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For 1990-2009 cars only

L67 Engine Oil Smell or Odor, Leak at Left or Front Valve Cover (Replace Valve Cover Gasket, Grommets and Spark Plug Wire Retainers for Cylinders 1-3-5)

Subject: L67 Engine Oil Smell or Odor, Leak at Left or Front Valve Cover (Replace Valve Cover Gasket, Grommets and Spark Plug Wire Retainers for Cylinders 1-3-5)

Models:1997-2003 Buick Regal
1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
with 3.8L V6 Supercharged Engine (VIN 1 -- RPO L67)



Condition

Some customers may comment that the vehicle has an engine oil smell or odor. Upon investigation, the technician may find that an oil leak is coming from the left or front valve cover.

Cause

This condition may be caused by drops of engine oil being deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking.

Correction

The following service procedure will aid technicians in the removal and installation of the left or front valve cover gasket, grommets and the removal of existing left or front spark plug wire retainer and the installation of a new spark plug wire retainers for cylinders 1-3-5.


Object Number: 2074274  Size: SH

    Important: Clean the area around the tube/oil fill cap before removing the tube/oil fill cap in order to prevent contaminants from falling into the valve cover opening.

  1. Remove the fuel injector sight shield (1).
  2. 1.1. Twist counterclockwise to unlock the tube/oil fill cap from the valve cover.
    1.2. Remove the upper intake manifold cover nut holding the fuel injector sight shield to the fuel injector rail brace stud.
    1.3. Lift the fuel injector sight shield up at the front and slide the tab out of the engine bracket.
    1.4.  Install the tube/oil fill cap in the valve cover.

    Object Number: 2074279  Size: SH
  3. Remove the left engine mount strut (2).
  4. 2.1. Remove the bolt and the nut from the left engine mount strut at the left engine mount strut bracket on the engine (1).
    2.2. Remove the bolt and the nut from the left engine mount strut at the left engine mount strut bracket on the upper radiator support (1).
    2.3. Remove the engine mount strut (2).

    Object Number: 2074278  Size: SH
  5. Remove the 1-3-5 spark plug plastic retaining channel clip/bracket from the engine and discard (1).
  6. Important: It is not necessary to remove the spark plug wires from the spark plugs.

  7. Remove all six spark plug wires from the ignition coils only. Set the spark plug wires aside.

  8. Object Number: 2077658  Size: SH
  9. Remove the supercharger drive belt (1).
  10. Lift or rotate the supercharger drive belt tensioner using a 15 mm box end wrench on the pulley nut and remove the belt.


    Object Number: 2074283  Size: SH
  11. Remove the supercharger drive belt tensioner (1) and idler pulley (2).
  12. 6.1. Remove the supercharger drive belt tensioner nut and remove belt tensioner (1) from the engine.
    6.2. Remove the idler pulley bolt (2).
    6.3. Remove the drive belt idler pulley (2) from the engine.

    Object Number: 2077654  Size: SH
  13. Remove the left engine mount strut bracket assembly (1).
  14. 7.1. Remove the left engine mount strut bracket assembly nuts.
    7.2. Remove the stud holding the electronic ignition control module ground and left engine mount strut bracket assembly to the cylinder head.
    7.3. Remove the left engine mount strut bracket assembly (1) from the cylinder head and set aside.

    Notice: Before the removal of the left or front engine valve cover, use an engine degreaser, brake cleaner, or equivalent, to remove the oil residue from the exhaust manifold and the oil and dirt residue from the cylinder head and engine block. It may be necessary to use a brush or scraper.


    Object Number: 2074284  Size: SH

    Important:  If the valve rocker arm cover adheres to the cylinder head, remove the valve cover by bumping the end of the valve cover with palm of hand or with a soft rubber mallet.

  15. Remove the left or front engine valve cover (1).
  16. 8.1. Remove the valve cover bolts.
    8.2. Remove the valve cover from the engine cylinder head.
    8.3. Remove the valve cover gasket.
    8.4. Clean the sealing surface on the cylinder head and the valve cover with a engine degreaser, brake cleaner or the equivalent.
    8.5. Clean the valve cover bolts of all dirt, grime or thread locking adhesive.

    Object Number: 2076766  Size: SH
  17. Install a new left or front valve cover gasket (1) , P/N 24503937, and make sure that valve cover gasket is seated properly in the valve cover groove.
  18. 9.1. Install the valve cover and gasket (1) to the cylinder head.
    9.2. Apply medium strength thread lock compound (blue), GM P/N 12345382 (in Canada use P/N 10953489) or equivalent, to the six valve cover bolt threads.
    9.3. Install the six valve cover bolts and six new grommets.
           - Replace with new grommets, P/N 25534749 (package - qty.5).
           - Two packages will be needed. Save the other four grommets for future repairs.

