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PATH:Engine MechanicalEngine Mechanical ComponentsTiming Chain Cover & SealRemoval & Installation3.1L And 3.4L (VIN E) Engines

3.1L And 3.4L (VIN E) Engines
WARNING
The timing chain front cover (also called the engine front cover) is made of aluminum. Use care when working with light alloy parts.
NOTE
The crankshaft front oil seal can be replaced without removing the timing chain front cover.
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Drain the engine coolant and engine oil into suitable containers.
  3. Remove the crankshaft balancer (see below) using the procedures found in this section.
  4. Remove the drive belt tensioner.
  5. Without disconnecting the fluid lines, remove the power steering pump and set aside.
  6. Remove the thermostat pipe from the front engine cover.
  7. Remove the lower radiator hose from the water pump.
  8. Remove the drive belt shield and remove the water pump pulley.
  9. Remove the crankshaft position sensor from the engine timing chain front cover.
  10. Remove the front cover bolts. Note that they are different lengths. Use care to note the position of the bolts at removal so they can be returned to their original locations. Separate the engine timing chain front cover from the engine. Discard the gasket. If the cover if being replaced with a new one, transfer the water pump to the replacement cover.

Timing chain front cover—3.1 and 3.4L (VIN E) engines
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Timing chain cover gasket and seal arrangement—3.1L and 3.4L (VIN E) engines
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To install:

  1. Clean all parts well, especially the gasket sealing surfaces. Inspect the water pump shaft and vanes for looseness. Inspect the front cover seal for damage. If the front seal is to be replaced, use the following procedure.
  2. Note that the crankshaft front oil seal can be replaced without removing the timing chain front cover.
  3. With the front cover on or off the engine, after removing the crankshaft balancer, pry the seal out with an appropriate prying tool.
  4. Inspect the crankshaft, the balancer and the front cover for scratches. Replace or repair as necessary.
  5. Lubricate the replacement crankshaft seal with clean engine oil to make installation easier.
  6. A seal driver is recommended. Install the seal making sure the seal lip faces the engine. Tap into place with a seal driver. Support the aluminum cover underneath to prevent distortion and do not hammer on the seal. Tap in lightly until it seats.

§  Coat both sides of the lower tabs of the new cover gasket for about 1/4 inch with sealer, GM #1052080, or equivalent. Install the gasket to the engine block taking care to align the gasket with the dowel pins in the block.

§  Install the front timing chain cover. Install the bolts into their original locations, as noted at removal. Tighten the large bolts to 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm) and the small bolts to 15 ft. lbs. (21 Nm).

§  Install the crankshaft position sensor to the engine timing chain front cover.

§  Install the remainder of the components in the order in which they were removed.

§  Refill the engine with coolant and engine oil. A filter change is recommended.

§  Connect the negative battery cable.

crankshaft balancer

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PATH:Engine MechanicalEngine Mechanical ComponentsCrankshaft Damper (Balancer)Removal & Installation3.1L & 3.4L Engines

3.1L & 3.4L Engines
WARNING
The inertial weight section of the crankshaft balancer (also called a Crankshaft Damper, or Torsional Damper) is assembled to the hub with a rubber type material. The correct installation procedures, with the proper tools, must be followed or movement of the inertial weight section of the hub will destroy the tuning of the crankshaft balancer.
  1. Remove the drive belt. Please see Section 1.
  2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
  3. Remove the right front tire assembly. Locate and remove the right splash shield.
  4. On the 3.4L (VIN X) engine, remove the three bolts holding the crankshaft pulley and remove the pulley.
  5. Remove the crankshaft balancer bolt and washer.
  6. Remove the crankshaft balancer using a three-leg puller such as J 24420-B, or equivalent.

Crankshaft balancer removal—3.1L engine
Click to Enlarge

To install:

  1. Clean all parts well. Apply a thin coat of sealer GM #12345739, or equivalent, to the keyway of the balancer. This is to help prevent oil from wicking along the keyway and causing a leak.
  2. Install the crankshaft balancer using tool J 29113 Crankshaft Balancer Installer or equivalent, to draw the balancer onto the crankshaft. Do not hammer on the balancer.
  3. Install the crankshaft bolt and washer and torque to 76–80 ft. lbs. (103–108 Nm).
  4. Install the remainder of the components in the reverse order of removal.

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