Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Savana Special, 2003 GMC Savana Camper Special, 2003 GMC Savana, 2003 Chevrolet RV Cutaway, and 2003 Chevrolet Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Important:

Do not reuse the crankshaft oil seal or front cover gasket.
Do not apply any type of sealant to the front cover gasket (unless specified).
The special tool in this procedure is used to properly center the front 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.
- An improperly aligned front cover may cause premature front oil seal wear and/or engine oil leaks.

Apply a 5 mm (0.20 in) bead of sealant GM U.S. P/N 12378190, or equivalent 20 mm (0.80 in) long to the oil pan to engine block junction.
Install the front cover gasket and cover.
Install the front cover bolts until snug. Do not overtighten.

Fig 1: Installing Front Cover Gasket, Cover & Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the oil pan-to-front cover bolts until snug. Do not over tighten.

Fig 2: Installing Oil Pan-To-Front Cover Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install J 41476 to the front cover.
Align the tapered legs of the J 41476 with the machined alignment surfaces on the front cover.
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.
Install the crankshaft balancer bolt until snug. Do not overtighten.
Tighten
1. Tighten the oil pan to front cover bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
2. Tighten the engine front cover bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
Remove the J 41476 .

Fig 3: Installing J 41476 To Front Cover
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install a NEW crankshaft front oil seal. Refer to Crankshaft Front Oil Seal Replacement .
Install the water pump. Refer to WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT (4.8L, 5.3L, AND 6.0L ENGINES) or WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT (4.3L ENGINE) .