GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 2002 🢒 Aurora 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.5L 🢒 Engine Front Cover Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement .
  2. Remove the surge tank. Refer to Radiator Surge Tank Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  3. Remove the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Engine Cooling.

    4. Object Number: 587212 Size: SH
  4. Remove the engine front cover coolant drain plug and drain the remaining coolant from the engine.

    5. Object Number: 263970 Size: SH
  5. Remove the 10 front cover perimeter bolts.
  6. Remove the front cover and the gasket. Make sure you do not damage the sealing surface. Some of the gasket material may remain on the engine block.
  7. Remove the remaining gasket material from the front cover and engine block using a plastic scraper.
  8. Clean and inspect the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical-3.5L Unit Repair.

Installation Procedure
  1. Install the new water pump gasket.
  2. Place the water pump in position on the front cover.

    3. Object Number: 607393 Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Install the short water pump bolts.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the short water pump bolts in the sequence shown to 14 N·m (124 lb in).


    Object Number: 233363 Size: SH
  4. Place a short bead of RTV sealant, GM P/N 12345739 or equivalent, on the cylinder block in the locations shown (1).

    5. Object Number: 263970 Size: SH
  5. Align the front cover gasket to the front cover bolt holes and insert 2 bolts to hold the gasket in place.
  6. Install the front cover and gasket on the cylinder block.

    7. Object Number: 375035 Size: SH
  7. Hand start all the front cover retaining bolts.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the front cover retaining bolts in the sequence shown to 14 N·m (124 lb in).


    Object Number: 587212 Size: SH
  8. Install the engine front cover coolant drain plug.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the front cover coolant drain plug to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 244399 Size: SH
  9. Install the water pump pulley and retaining bolts.

    10. Tighten
    Tighten the water pump pulley bolts to 12 N·m (106 lb in).


    Object Number: 533393 Size: SH
  10. Install the drive belt idler pulley.
  11. Install the drive belt idler pulley bolt.

    12. Tighten
    Tighten the drive belt idler pulley bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  12. Install the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .
  13. Install the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement .
  14. Install the surge tank. Refer to Radiator Surge Tank Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  15. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.