Timing Cover: Service and Repair

If necessary to replace the cover oil seal the cover must first be removed.

1982 V6-232
1. Disconnect battery ground cable and drain cooling.
2. Remove air cleaner and air duct assembly.
3. Remove fan shroud and clutch assembly
4. Loosen accessory drive belt idler, then remove drive belt and water pump pulley.
5. On models equipped with power steering, remove pump bracket attaching bolts, then position pump and bracket assembly aside with hoses attached.
6. If equipped with A/C, remove compressor front support bracket.
7. Disconnect bypass hose, heater hoses and upper radiator hose from engine.
8. Position No. 1 cylinder at TDC compression stroke, then disconnect coil wire from distributor cap. Remove distributor cap and mark position of rotor to distributor body and distributor body to front cover. Remove distributor hold-down clamp, then remove distributor.
9. On models equipped with Tripminder, remove fuel flow meter support bracket.
10. Raise vehicle and support, then remove crankshaft damper using a suitable puller.
11. Remove fuel pump shield, then remove fuel pump attaching bolts and position pump aside with fuel hose attached.
12. Remove oil filter, then disconnect lower radiator hose at water pump.
13. Remove oil pan as described under Oil Pan, Replace.

Fig. 23 Front cover attaching bolt locations. V6-232:

14. Lower vehicle, then remove front cover attaching bolts, Fig. 10. One of the front cover attaching bolts is located behind the oil filter adapter.
15. Remove ignition timing indicator, then remove front cover and water pump as an assembly.
16. Reverse procedure to install. Coat threads of bolt located at position 10, Fig. 10, with a suitable sealer before installing. Torque front cover attaching bolts to 15 to 22 ft. lbs. Lubricate camshaft thrust button with Polyethylene grease before installing front cover. Also ensure that thrust button and spring are properly seated.