Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Installation Procedure
- Attach J 36857
to the rear of the right cylinder head and to the front of the left cylinder head.NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
- Install the attaching bolt and washer. Use GM P/N 9428217 with GM P/N 15650963.
Tighten: Tighten the lift bracket bolts to 40 N.m (30 lb ft).
- Install the air compressor/power steering mounting bracket to the engine block.
Tighten: Tighten the power steering pump bracket bolts and nut to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).
- Install the generator bracket. Refer to Generator Bracket Replacement (8.1L Engine) in Engine Electrical.
- Remove the engine using a suitable lifting devise.
- Install the engine into the vehicle.
- Install the engine mount to engine mount bracket bolts.
- Install the engine mount heat shield and bolts.
- Remove the engine lift hooks from the cylinder heads.
- Raise the vehicle and support with safety stands.
- Install the engine oil cooler lines to the engine block. Refer to Engine Oil Cooler Hose/Pipe Replacement (2WD) or Engine Oil Cooler Hose/Pipe Replacement (4WD) in Engine Cooling.
- Install the bolts from the transmission to the engine.
- For the automatic transmission, refer to Transmission Replacement (With 8.1L (L18) Engine) in Automatic Transmission - Allison.
- For the manual transmission, refer to Transmission Replacement in Manual Transmission - NV 4500 or Transmission Replacement in Manual Transmission - ZF S6-650.
- Install the clutch pressure plate bolts, if equipped.
- Install the torque converter bolts, if equipped.
- Install the catalytic converter. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement (6.0L and 8.1L Engines) in Engine Exhaust.
- Install the exhaust manifold pipe. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Pipe Replacement (6.0L, 6.6L, and 8.1L Engines) in Engine Exhaust.
- Install the hoses to the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (Without Hydroboost) or Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (Rack and Pinion) or Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (With Hydroboost) or Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (Parellel Hybrid Truck) in Power Steering System.
- Install the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement (8.1L Engine) in Engine Electrical.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Route the engine electrical harness.
- Install the generator. Refer to Generator Replacement (8.1L Engine) in Engine Electrical.
- Install the ground cable bolt at the engine block.
Tighten: Tighten the engine wiring harness bolt to 16 N.m (12 lb ft).
- Install the vacuum lines to the engine.
- Connect the TAC module electrical connector (1).
- Install the radiator. Refer to Radiator Replacement (8.1L) in Engine Cooling.
- Install the A/C compressor. Refer to Compressor Replacement (L18) in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
- Connect the fuel feed pipe (1) to the fuel rail.
- Install the ignition coils. Refer to Ignition Coil(s) Replacement in Engine Controls - 8.1 L.
- Connect the positive battery cable.
- Connect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure (Single Battery) or Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure (Auxiliary Battery) in Engine Electrical.
- Install the air cleaner outlet duct.
- Tighten the clamps at the throttle body and air cleaner.
Tighten: Tighten the clamps to 4 N.m (35 lb in).
- Remove fender covers from both fenders.
- Remove the hood hinge bolts from the service position (2).
- Lower the hood to the normal position.
- Install the hood hinge bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the hood hinge bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
- Before starting a new engine or one that has been repaired, complete the following procedure.
- Prelube the engine. Refer to Engine Prelubing .
- Remove the fuel pump fuse and disconnect the coil harness connectors, then crank the engine until oil pressure is present.
- Crank the engine several times. Listen for any unusual noises or evidence that any of the parts are binding.
- Install the fuel pump fuse and connect the coil harness connectors and start the engine and listen for unusual noises.
- Check the vehicle oil pressure gauge or light and confirm that the engine has acceptable oil pressure. If necessary install an oil pressure gauge and measure the oil pressure.
- Run the engine at about 1000 RPM until the engine has reached normal operating temperature.
- Inspect for oil and or coolant leaks while the engine is running.
- Stop the engine and perform a final inspection for the proper engine oil and coolant levels.
- The final step is to perform the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor variation learn procedure. Refer to CKP System Variation Learn Procedure in Engine Controls - 8.1 L.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.