GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 42851 Front Cover Oil Seal Installer

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 470803  Size: SH
  1. Remove the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement .
  2. Remove the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  3. Remove the camshaft position (CMP) sensor bolt.
  4. Remove the CMP sensor.
  5. Inspect the CMP sensor O-ring for cuts, cracks, tears or damage. Replace the O-ring as needed.
  6. Drain the engine oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .

  7. Object Number: 470805  Size: SH
  8. Loosen, but do not remove enough oil pan bolts for the front cover to be removed.
  9. Remove the engine front cover bolts (2).
  10. Remove the engine front cover (1).
  11. Important: The engine front cover gasket is reusable.

  12. Remove the engine front cover gasket.
  13. Remove the crankshaft front oil seal from the front cover.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 470807  Size: SH
  1. Install a NEW crankshaft front oil seal using J 42851 .
  2. Lubricate the sealing surface of the crankshaft front oil seal with clean engine oil.
  3. Important: The engine front cover must be installed and the fasteners tightened while the sealant is still wet to the touch.

  4. Apply sealant GM U.S. P/N 12346286, Canada P/N 10953472, or equivalent in two places (1) on the engine block where the front cover meets the oil pan.

  5. Object Number: 719124  Size: SH
  6. Install the engine front cover gasket into the front cover.
  7. Important: The following method must be used when installing the engine front cover. Failure to follow the instructions will push the sealant out, which may cause an oil leak.

  8. Install the front cover.
  9. 5.1. Hold the front cover (1) up to the crankshaft (2).
    5.2. Lift the front cover (1) while sliding the cover over the crankshaft (2).
    5.3. Slide the front cover towards the engine block (5) while keeping the cover raised.
    5.4. Lower the cover down over the dowel pin (4), allowing the front cover to rest on the sealant (3).

    Object Number: 677874  Size: SH
  10. Install the engine front cover bolts.
  11. 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.

  12. Tighten the engine front cover bolts.
  13. Tighten

    1. Tighten the engine front cover bolts in sequence a first pass to 6 N·m (54 lb in).
    2. Tighten the engine front cover bolts in sequence a final pass to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

    Object Number: 470803  Size: SH
  14. Inspect the CMP sensor O-ring for cuts, cracks, tears or damage. Replace the O-ring as needed.
  15. Apply a light film of clean engine oil to the CMP sensor O-ring.
  16. Install the CMP sensor.
  17. Notice: This bolt is a self-tapping bolt. If installing this bolt into a new component, installation of the bolt may be difficult. Ensure that the bolt is not over-torqued during the initial installation (thread cutting). Failure to limit torque can lead to bolt failure.

  18. Install the camshaft position bolt.
  19. Tighten
    Tighten the camshaft position sensor bolt to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

  20. Install the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  21. Install the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  22. Raise and suitably support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  23. Tighten the oil pan bolts.
  24. Tighten

    1. Tighten the oil pan bolts a first pass to 10 N·m (89 lb in).
    2. Tighten the oil pan bolts a final pass to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
  25. Lower the vehicle.
  26. Fill the crankcase with new engine oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .