GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Corvette 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 5.7L 🢒 Engine Front Cover Replacement

Tools Required

    • J 41476 Front and Rear Cover Alignment (Crankshaft Oil Seal Area)
    • J 41478 Crankshaft Front Oil Seal Installer

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 701560 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 oil pan-to-front cover bolts (2).

    4. Object Number: 64278 Size: SH
  4. Remove the front cover bolts.
  5. Remove the front cover and gasket.
  6. Discard the front cover gasket.
  7. Clean and inspect the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical-5.7L Unit Repair.

Installation Procedure

Important: 

   • Do not reuse the crankshaft oil seal or front cover gasket.
   • Do not apply any type sealant to the front cover gasket (unless specified).
   • The special tool in this procedure is used to center the crankshaft front oil seal.
   • All gasket surfaces should be free of oil or other foreign material during assembly.
   • The crankshaft front oil seal MUST be centered in relation to the crankshaft.
   • An improperly aligned front cover may cause premature front oil seal wear and/or engine oil leaks.


    Object Number: 64278 Size: SH
  1. Apply a 5 mm (0.20 in) bead of sealant GM U.S. P/N 12378190, or equivalent 20 mm (0.80 in) long to the oil pan to engine block junction.
  2. Install the front cover gasket and cover.
  3. Install the front cover bolts until snug. Do not overtighten.

    4. Object Number: 701560 Size: SH
  4. Install the oil pan-to-front cover bolts (2) until snug. Do not overtighten.

    5. Object Number: 451712 Size: SH
  5. Install the J 41476 to the front cover.
  6. Align the tapered legs of the J 41476 with the machined alignment surfaces on the front cover.

    7. 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.

  7. Install the crankshaft balancer bolt until sung. Do not overtighten.

    8. Tighten

    1. Tighten the oil pan-to-front cover bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the engine front cover bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
  8. Remove the J 41476 .

    9. Object Number: 328699 Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Do not lubricate the oil seal sealing surface.
       • Do not reuse the crankshaft oil seal.

  9. Lubricate the outer edge of the oil seal (1) with clean engine oil.
  10. Lubricate the front cover oil seal bore with clean engine oil.

    11. Object Number: 63177 Size: SH
  11. Install the crankshaft front oil seal into the J 41478 guide.
  12. Install the J 41478 threaded rod (with nut, washer, guide, and oil seal) into the end of the crankshaft.
  13. Use the J 41478 in order to install the oil seal into the cover bore.
    14. • Use a wrench and hold the hex on the installer bolt.
    • Use a second wrench and rotate the installer nut clockwise until the seal bottoms in the cover bore.
    • Remove the tool.
    • Inspect the oil seal for proper installation. The oil seal should be installed evenly and completely into the front cover bore.
  14. Install the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  15. Install the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement .