GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1997 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 5.7L (LT1) 🢒 Engine Front Cover Replacement

Tools Required

    • J 39087 Driven Gear Shaft Front Cover Seal Protector
    • J 39937 Distributor Front Cover Seal Installer

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 11502 Size: SH
  1. Remove the air intake duct from the throttle body and Mass AirFlow (MAF) sensor.
  2. Remove the accessory drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .
  3. Remove the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement .
  4. Remove the crankshaft balancer and the hub. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer and Hub Replacement .
  5. Remove the distributor.
  6. Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
  7. Remove the engine front cover bolts.
  8. Remove the engine front cover and the gasket.
  9. Clean the engine front cover and the engine block gasket surfaces.
  10. Remove the crankshaft position sensor from the front cover.
  11. Remove the distributor driveshaft seal from the engine front cover.
  12. Inspect the engine front cover for damage to the oil seals or the gasket surface.

Installation Procedure
  1. Remove the distributor driveshaft seal to the engine front cover using the J 39937 .
  2. Remove the crankshaft position sensor to the engine front cover.

    3. Object Number: 11502 Size: SH

    Important: Do not damage the oil seal when installing the engine front cover over the water pump driveshaft.

  3. Install the gasket and the engine front cover using the J 39087 on the water pump driveshaft.

    4. 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.

  4. Install the engine front cover bolts.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the engine front cover bolts to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

  5. Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
  6. Install the distributor.
  7. Install the crankshaft balancer and the hub. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer and Hub Replacement .
  8. Install the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement .
  9. Install the accessory drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .
  10. Install the air intake duct to the throttle body and Mass AirFlow (MAF) sensor.