Timing Cover: Service and Repair

^ Tools Required
- J 42851 Front Cover Oil Seal Installer

Removal Procedure





1. Remove the crankshaft balancer.
2. Remove the water pump.
3. Disconnect the camshaft position (CMP) sensor electrical connector (2).





4. Remove the 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.





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 (1).

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 or equivalent 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 front cover.
5.1. Hold the front cover (1) up to the crankshaft (2).
5.2. Lift the front cover (1) while sliding the cover over the crankshaft (2).
5.3. Slide the front cover towards the engine block (5) while keeping the cover raised.
5.4. 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 Service Precautions.

7. Tighten the engine front cover bolts.
7.1. Tighten the engine front cover bolts in sequence a first pass to 6 Nm (54 inch lbs.).
7.2. Tighten the engine front cover bolts in sequence a final pass to 12 Nm (106 inch lbs.).





8. Inspect the CMP 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 CMP sensor O-ring.
10. Install the CMP sensor.
11. Install the CMP sensor bolt.
^ Tighten the CMP sensor bolt to 12 Nm (106 inch lbs.).





12. Connect the CMP sensor electrical connector (2).
13. Install the water pump.
14. Install the crankshaft balancer.
15. Raise and suitably support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
16. Tighten the oil pan bolts.
16.1. Tighten the oil pan bolts in sequence a first pass to 10 Nm (89 inch lbs.).
16.2. Tighten the oil pan bolts in sequence a final pass to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
17. Lower the vehicle.
18. Fill the crankcase with new engine oil.