Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery, then remove the air filter housing and the air intake duct. Drain the coolant and engine oil, followed by the removal of the drivebelt and unbolting the drivebelt tensioner. Next, take out the thermostat and the water pump pulley, followed by the crankshaft pulley. Attach an engine support fixture to the engine lifting eyes, then remove the passenger side engine mount and the mount support bracket from the front of the timing chain cover. Remove the lower drivebelt idler pulley, the oil pan, the left drivebelt idler pulley, and the engine mount bracket from the top of the timing chain cover. Proceed to remove the water pump, the thermostat bypass hose adapter, and detach the radiator outlet hose from the timing chain cover. Remove the timing chain cover-to-engine block bolts and separate the cover from the engine, tapping gently with a soft-face hammer if necessary. Temporarily install the crankshaft pulley bolt and turn the crankshaft to align the timing marks on the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets. Remove the camshaft sprocket bolt(s) without turning the camshaft, and use two large screwdrivers to carefully pry the camshaft sprocket off the camshaft dowel pin, slipping the timing chain and camshaft sprocket off the engine. The timing chain should be replaced if the engine has high mileage, shows visible damage, or if total free play exceeds one inch. Inspect the timing chain dampener plate for cracks and wear, and clean the timing chain and sprockets with solvent. Remove all traces of old gasket material and sealant from the cover and engine block, then install the dampener plate and tighten the bolts. If the camshaft has turned, position the dowel pin at 3 o'clock, mesh the timing chain with the camshaft sprocket, and engage it with the crankshaft sprocket, ensuring the timing marks are aligned. Install the camshaft sprocket bolt(s) and verify alignment with the dowel pin, then lubricate the chain, sprocket, and front of the crankshaft gear with clean engine oil. Apply RTV sealant to both sides of the new gasket, position it on the engine block, and attach the cover, tightening the bolts in a criss-cross pattern. Complete the installation in reverse order, add oil and coolant, start the engine, and check for leaks.
Posted by GMPartsGiant Specialist