Timing Cover: Service and Repair

Engine Front Cover Replacement

Tools Required
J 44219 Cover Alignment Pins

Removal Procedure
1. Remove the water pump.
2. Remove the crankshaft balancer.
3. Remove the drive belt tensioner.
4. Remove the power steering pump.
5. Remove the oil pump pipe and screen assembly.
6. Lower the vehicle.





7. Remove the 7 mm center bolt (1).
8. Remove the remaining engine front cover bolts.
9. Install 2 bolts into the threaded holes to act as jack screws and tighten evenly to release the engine front cover from the engine block.
10. Remove the engine front cover.
11. Remove the 2 bolts from the jack screw holes.
12. Remove the oil pump if necessary.
13. Clean and inspect the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Cleaning and Inspection.
14. Clean and inspect the engine block sealing surface.

Installation Procedure
1. Install the oil pump if previously removed.





2. To aid in alignment of the cover, thread the J 44219 into the engine block.





3. Important: The engine front cover must be installed within 10 minutes from when the sealer was applied.

Apply a 3 mm (0.12 inch) bead of sealer GM P/N 12378521 (Canadian P/N 88901148) to the engine front cover (1).





4. Align the oil pump to the crankshaft sprocket splines.
5. Position the engine front cover over the J 44219, and to the engine block.
6. Install the engine front cover bolts.
7. Remove the J 44219 from the engine block.

8. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Install the 2 remaining engine front cover bolts.
1 Tighten the engine front cover bolts to 10 Nm (89 inch lbs.).
2 Tighten the small center bolt (1) last to 8 Nm (71 inch lbs.).
9. Install the oil pump pipe and screen assembly.
10. Install the power steering pump.
11. Install the drive belt tensioner.
12. Install the crankshaft balancer.
13. Install the water pump.