    Tighten
    Tighten the valve cover bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 2077654  Size: SH
  19. Install the left engine mount strut bracket assembly to the cylinder head (1).
  20. 10.1. Install the left engine mount strut bracket nuts and stud.
    10.2. Install the stud holding the electronic ignition control module ground and left engine mount strut bracket assembly to the cylinder head.

    Tighten
    Tighten the left engine mount strut bracket nuts and stud to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  21. Install all six spark plug wires to the ignition coils.

  22. Object Number: 2074273  Size: SH
  23. Install one 7 mm spark plug four wire retainer, P/N 88891792 (Qty 5 - not shown) to spark plug wires 1-3-5. If not available, use 8 mm spark plug four-wire retainer (1), P/N 14066248 (Qty 10) to spark plug wires 1-3-5 or equivalent 7 mm aftermarket spark plug wire retainer. Save the other spark plug four wire retainers for future repairs.

  24. Object Number: 2077730  Size: SH
    12.1. Install the first 7 mm four-wire retainer to spark plug wire number four (1) then to spark plug wires one, three and five (2). Make sure that spark plug wires two, four and six are secured to the original retainers and under the left engine mount strut bracket (1).
    12.2.  Install the second 7 mm two-wire spark plug retainer, P/N 12132229 (Qty 10) to spark plug wires three and five only (3). Make sure the spark plug retainer (3) is approximately 50 mm (2 in) from the oil level indicator.

    Object Number: 2074283  Size: SH
  25. Install the supercharger drive belt idler pulley (2). Install the supercharger drive belt idler pulley bolt.
  26. Tighten
    Tighten the supercharger drive belt idler pulley bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 2074283  Size: SH
  27. Install the supercharger drive belt tensioner (1). Install the supercharge drive belt tensioner nut.
  28. Tighten
    Tighten the supercharger drive belt idler pulley bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 2077658  Size: SH
  29. Install the supercharger drive belt (1).
  30. Lift or rotate the drive belt tensioner using a 15 mm box end wrench on the pulley nut and install the supercharger drive belt.

  31. Install left engine mount strut bracket (2).

  32. Object Number: 2074279  Size: SH
    16.1. Install the bolt and the nut to the left engine mount strut at the left engine mount strut bracket on the upper radiator support (1).

    Tighten
    Tighten the engine mount strut bolt to 48 N·m (35 lb ft).

            Important: If equipped, the P-clip on the engine wiring harness must be vertical to the left engine mount strut bracket when installed.

    16.2. Install the bolt and the nut to the left engine mount strut at the left engine mount strut bracket on the engine (1).

    Tighten
    Tighten the engine mount strut bolt to 48 N·m (35 lb ft).


    Object Number: 2074274  Size: SH
  33. Install fuel injector sight shield (1).
  34. 17.1. Remove by twisting counterclockwise to unlock the tube/oil fill cap from the left valve cover.
    17.2. Insert the tab of the fuel injector sight shield under the engine bracket.
    17.3. Place the hole of the fuel injector sight shield onto the oil fill neck of the left valve cover.

            Important: Make sure the newly installed spark plug retainers are not in contact with the fuel injector sight shield or the exhaust manifold.


    Object Number: 2077728  Size: SH

            Important:  Make sure new 7 mm two-wire spark plug retainer (1) is approximately 50 mm (2 in) from the oil level indicator.

    17.4. Install the tube/oil fill cap into the left valve cover and twist clockwise in order to lock the detent on the tube into the notch in the valve cover.

    Tighten
    Tighten the fuel injector sight shield cover nut to 3 N·m (27 lb in).

  35. Inspect for the proper oil level.
  36. Inspect for any oil leaks.

Parts Information

Important: Do not order for parts for dealer stock.

Parts are in limited supply. If genuine GM parts are not available, dealers can use aftermarket parts.

Part Number

Description

Qty

24503937

Valve Cover Gasket

1

25534749

Grommets, Valve Cover/Bolts (Qty 5)

6

88891792

7 mm Four-Wire Retainer, Spark Plugs (Qty 5)

1

12132229

7 mm Two-Wire Retainer, Spark Plugs (Qty 10)

1

12345382 (US)

10953489 (Canada)

Medium Strength Thread Locker (Blue)

1

Claim Information

For vehicles repaired under this bulletin, use:

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

T5700*

Valve Cover Gasket - Replace (GM Part)

0.8 hr

T5701**

Valve Cover Gasket - Replace (Aftermarket Part)

* Genuine GM Service Parts (A/C Delco®)

** Local Parts Supplier