Engine Front Cover Installation (LS3)

Special Tools

• EN-48853:  Front Cover Alignment Tool
• J 41480:  Front and Rear Cover Alignment

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Fig 1: Identifying Alignment Tab Distance
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
1. Measure the alignment tab distance on the front cover.

   The engine front cover may have either a 141 mm (5.55 in) dimension (a) or 159 mm (6.26 in) dimension (b) alignment tab distance. Front cover alignment tool EN-48853:  alignment tool is designed to properly align both front covers. For the 141 mm (5.55 in) cover, adapters EN-48853-2 must be used.

Fig 2: View Of Front Cover & Gasket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .
NOTE:
• Do not use the crankshaft oil seal or the engine front cover gasket again.
• Do not apply any type of sealant to the front cover gasket, unless specified.
• The special tools in this procedure are used to properly align the engine front cover at the oil pan surface and to center the 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.

  • The oil pan sealing surface at the front cover and engine block MUST be aligned within specifications.
  • An improperly aligned front cover may cause premature front oil seal wear and/or engine assembly oil leaks.
2. Install the front cover gasket (3), front cover (2), and bolts (1).
3. Tighten the cover bolts finger tight. Do not overtighten.
Fig 3: Engine Front Cover Alignment Tool
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE: Start the tool-to-front cover bolts. Do not tighten the bolts at this time.
4. Install the J 41480:  cover alignment and tighten the tool-to-engine block bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
Fig 4: Front & Rear Cover Alignment Adapters
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
5. Install the EN-48853-2 adapters as required for usage on the 141 mm (5.55 in) dimension (a) front cover. Position the adapters against the legs of the EN-48853:  tool with the words "cover side" (1) facing away from the tool.
Fig 5: Alignment Tool & Cover Alignment
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE: Align the tapered legs of the tool with the machined alignment surfaces on the front cover.
6. Install the EN-48853:  alignment tool (1).
7. Install the crankshaft balancer bolt.
8. Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt by hand until snug. Do not overtighten.
9. Tighten the J 41480:  cover alignment (2).
10. Tighten the engine front cover bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
11. Remove the tools.
Fig 6: Oil Pan Surface Flatness
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
12. Measure the oil pan surface flatness, front cover-to-engine block.
    1. Place a straight edge across the engine block and front cover oil pan sealing surfaces.

       Avoid contact with the portion of the gasket that protrudes into the oil pan surface.

    2. Insert a feeler gauge between the front cover and the straight edge tool. The cover must be flush with the oil pan surface or no greater than 0.3 mm (0.0118 in) (a) below flush.
13. If the front cover-to-engine block oil pan surface alignment is not within specifications, repeat the cover alignment procedure.
14. If the correct front cover-to-engine block alignment cannot be obtained, replace the front cover.
Fig 7: View Of Front Cover, Oil Seal, Camshaft Position Sensor, Bracket & O Ring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
15. Inspect the camshaft position (CMP) sensor O-ring seal (3) for cuts or damage. If the seal is not cut or damaged, it may be used again.
16. Lubricate the O-ring seal with clean engine oil.
17. Install the O-ring seal onto the sensor (2).
18. Install the sensor to the cover.
19. Install the CMP sensor wire harness (5) and bolts (1, 6). Tighten the bolts to 12 N.m (106 lb in).