GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 11502  Size: SH
  1. Remove the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement .
  2. Remove the crankshaft balancer and the hub. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer and Hub Replacement
  3. Remove the distributor. Refer to Distributor Replacement in Ignition System.
  4. Remove the oil pan. Oil Pan Replacement .
  5. Remove the engine front cover bolts.
  6. Remove the engine front cover and the gasket.
  7. Remove the crankshaft position sensor from the front cover if you are replacing the front cover. Refer to Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement in engine controls.
  8. Remove the distributor driveshaft seal from the engine front cover. Use a flat-bladed tool.
  9. Clean the engine front cover and the engine block gasket surfaces.
  10. Inspect the engine front cover for damage to the oil seals or the gasket surface. Refer to Engine Front Cover and Oil Seal Installation .

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 39087 Driven Gear Shaft Front Cover Seal Protector
    • J 39937 Distributor Front Cover Seal Installer
  1. Install the distributor driveshaft seal to the engine front cover using the J 39937 .
  2. If previously removed, install the crankshaft position sensor to the engine front cover. Refer to Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement in Engine Controls.
  3. Important: Do not damage the oil seal when installing the engine front cover over the water pump driveshaft.


    Object Number: 11502  Size: SH
  4. Install the gasket and the engine front cover using the J 39087 on the water pump driveshaft.
  5. Notice: 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.

  6. Install the engine front cover bolts.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the engine front cover bolts to 12 N·m (106 lb in).

    Notice: 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.

  8. Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
  9. Install the distributor. Refer Distributor Replacement in Ignition System.
  10. Important: The crankshaft balancer and hub must be orented correctly on the crankshaft or an engine vibration may result.

  11. Install the crankshaft balancer and the hub. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer and Hub Replacement
  12. Install the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement