Timing Cover: Service and Repair

Engine Front Cover Replacement

^ Tools Required
- J 42851 Front Cover Oil Seal Installer

Removal Procedure





1. Remove the water pump.
2. Remove the crankshaft balancer.
3. Disconnect the Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor electrical connector.
4. Remove the engine harness clips from the battery cable channel.





5. Remove the CMP sensor bolt.
6. Remove the CMP sensor.





7. Remove the battery cable channel bolt.
8. Remove and reposition the battery cable channel.





9. Remove the engine front cover bolts (2).
10. Remove the engine front cover (1).

Important: The engine front cover gasket is reusable.

11. Remove the engine front cover gasket.
12. Remove the crankshaft front oil seal from the front cover.

Installation Procedure





1. Install a NEW crankshaft front oil seal using J42851.
2. Lubricate the sealing surface of the crankshaft front oil seal with clean engine oil.

Important: The engine front cover must be installed and the fasteners tightened while the sealant is still wet to the touch.

3. Apply sealant GM P/N 12346286 or equivalent in two places (1) on the engine block where the front cover meets the oil pan.





4. Install the engine front cover gasket into the front cover.

Important: The following method must be used when installing the engine front cover. Failure to follow the instructions will push the sealant out, which may cause an oil leak.

5. Install the front cover and gasket.
5.1. Hold the front cover (1) up to the crankshaft (2).
5.2. Lift the front cover (1) while sliding the cover over the crankshaft (2).
5.3. Slide the front cover towards the engine block (5) while keeping the cover raised.
5.4. Lower the cover down over the dowel pin (4), allowing the front cover to rest on the sealant (3).





6. Install the engine front cover bolts.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

7. Tighten the engine front cover bolts.
7.1. Tighten the engine front cover bolts in sequence a first pass to 6 Nm (53 lb in).
7.2. Tighten the engine front cover bolts in sequence a final pass to 12 Nm (106 lb in).





8. Position the battery cable channel into place.
9. Install the battery cable channel bolt.
^ Tighten the battery cable channel bolt to 9 Nm (80 lb in).





10. Inspect the CMP sensor O-ring for cuts, cracks, tears or damage. Replace as needed.
11. Apply a light film of clean engine oil to the CMP sensor O-ring.





12. Install the CMP sensor. Install the CMP sensor bolt.
^ Tighten the CMP sensor bolt to 12 Nm (106 lb in).
13. Install the engine harness clips to the battery cable channel.
14. Connect the CMP sensor electrical connector.
15. Install the crankshaft balancer.
16. Install the water pump.