GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 SSR 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L 🢒 Engine Front Cover Replacement

Tools Required

J 41476 Front and Rear Cover Alignment (at crankshaft seal area)

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  2. Remove the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement .
  3. Remove the oil pan-to-front cover bolts.

    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 .

Installation Procedure

Important: 

   • Do not reuse the crankshaft oil seal or front cover gasket.
   • Do not apply any type of sealant to the front cover gasket (unless specified).
   • The special tool in this procedure is used to properly center the front 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 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. Install the oil pan-to-front cover bolts until snug. Do not over tighten.

    5. Object Number: 451712 Size: SH
  5. Install 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 snug. 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. Install a NEW crankshaft front oil seal. Refer to Crankshaft Front Oil Seal Replacement .
  10. Install the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Engine Cooling.