GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 1996 🢒 Cutlass Supreme 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.8L 🢒 Engine Front Cover Replacement

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 37096 Flywheel Holding Tool
    • J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter
    • Remove the battery negative cable. Refer to

Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

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    • Remove the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement .
    • Remove the sensor shield.
    • Remove the electrical connections from the front cover.
    • Remove the oil pan to the front cover bolts.
    • Remove the oil filter.
    • Remove the oil cooler pipes from the oil filter adapter housing. Catch the oil in the oil pan. Refer to Oil Filter Adapter and Bypass Valve Assembly Replacement
    • Lower the vehicle.
    • Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling and Radiator in Engine Cooling
    • Remove the generator and brace. Refer to Generator and Brace in Charging System
    • Disconnect the heater hoses and pipe from the cover. Refer to Heater Hoses in Heater, Ventilation and Air Condition.
    • Disconnect the bypass hose from the cover.
    • Remove the lower radiator hose. Refer to Cooling and Radiator in Engine Cooling.
    • Remove the water pump pulley.
   • 
Object Number: 42228 Size: SH
  • Remove the front cover attaching bolts and cover with the oil filter adapter as one assembly.
    •    • 
  • If the front cover is being replaced, use the following procedure:
    • 0.1. Remove the oil filter adapter and pressure relief valve. Refer to Oil Filter Adapter and Bypass Valve Assembly Replacement .
    0.2. Remove the oil pump from the front cover.
    0.3. Remove the water pump from the cover. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Cooling and Radiator.
       • 
  • Inspect the timing chain for overall in and out movement. Maximum movement is 25.4 mm (1 in).
    •    • 
  • Inspect the sprockets for wear.
    •    • 
  • Clean the mating surfaces of the front cover and cylinder block.
    •    • 
  • Clean the sealing surfaces with degreaser.
    •    • 

    Important: The oil pan can be dropped slightly for front cover clearance if all pan bolts are loosened and the oil level sensor is removed.

  • If the front cover has been replaced, use the following procedure:
    • 0.1. Install the oil filter adapter and pressure relief valve. Refer to Oil Filter Adapter and Bypass Valve Assembly Replacement .
    0.2. Install the oil pump to the front cover.
    0.3. Install the water pump and new gasket. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Cooling and Radiator.

    Installation Procedure

    Tools Required

    J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter


      Object Number: 42228 Size: SH
    1. Install the new gasket. Ensure that the sealing surfaces are not damaged.
    2. Apply sealer GM P/N 1052080 or equivalent to the bolt threads.
    3. Install the new seal. Refer to Crankshaft Front Cover Oil Seal Replacement .

      4. Important: Align the cogs on the crankshaft sprocket with the cogs on the oil pump in the front cover.

    4. Install the front cover on the engine.
    5. Install the upper cover bolts.

      6. Tighten
      Tighten the bolts to 15 N·m (11 lb ft). Use the J 36660-A in order to rotate the bolts an additional 40°.

      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.

    6. Raise the vehicle.
    7. Inspect the pan gasket. Replace it if necessary.
    8. Install the oil pan to the front cover bolts, and the oil pan bolts if loosened.

      9. Tighten
      Tighten the bolts to 14 N·m (125 lb in).

    9. Install the sensor shield and the electrical connections.
    10. Install the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement .
    11. Install the oil cooler lines. Refer to Oil Cooler Hose/Pipe Replacement
    12. Install the oil filter.
    13. Lower the vehicle.

      14. Object Number: 36596 Size: SH
    14. Install the water pump pulley. refer to cooling and radiator in Engine Cooling

      15. .

    15. Connect the lower radiator hose. Refer to Radiator Hose Replacement in Cooling and Radiator.
    16. Connect the bypass hose. Refer to Bypass Hose in Cooling and Radiator.
    17. Install the heater hoses and the pipe to the cover. Refer to Heater Hoses in Cooling and Radiator.
    18. Install the generator.
    19. Install the brace.
    20. Fill the engine coolant. Refer to Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
    21. Fill the crankcase with clean engine oil. Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication in General Information.
    22. Connect the negative battery cable.
    23. Inspect for proper fluid levels.
    24. Inspect for leaks.