Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Timing Cover: Service and Repair



Engine Front Cover Replacement

Tools Required

J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers

Removal Procedure

1. Drain the cooling system.
2. Remove the air outlet duct in order to gain access to the thermostat housing.
3. Remove the heater hose from the thermostat housing using a J 38185.
4. Remove the coolant radiator hose from the thermostat housing.
5. If equipped, remove the auxiliary water pump.
6. Remove the drive belt tensioner.




7. Remove the drive belt idler pulley bolt.
Remove the drive belt idler pulley.




8. Remove the water pump pulley.
9. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
10. Remove the crankshaft balancer.




11. Remove the engine front cover bolts.
12. Remove the engine front cover.




13. Remove and discard the engine front cover gasket.

Cleaning and Inspection

Clean and inspect the engine front cover.

Installation Procedure




1. Place a small amount of sealant at the split line (1) of the upper and lower crankcases, and at the top of the block face. Refer to Sealers, Adhesives, and Lubricants for the correct part number.




2. Place the NEW engine front cover gasket over the crankcase dowel pins.




3. Place the engine front cover in position on the crankcase.
4. Apply the thread locking compound to the threads of the engine front cover bolts. Refer to Sealers, Adhesives, and Lubricants for the correct part number.
5. Install the engine front cover retaining bolts.





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

6. Tighten the engine front cover bolts in the sequence shown.

Tighten the engine front cover bolts in proper sequence to 15 N.m (11 lb ft).

7. Install the crankshaft balancer.
8. Install the water pump pulley.

Tighten the water pump pulley bolts to 10 N.m (89 lb in).




9. Install the drive belt idler pulley.
10. Install the drive belt idler pulley bolt.

Tighten the drive belt idler pulley bolt to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).

11. Install the drive belt tensioner.
12. Install the coolant radiator hose to the thermostat housing.
13. Install the heater hose to the thermostat housing using a J 38185.
14. If equipped, install the auxiliary water pump.
15. Install the air outlet duct.
16. Fill the cooling system.