GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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 from the crankshaft. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Removal .

  3. Object Number: 64278  Size: SH
  4. Remove the engine front cover from the engine. Refer to Engine Front Cover Removal .
  5. Clean and inspect all parts. Refer to Engine Front Cover Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure

Important: 

   • Do not reuse the crankshaft oil seal or front cover gasket.
   • Do not slide the front cover/gasket across the oil pan gasket.
   • The special tool in this procedure is used to properly align the crankshaft front oil seal.
   • 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 assembly oil leaks.


    Object Number: 64278  Size: SH
  1. Apply a 5 mm (0.20 in) bead of GM P/N 12378190 to the corner were the oil pan meets the engine block.
  2. Install the front cover, gasket and bolts on to the engine.
  3. Tighten the cover bolts finger tight. Do not overtighten.

  4. Object Number: 203658  Size: SH

    Important: Align the tapered legs of the tool with the machined alignment surfaces on the front cover.

  5. Align theJ 41476
  6. 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.
  8. Tighten

    1. Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt by hand until snug. Do not overtighten the bolt.
    2. Snug the oil pan-to-cover bolts in order to position the cover at the pan rail.
    3. Tighten the oil pan-to-front cover bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
    4. Tighten the front cover bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
  9. Remove J 41476 from the front cover.
  10. Install the front crankshaft oil seal. Refer to Crankshaft Front Cover Oil Seal Installation
  11. Install the crankshaft balancer to the crankshaft. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Installation
  12. Install the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement in Engine Cooling.