Engine Rear Cover Installation

Tools Required 

• J 41480  Front/Rear Cover Alignment - Oil Pan Surface
• J 41476  Front/Rear Cover Alignment - Crankshaft Oil Seal Area

Important: 

• Do not use the crankshaft rear oil seal or the engine rear cover gasket again.
• Do not apply any type sealant to the rear cover gasket, unless specified.
• The special tools in this procedure are used to properly align the engine rear cover at the oil pan surface and to center the crankshaft rear oil seal.
• The crankshaft rear oil seal will be installed after the rear cover has been installed and aligned. Install the rear cover without the crankshaft oil seal.
  • The crankshaft rear oil seal MUST be centered in relation to the crankshaft.
  • The oil pan sealing surface at the rear cover and engine block MUST be aligned within specifications.
  • An improperly aligned rear cover may cause premature rear oil seal wear and/or engine assembly oil leaks.

1. Inspect the rear oil gallery plug for proper installation.
   Fig 1: Inspecting Rear Oil Gallery Plug For Proper Installation

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
2. Install the rear cover gasket, rear cover and bolts.
3. Tighten the bolts finger tight. Do not overtighten.
   Fig 2: Installing Rear Cover Gasket, Rear Cover & Bolts

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
   CAUTION: 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.

   Important:  Start the J 41480  tool-to-rear cover bolts. Do not tighten the bolts at this time.

4. Install the J 41480  and bolts.

   Tighten 

   Tighten the tool-to-engine block bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).

   Fig 3: Installing J 41480 & Bolts

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Important:  To properly align the rear cover, the J 41476  must be installed onto the rear of the crankshaft with the tool mounting bolts parallel to the oil pan surface.

5. Rotate the crankshaft until 2 opposing flywheel bolt holes are parallel to the oil pan surface.
   Fig 4: Installing J 41476 With Tool Mounting Bolts Parallel To Oil Pan Surface

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Important:  The tapered legs of the alignment tool must enter the rear cover oil seal bore.

6. Install the J 41476  and bolts onto the rear of the crankshaft.

   Tighten 

   1. Tighten the tool mounting bolts until snug.

      Do not overtighten.

   2. Tighten the J 41480  tool-to-rear cover bolts evenly to 12 N.m (106 lb in).
   3. Tighten the rear cover bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
7. Remove the tools.
   Fig 5: Installing J 41476 & Bolts Onto Rear Of Crankshaft

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
8. Measure the rear cover-to-engine block oil pan surface for flatness.
   1. Place a straight edge onto the engine block and rear cover oil pan sealing surfaces.

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

   2. Insert a feeler gage between the rear cover and the straight edge. The cover must be flush with the oil pan or no more than 0.5 mm (0.02 in) below flush.
9. If the rear cover-to-engine block oil pan surface alignment is not within specifications, repeat the cover alignment procedure.
10. If the correct rear cover-to-engine block alignment at the oil pan surface cannot be obtained, replace the rear cover.
    Fig 6: Measuring Rear Cover-To-Engine Block Oil Pan Surface

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.