GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 37096 Flywheel Holder

  1. Drain the engine coolant from the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
  2. Remove the drive belt tensioner. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement .
  3. Remove the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement .
  4. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors from the engine front cover.

  5. Object Number: 97731  Size: SH
  6. Remove the crankshaft position sensor shield.
  7. Install the J 28467-B . Refer to Engine Support Fixture .
  8. Remove the engine mount bracket for oil pan access. Refer to Engine Mount and Bracket Replacement .
  9. Important: The oil pan can be dropped slightly for engine front cover clearance if all pan bolts are loosened and the oil level sensor is removed.

  10. Lower the oil pan and remove the oil pan-to-engine front cover bolts.

  11. Object Number: 406039  Size: SH
  12. Remove the oil filter. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .
  13. Remove the radiator outlet hose. Refer to Radiator Outlet Hose Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  14. Remove the water pump pulley. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Engine Cooling.

  15. Object Number: 97733  Size: SH
  16. Remove the crankshaft position sensor.

  17. Object Number: 97759  Size: SH
  18. Remove the engine front cover attaching bolts.
  19. Remove the engine front cover with the oil filter adapter as one assembly.

  20. Object Number: 97758  Size: SH
  21. Remove the engine front cover gasket.
  22. If replacing the engine front cover, remove the oil filter adapter and pressure relief valve from the engine front cover. Refer to Oil Filter Adapter and Bypass Valve Assembly Replacement .
  23. If replacing the engine front cover, remove the water pump from the engine front cover. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Engine Cooling.

  24. Object Number: 153600  Size: SH
  25. If replacing the engine front cover, remove the oil pump cover and gear set from the engine front cover. Refer to Oil Pump Cover and Gear Set Replacement .
  26. Inspect the oil pump cover and gear set. Refer to Oil Pump Cleaning and Inspection .

  27. Object Number: 153587  Size: SH
  28. If replacing the engine front cover, remove the camshaft position sensor from the engine front cover.
  29. Inspect the timing chain for overall in and out movement. Maximum movement is 25.4 mm (1 in). Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain and Sprocket Cleaning and Inspection .
  30. Inspect the sprockets for wear.
  31. Clean the mating surfaces of the front cover and cylinder block.
  32. Clean the sealing surfaces with degreaser.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter
    • J 37096 Flywheel Holder

    Object Number: 153587  Size: SH

    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.

  1. If replacing the engine front cover, install the camshaft position sensor to the engine front cover.
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the camshaft position sensor bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 153600  Size: SH
  3. If replacing the engine front cover, install the oil pump cover and gear set to the engine front cover. Refer to Oil Pump Cover and Gear Set Replacement .
  4. If replacing the engine front cover, install the oil filter adapter and pressure relief valve to the engine front cover. Refer to Oil Filter Adapter and Bypass Valve Assembly Replacement .
  5. If replacing the engine front cover, install the water pump to the engine front cover. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Engine Cooling.

  6. Object Number: 153589  Size: SH
  7. Install the new crankshaft front oil seal. Refer to Crankshaft Front Oil Seal Replacement .

  8. Object Number: 97758  Size: SH
  9. Install the new engine front cover gasket. Ensure that the sealing surfaces are not damaged.
  10. Apply sealer GM P/N 1052080 or equivalent to the bolt threads.
  11. Align the cogs on the crankshaft sprocket with the cogs on the oil pump gear set in the engine front cover.

  12. Object Number: 97759  Size: SH
  13. Install the engine front cover on the engine.

  14. Object Number: 97733  Size: SH
  15. Install the crankshaft position sensor.

  16. Object Number: 153588  Size: SH
  17. Install the engine front cover bolts (1-7).
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the engine front cover bolts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft). Use the J 36660-A in order to rotate the bolts an additional 40 degrees.

  19. Inspect the oil pan gasket. Replace it if necessary.
  20. Install the oil pan-to-engine front cover bolts, and the oil pan bolts if loosened.
  21. Tighten
    Tighten the oil pan to the engine front cover bolts to 14 N·m (125 lb in).

  22. Install the engine mount bracket.
  23. Lower the engine.
  24. Install the engine mount bracket bolts. Refer to Engine Mount and Bracket Replacement .
  25. Remove the J 28467-B .
  26. Install the water pump pulley. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  27. Connect the radiator outlet hose. Refer to Radiator Outlet Hose Replacement in Engine Cooling.

  28. Object Number: 153591  Size: SH
  29. Install the oil filter. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement .

  30. Object Number: 97731  Size: SH
  31. Install the crankshaft position sensor shield.
  32. Connect the wiring harness connectors to the engine front cover.
  33. Install the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement .
  34. Install the drive belt tensioner. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement .
  35. Fill the cooling system with engine coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
  36. Fill the crankcase with clean engine oil.
  37. Inspect for proper fluid levels.
  38. Inspect for leaks.