Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side 5.3L Engine
                    
Removal Procedure
- Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
Refer to 
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle 
 in
General Information.
 
- Remove the exhaust manifold pipe nuts.
 
- Lower the vehicle.
 
- Remove the spark plugs. Refer to 
Spark Plug Replacement 
 in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L.
 
- Remove the heat shield bolts, and shield
from the exhaust manifold.
 
- Remove the exhaust manifold bolts, manifold,  and gasket.
 
- Discard the gasket.
 
- Clean and inspect the exhaust manifold. Refer to 
Exhaust Manifold Cleaning and Inspection 
.
 
Installation Procedure
Important: 
|    •  | Tighten the exhaust manifold bolts as specified in the service procedure.
Improperly installed and/or leaking exhaust manifold gaskets may affect  vehicle 
emissions and/or On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II system performance. | 
 
|    •  | The cylinder head exhaust manifold bolt hole threads must be clean and
 free of debris or threadlocking material. | 
 
Important: Do not apply sealant to the first three threads of the bolt.
- Apply a 5 mm (0.2 in) wide
band of threadlock GM P/N 12345493,  (Canadian P/N 10953488),
or equivalent to the threads of the exhaust  manifold bolts.
 
Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners
must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring
replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant
are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or
corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified.
These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage
the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when
installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
- Install the exhaust manifold, NEW gasket and bolts.
 
Tighten
- Tighten the bolts a first pass to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).
 Tighten the bolts beginning with   the center two bolts. Alternate from side-to-side,
 and work toward the  outside bolts.
 
- Tighten the bolts a final pass to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
 Tighten the bolts beginning with   the center two bolts. Alternate from side-to-side,
 and work toward the  outside bolts.
 
- Install the heat shield, and bolts to the  exhaust manifold.
 
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 9 N·m (80 lb in).
- Using a flat punch, bend over the exposed edge of the exhaust manifold
 gasket at the rear of the left cylinder head.
 
- Install the spark plugs. Refer to 
Spark Plug Replacement 
 in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L.
 
- Raise the vehicle.
 
- Install the exhaust manifold   pipe nuts.
 
Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
- Lower the vehicle.