GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 29184 Oil Seal Installer
    • EN-46103 Camshaft Actuator Valve Seal Remover/Installer
    • EN 46109 Engine Front Cover Installation Guide Pins

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1795579  Size: SH
  1. Remove the engine assembly. Refer to Engine Replacement.
  2. Remove the cylinder head covers. Refer to Camshaft Cover Replacement - Left Side and Camshaft Cover Replacement - Right Side.
  3. Remove the crankshaft pulley assembly. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement.

  4. Object Number: 1795984  Size: SH
  5. Remove the camshaft position sensors and camshaft position actuator solenoid valves. Refer to Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement.
  6. Remove the bolt (2), 22 places, attaching the front cover assembly (1).

  7. Object Number: 1795986  Size: SH

    Important: Only use the pry points and a bolt in the jackscrew hole to remove the engine front cover.

  8. Loosely install a proper bolt in the jackscrew hole (1).
  9. Using the pry points (2) located at the edge of the front cover and the jackscrew, shear the RTV sealant.

  10. Object Number: 1795997  Size: SH
  11. Remove the front cover assembly (1).

Disassembly Procedure


    Object Number: 1795998  Size: SH
  1. Remove the crankshaft front oil seal (1) from the engine front cover (2) using a flat-bladed tool. Discard the seals.

  2. Object Number: 1795999  Size: SH
  3. Remove the camshaft position actuator valve oil seals (1) from the engine front cover (2). Discard the seals.

  4. Object Number: 1796002  Size: SH
  5. Remove the coolant pump seal (1) from the engine front cover (2) and discard the seal.

Cleaning Procedure


    Object Number: 1796014  Size: SH

    Important: Do not use a sharp or metal gasket scraper to clean the sealing surfaces.

  1. Remove any RTV sealant (1) from the engine front cover using a plastic or wood scraper.
  2. Clean out any debris from the bolt holes.
  3. Clean the front cover with a suitable cleaning solvent.
  4. Dry the front cover with compressed air.

Inspection Procedure


    Object Number: 1796017  Size: SH
  1. Inspect both sides of the engine front cover for the following conditions:
  2. • Damage to the camshaft position actuator valve oil seal bores (1)
    • Damage to the bolt  (2)
    • Damage and/or corrosion to the engine coolant passage (3)
    • Dents or damage to the exterior (4)
    • Damage to the crankshaft front oil seal bore (5)
    • Gouges or damage to the coolant pump sealing surfaces (6)
    • Damage to the coolant pump bolt hole threads (7)
  3. Repair or replace the front cover as required.

Assembly Procedure


    Object Number: 1796020  Size: SH

    Important: Do not lubricate the crankshaft front oil seal or crankshaft pulley sealing surfaces. The crankshaft pulley is installed into a dry seal.

  1. Install a new crankshaft front oil seal (1) into the front cover (2) using the crankshaft front seal installer, J 29184  (3) and a suitable hammer.

  2. Object Number: 1796022  Size: SH
  3. Install a new camshaft position actuator valve oil seal (1) into the front cover (2) using EN-46103  (3) and a suitable hammer.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1796405  Size: SH
  1. Install the guide pins, EN 46109  (1) into the engine block, 2 places.

  2. Object Number: 1796406  Size: SH
  3. Install a new engine front cover to cylinder block seal (1).

  4. Object Number: 1796014  Size: SH
  5. Apply the RTV sealant (1) to the front cover.

  6. Object Number: 1795997  Size: SH
  7. Place the front cover onto the special tools and slide into position.
  8. Remove the special tools from the cylinder block.
  9. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1796461  Size: SH
  10. Tighten the engine front cover bolts in the sequence shown.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the engine front cover bolts to 23 N·m (17 lb  ft).

  12. Install any other parts that were previously removed.
  13. Install the engine assembly. Refer to Engine Replacement.