Timing Cover: Service and Repair

Engine Front Cover Replacement
Tools Required
^ J38185 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 J38185.
4. Remove the coolant radiator hose from the thermostat housing.
5. Remove the auxiliary water pump, if equipped.
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 Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
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. Refer to Engine Front Cover Cleaning and Inspection.

Installation Procedure





1. Place a small amount of sealant GM P/N 12578521 (Canadian P/N 88901148) or equivalent at the split line (1) of the upper and lower crankcases, and at the top of the block face.





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 GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) or equivalent to the threads of the engine front cover bolts.
5. Install the engine front cover retaining bolts.





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

Tighten the engine front cover bolts in proper sequence to 15 Nm (11 ft. lbs.).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

7. Install the crankshaft balancer.
8. Install the water pump pulley.
Tighten the water pump pulley bolts to 10 Nm (89 inch lbs.).





9. Install the drive belt idler pulley.
10. Install the drive belt idler pulley bolt.
Tighten the drive belt idler pulley bolt to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).
11. Install the drive belt tensioner.
12. Install the auxiliary water pump, if equipped.
13. Install the coolant radiator hose to the thermostat housing.
14. Install the heater hose to the thermostat housing using a J38185.
15. Install the air outlet duct.
16. Fill the cooling system.