GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2008 🢒 STS 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 4.6L (LH2) 🢒 Engine Front Cover Replacement

Tools Required

J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers

Removal Procedure
  1. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  2. Remove the air outlet duct in order to gain access to the thermostat housing. Refer to Air Cleaner Outlet Duct Replacement .
  3. Remove the heater hose from the thermostat housing using a J 38185 .
  4. Remove the coolant radiator hose from the thermostat housing. Refer to Coolant Bypass Hose Replacement .
  5. If equipped, remove the auxiliary water pump. Refer to Auxiliary Water Pump Replacement .
  6. Remove the drive belt tensioner. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement - Generator and to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement - Air Conditioning, Power Steering, and Water Pump .

    7. Object Number: 887830 Size: SH
  7. Remove the drive belt idler pulley bolt.

    8. Remove the drive belt idler pulley.


    Object Number: 928284 Size: SH
  8. Remove the water pump pulley.
  9. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  10. Remove the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement .

    11. Object Number: 928288 Size: SH
  11. Remove the engine front cover bolts.
  12. Remove the engine front cover.

    13. Object Number: 928304 Size: SH
  13. Remove and discard the engine front cover gasket.

Cleaning and Inspection

Clean and inspect the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 928307 Size: SH
  1. Place a small amount of sealant at the split line (1) of the upper and lower crankcases, and at the top of the block face. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers for the correct part number.

    2. Object Number: 928304 Size: SH
  2. Place the NEW engine front cover gasket over the crankcase dowel pins.

    3. Object Number: 928288 Size: SH
  3. Place the engine front cover in position on the crankcase.
  4. Apply the thread locking compound to the threads of the engine front cover bolts. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers for the correct part number.
  5. Install the engine front cover retaining bolts.

    6. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 928300 Size: SH
  6. Tighten the engine front cover bolts in the sequence shown.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the engine front cover bolts in proper sequence to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

  7. Install the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement .
  8. Install the water pump pulley.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the water pump pulley bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 887830 Size: SH
  9. Install the drive belt idler pulley.
  10. Install the drive belt idler pulley bolt.

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

  11. Install the drive belt tensioner. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement - Generator and to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement - Air Conditioning, Power Steering, and Water Pump .
  12. Install the coolant radiator hose to the thermostat housing. Refer to Coolant Bypass Hose Replacement .
  13. Install the heater hose to the thermostat housing using a J 38185 .
  14. If equipped, install the auxiliary water pump. Refer to Auxiliary Water Pump Replacement .
  15. Install the air outlet duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Outlet Duct Replacement .
  16. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .