Engine Front Cover Installation

Tools Required 

J 42851  Front Cover Oil Seal Installer. See Special Tools and Equipment .

1. Lubricate the outer sealing surface of the crankshaft front oil seal lightly with clean engine oil. DO NOT lubricate the inner portion of the seal.
2. Position the NEW crankshaft front oil seal in the engine front cover so that the mark (1) on the rear of the seal is in the 12 o'clock position.

   Second design oil seals will not have an alignment mark on the rear face. The seal may be installed in any position.

Fig 1: View Of Engine Front Cover Mark
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. Install the crankshaft front oil seal using the J 42851  .
4. Install the front cover locating pins (129), if required.
Fig 2: View Of Front Cover Locating Pins
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: The engine front cover must be installed and the fasteners tightened while the sealant is still wet to the touch.
5. Apply a 3-4 mm (0.12-0.16 in) bead of sealant GM P/N 12346286, (Canadian P/N 10953472), or equivalent in 2 sealant points (1) on the engine block where the front cover meets the oil pan.
Fig 3: View Of Front Cover To Oil Pan Sealant Points
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Apply a 3-4 mm (0.12-0.16 in) bead of sealant GM P/N 12346286, (Canadian P/N 10953472), or equivalent in 2 sealant points (1) across the flange where the gasket ends at the bottom of the front cover.
Fig 4: View Of Bottom Of Front Cover Gasket To Flange Sealant Points
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. Install the engine front cover gasket into the front cover.
IMPORTANT: The following method must be used when installing the engine front cover. Failure to follow the instructions will push the sealant out, which may cause an oil leak.
8. Install the engine front cover.
   1. Hold the front cover (1) up to the crankshaft (2).
   2. Lift the front cover (1) while sliding the cover over the crankshaft (2).
   3. Slide the front cover towards the engine block (5) while keeping the cover raised.
   4. Lower the cover down over the dowel pin (4), allowing the front cover to rest on the sealant (3).
Fig 5: View Of Front Cover & Gasket Proper Installation Position
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
9. Install the engine front cover bolts.

   Tighten: 

   • Tighten the engine front cover bolts in sequence a first pass to 6 N.m (53 lb in).
   • Tighten the engine front cover bolts in sequence a final pass to 12 N.m (106 lb in).

Fig 6: Crankshaft Front Cover Bolt Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. Inspect the camshaft position (CMP) sensor O-ring for cuts, cracks, tears or damage. Replace the O-ring as needed.
11. Apply a light film of clean engine oil to the CMP sensor O-ring.
12. Install the CMP sensor.
Fig 7: View Of CMP Sensor
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE: This bolt is a self-tapping bolt. If installing this bolt into a new component, installation of the bolt may be difficult. Ensure that the bolt is not over-torqued during the initial installation (thread cutting). Failure to limit torque can lead to bolt failure.
13. Install the CMP sensor bolt.

    Tighten:  Tighten the CMP sensor bolt to 12 N.m (106 lb in).