GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1997 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.8L 🢒 Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement

Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement Left Side

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the ignition coil module. Refer to SECTION 6D4.
  2. Remove the ignition coil module bracket.
  3. Remove the EGR valve.
  4. Remove the EGR adapter.

    5. Object Number: 52979 Size: SH
  5. Remove the left front engine lift bracket.

    6. Object Number: 37442 Size: SH
  6. Loosen the valve rocker arm cover bolts.
  7. Remove the rocker arm cover and bolts.
  8. Remove the rocker arm cover gasket.
  9. Clean the rocker cover.
  10. Clean the cylinder head gasket surfaces.
  11. Clean any debris from the bolts.

Installation Procedure
  1. Apply thread lock compound or equivalent, to the bolts.

    2. Object Number: 37442 Size: SH
  2. Install the valve rocker arm cover gasket.
  3. Install the valve rocker arm cover and bolts.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 52979 Size: SH
  4. Install the left front engine lift bracket.
  5. Install the EGR adapter.
  6. Install the EGR valve.
  7. Install the ignition coil module bracket.
  8. Install the ignition coil module. Refer to SECTION 6D4.

Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement Right Side

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .
  2. Remove the generator. Refer to SECTION 6D3.
  3. Remove the transmission level indicator tube mounting nut. Reposition the tube.

    4. Object Number: 52978 Size: SH
  4. Remove the spark plug wiring harness from the clip and reposition.
  5. Remove the evaporative emissions canister purge solenoid valve.

    6. Object Number: 52977 Size: SH
  6. Loosen the right rear engine lift bracket.

    7. Object Number: 35819 Size: SH
  7. Loosen the valve rocker arm cover bolts.
  8. Remove the valve rocker arm cover and bolts.

    9. Object Number: 49878 Size: SH
  9. Remove the oil fill cap. Remove the oil fill tube, if necessary.
  10. Remove the valve rocker arm cover gasket.
  11. Clean the rocker cover and cylinder head gasket surfaces.
  12. Clean the bolts of any debris.

Installation Procedure
  1. Apply thread lock compound or equivalent to the bolt threads.

    2. Object Number: 35819 Size: SH
  2. Install the valve rocker arm cover gasket.
  3. Install the valve rocker arm cover and bolts.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the cover bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 52977 Size: SH
  4. Install the right rear engine lift bracket.
  5. Install the right rear engine lift bracket studs.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the lift bracket studs to 50 N·m (37 lb in).

  6. Install the evaporative emissions canister purge solenoid valve.

    7. Object Number: 52978 Size: SH
  7. Install the spark plug wiring harness to the clip.
  8. Install the transmission level indicator tube mounting nut.

    9. Object Number: 49878 Size: SH
  9. Install the oil fill tube. Install the oil fill cap, if removed.
  10. Install the generator. Refer to SECTION 6D3.
  11. Install the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .