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Home >> Pontiac >> 1998 >> Grand Prix V6-3.8L SC VIN 1 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine, Cooling and Exhaust >> Engine >> Cylinder Head Assembly >> Valve Spring >> Service and Repair
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Valve Spring: Service and Repair

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

^ Tools Required
- J 23590 Spark Plug Port Adapter
- J 38606 Valve Spring Compressor





1. Remove the valve rocker arm cover(s). Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement (Left Front) and/or Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement (Right Rear).
2. Remove the valve rocker arm and push rod. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement.

IMPORTANT: Rotate the engine in order to ensure that the piston in the cylinder being worked on is at Top Dead Center (TDC) before removing the valve locks. This will eliminate the possibility of the valve accidentally falling inside the cylinder.

3. Remove the spark plug. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement (3800 L36 (VIN K) and L67 (VIN 1)) in Starting and Charging.
4. Install the J 23590 to the spark plug port. Apply compressed air in order to hold the valves closed.





5. Install the J 38606 on the valve spring.





6. Compress the valve spring using the J 38606.
7. Remove the valve locks.
8. Remove the valve spring and cap.





9. Remove the valve stem oil seal.
10. Inspect the valve spring for bent, cracked, or broken parts. Replace the valve spring if damaged. Refer to Cylinder Head Clean and Inspect in Unit Repair.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

^ Tools Required
- J 42863 Valve Stem Seal Installation Tool
- J 38606 Valve Spring Compressor
- J 23590 Spark Plug Port Adapter





1. Place the oil seal over the stem until the seal begins to contact the valve guide.
2. Push the valve stem oil seal over the valve guide using the J 42863.

NOTICE: Use hand pressure only when installing the valve stem oil seal using the J 41512. Using too much force may cause damage to the oil seal and possibly lead to excessive oil consumption.

IMPORTANT: The color of the replacement seal may not be the same color as the original seal. Install the seals in their correct location based on GM part and package description. Ensure that the seal is fully seated on the valve guide.





3. Install the J 38606 on the valve spring.





4. Compress the valve spring using the J 38606.
5. Install the valve spring and cap.
6. Install the valve locks.
7. Release the valve spring.





8. Release the air pressure, and remove the J 23590.

IMPORTANT: Ensure that the valve locks are seated.

9. Install the spark plug. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement (3800 L36 (VIN K) and L67 (VIN 1)) in Starting and Charging.
10. Install the push rod and valve rocker arm. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement.
11. Install the valve rocker arm cover(s). Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement (Left Front) and/or Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement (Right Rear).

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