Engine Rear Cover Installation

Tools Required

• J 41480  Front and Rear Cover Alignment - Oil Pan Surface. See Special Tools .
• J 41476  Front and Rear Cover Alignment Tool - Crankshaft Oil Seal Area. See Special Tools .

Fig 1: View Of Engine Block Rear Oil Gallery Plug
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT:
• Do not use the crankshaft rear oil seal or the engine rear housing gasket again.
• Do not apply any type of sealant to the rear housing gasket, unless specified.
• The special tools in this procedure are used to properly align the engine rear housing at the oil pan surface and to center the crankshaft rear oil seal.
• The crankshaft rear oil seal will be installed after the rear housing has been installed and aligned. Install the rear housing 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 housing and engine block MUST be aligned within specifications.
  • An improperly aligned rear housing may cause premature rear oil seal wear and/or engine assembly oil leaks.
1. Inspect the rear oil gallery plug for proper installation.
Fig 2: View Of Rear Cover, Bolts & Gasket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
2. Install the rear housing gasket, rear housing and bolts.
3. Tighten the bolts finger tight. Do not overtighten.
Fig 3: View Of J 41480 Installed
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
IMPORTANT: Start the J 41480  tool-to-rear housing bolts. See Special Tools . Do not tighten the bolts at this time.
4. Install the J 41480  and bolts. See Special Tools .

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

Fig 4: View Of J 41480 & J 41476
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: To properly align the rear housing, the J 41476  must be installed onto the rear of the crankshaft with the tool mounting bolts parallel to the oil pan surface. See Special Tools .
5. Rotate the crankshaft until 2 opposing flywheel bolt holes are parallel to the oil pan surface.
Fig 5: View Of J 41480 & J 41476 Installed
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: The tapered legs of the alignment tool must enter the rear housing oil seal bore.
6. Install the J 41476  and bolts onto the rear of the crankshaft. See Special Tools .

   Tighten: 

   1. Tighten the tool mounting bolts until snug. Do not overtighten.
   2. Tighten the J 41480  tool-to-rear housing bolts evenly to 12 N. See Special Tools .m (106 lb in).
   3. Tighten the rear housing bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).

7. Remove the tools.
Fig 6: View Of Rear Cover-To-Engine Block Proper Installation Position
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
8. Measure the rear housing-to-engine block oil pan surface for flatness.
   1. Place a straight edge onto the engine block and rear housing 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 housing and the straight edge. The housing must be flush with the oil pan or no more than 0.5 mm (0.02 in) below flush.
9. If the rear housing-to-engine block oil pan surface alignment is not within specifications, repeat the housing alignment procedure.
10. If the correct rear housing-to-engine block alignment at the oil pan surface cannot be obtained, replace the rear housing.