Rear Engine Plate: Service and Repair

REMOVAL
1. Remove the flywheel. See Transmission and Drivetrain.
2. Remove the engine rear cover-to-engine block bolts.
3. Remove the rear cover and gasket.
4. Discard the rear cover gasket.
5. Remove the rear crankshaft oil seal from the cover.

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: Do not reuse the crankshaft oil seal or front cover gasket. Do not slide the front cover/gasket across the oil pan gasket. The special tool in this procedure is used to properly align the crankshaft front oil seal. The crankshaft front oil seal MUST be centered in relation to the crankshaft. An improperly aligned front cover may cause premature front oil seal wear and/or engine assembly oil leaks.

1. Apply a 5mm (0.20 inch) bead of GM P/N 12378190, or equivalent to the corner were the oil pan meets the engine block.
2. Install the rear cover, gasket and bolts on to the engine.
3. Tighten the cover bolts finger tight. Do not overtighten.

NOTE: To properly align the rear cover, the front/rear cover alignment (crankshaft oil seal area) tool must be installed onto the rear of the crankshaft with the tool mounting bolts parallel to the oil pan surface.

4. Rotate the crankshaft until the two opposing flywheel bolt holes are parallel to the oil pan surface.
5. Install the front/rear cover alignment (crankshaft oil seal area) tool and bolts onto the rear of the crankshaft.
a. Tighten the tool retaining bolts by hand until snug. Do not overtighten.
b. Tighten the rear cover bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
6. Remove the tool from the crankshaft.
7. Install the rear crankshaft oil seal.
8. Install the flywheel. See Transmission and Drivetrain.