Timing Cover: Service and Repair

Engine Front Cover Replacement

Tools Required

J 42851 Front Cover Oil Seal Installer

Removal Procedure




1. Remove the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement Service and Repair.
2. Remove the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement (L18) Service and Repair in Engine Cooling.
3. Remove the oil level indicator. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement.
4. Remove the camshaft position (CMP) sensor bolt.
5. Remove the CMP sensor.
6. Inspect the CMP sensor O-ring for cuts, cracks, tears or damage. Replace the O-ring as needed.
7. Drain the engine oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement Service and Repair.




8. Loosen, but do not remove enough oil pan bolts for the front cover to be removed.
9. Remove the engine front cover bolts (2).
10. Remove the engine front cover.
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 J 42851 .
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, Canada P/N 10953472, or equivalent 2.0 mm (0.080 in) 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 engine front cover.

1. Hold the front cover (1) up to the crankshaft (2).
2. Lift the front cover (1) while sliding the cover over the crankshaft (2).
3. Slide the front cover towards the engine block (5) while keeping the cover raised.
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 Cautions and Notices.

7. Tighten the engine front cover bolts.

1. Tighten the engine front cover bolts in sequence a first pass to 6 Nm (54 lb in).
2. Tighten the engine front cover bolts in sequence a final pass to 12 Nm (106 lb in).




8. Inspect the camshaft position sensor O-ring for cuts, cracks, tears or damage. Replace the O-ring as needed.
9. Apply a light film of clean engine oil to the camshaft position sensor O-ring.
10. Install the CMP sensor.
Notice: This bolt is a self-tapping bolt. If installing this bolt into a new component, installation of the bolt may be difficult. Ensure that the bolt is not over-torqued during the initial installation (thread cutting). Failure to limit torque can lead to bolt failure.

11. Install the CMP sensor bolt.

Tighten the CMP sensor bolt to 12 Nm (106 lb in).

12. Install the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement Service and Repair.
13. Install the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement (L18) Service and Repair in Engine Cooling.
14. Raise and suitably support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair in General Information.
15. Tighten the oil pan bolts.

Tighten the oil pan bolts to 25 Nm (18 lb ft).

16. Lower the vehicle.
17. Install the oil level indicator. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement.
18. Fill the crankcase with new engine oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement Service and Repair.