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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2008 🢒 LaCrosse 🢒 Diagnostic Navigation 🢒 Vehicle Diagnostic Information 🢒 Engine Front Cover Replacement

Tools Required

J 41476 Front and Rear Cover Alignment Tool (at crankshaft seal area)

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 1704736 Size: SH
  1. Remove the generator. Refer to Generator Replacement .
  2. Remove the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement .
  3. Remove the coolant pump manifold. Refer to Coolant Pump Manifold Replacement .
  4. Remove the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement .
  5. Remove the belt tensioner bolt and reposition the tensioner (which blocks the front cover bolt).
  6. Remove the oil pan-to-front cover bolts.
  7. Remove the front cover bolts (1).
  8. Remove the front cover (2) and gasket (3).
  9. Discard the front cover gasket.

    10. Object Number: 1704738 Size: SH
  10. Remove the oil seal (4).
  11. Remove the bolt (1) and camshaft position (CMP) sensor (2).
  12. Remove the O-ring (3) from the sensor, as required.

Installation Procedure

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.


    Object Number: 1704736 Size: SH
  1. Install the front cover gasket (3), front cover (2), and bolts (1).
  2. Tighten the cover bolts finger tight. Do not overtighten.

    3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 63182 Size: SH

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

  3. Install the J 41480 .

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


    Object Number: 63185 Size: SH

    Important: Align the tapered legs of the tool with the machined alignment surfaces on the front cover.

  4. Install the J 41476 .
  5. Install the crankshaft balancer bolt.

    6. Tighten

    1. Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt by hand until snug. Do not overtighten.
    2. Tighten the J 41480 .
    3. Tighten the engine front cover bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
  6. Remove the tools.

    7. Object Number: 63242 Size: MH
  7. Measure the oil pan surface flatness, front cover-to-engine block.
    8. 7.1. 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.

    7.2. Insert a feeler gage between the front cover and the straight edge tool. The cover must be flush with the oil pan surface, or no greater than 0.5 mm (0.02 in) below flush.
  8. If the front cover-to-engine block oil pan surface alignment is not within specifications, repeat the cover alignment procedure.
  9. If the correct front cover-to-engine block alignment cannot be obtained, replace the front cover.

    10. Object Number: 1704738 Size: SH
  10. 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.
  11. Lubricate the O-ring seal with clean engine oil.
  12. Install the O-ring seal onto the sensor (2).
  13. Install the sensor to the cover.
  14. Install the bolt (1).

    15. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

  15. Install the coolant pump manifold. Refer to Coolant Pump Manifold Replacement .
  16. Inspect the CMP sensor O-ring seal (3) for cuts or damage. If the seal is not cut or damaged, it may be reused.
  17. Lubricate the O-ring seal with clean engine oil.
  18. Install the O-ring seal (3) onto the CMP sensor.
  19. Install the CMP sensor (2) and bolt (1) from the front cover.

    20. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

  20. Position the belt tensioner and install the bolt.

    21. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  21. Install the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement .
  22. Install the generator. Refer to Generator Replacement .