GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 42851 Front Cover Oil Seal Installer


    Object Number: 873817  Size: SH
  1. Lubricate the outer sealing surface of the crankshaft front oil seal lightly with clean engine oil. DO NOT lubricate the inner portion of the seal.
  2. Position the NEW crankshaft front oil seal in the engine front cover so that the dimple (1) on the rear of the seal is in the 12 o'clock position.
  3. Install the crankshaft front oil seal using the J 42851 .

  4. Object Number: 1198719  Size: SH

    Important: The engine front cover must be installed and the fasteners tightened while the sealant is still wet to the touch.

  5. Apply a 3-4 mm (0.12-0.16 in) bead of sealant (a) GM P/N 12346141, (Canadian P/N 10953433), or equivalent in 2 sealant points (1) on the engine block where the front cover meets the oil pan.

  6. Object Number: 1198717  Size: SH
  7. Apply a 3-4 mm (0.12-0.16 in) bead of sealant GM P/N 12346141, (Canadian P/N 10953433), or equivalent in 2 sealant points (1) across the flange where the gasket ends at the bottom of the front cover.

  8. Object Number: 719124  Size: SH
  9. Install the engine front cover gasket into the front cover.
  10. 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.

  11. Install the engine front cover.
  12. 7.1. Hold the front cover (1) up to the crankshaft (2).
    7.2. Lift the front cover (1) while sliding the cover over the crankshaft (2).
    7.3. Slide the front cover towards the engine block (5) while keeping the cover raised.
    7.4. Lower the cover down over the dowel pin (4), allowing the front cover to rest on the sealant (3).

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 677874  Size: SH
  13. Install the engine front cover bolts.
  14. Tighten

        • Tighten the engine front cover bolts in sequence to 6 N·m (53 lb in) in the first pass.
        • Tighten the engine front cover bolts in sequence to 12 N·m (106 lb in) in the second pass.

    Object Number: 470803  Size: SH
  15. Inspect the camshaft position sensor O-ring for cuts, cracks, tears or damage. Replace the O-ring as needed.
  16. Apply a light film of clean engine oil to the camshaft position sensor O-ring.
  17. Install the camshaft position sensor.
  18. 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.

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