object Number: 53012  Size: SH
  12. Release the valve spring tension from the J 38824 .
  13. Remove the J 38824 , J 38821 .

  14. Object Number: 53014  Size: SH
  15. Remove the J 39313 .
  16. Install the valve lifters into the same bore from which they were removed.
  17. Install the camshafts. Refer to Camshaft Replacement .
  18. Install the camshaft covers. Refer to Camshaft Cover Replacement .
  19. Install the spark plug.
  20. Remove the J 39411 .
  21. Install the transmission to oil pan brace.