Timing chain cover/oil pump housing — removal and installation …
Removal
1. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see Engine electrical systems).
2. Loosen the right front wheel lug nuts.
3. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the right front wheel.
4. Remove the lower splash shields (see illustrations 14.3a and 14.3b).
5. Remove the drivebelt (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
6. Remove the mounting bolts and detach the drivebelt tensioner from the timing chain cover.
7. Remove the water pump pulley (see Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems).
8. Remove the crankshaft pulley (see Crankshaft pulley and front oil seal — replacement).
9. Remove the alternator (see Engine electrical systems).
10. Remove the tensioner and bracket (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
11. Drain the engine oil (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
12. Support the engine with a floor jack. Place a wood block between the jack pad and the oil pan to avoid damaging the pan.
13. Remove the ground cable, and the right-side engine mount and bracket assembly (see Engine mounts — check and replacement).
14. Remove the valve cover (see Valve cover — removal and installation).
15. Remove the mounting bolts and the timing chain cover.
16. Remove the engine cover-to-block silicone gasket.
Installation
17. Inspect and clean all sealing surfaces of the timing chain cover and the block.
Caution: Be very careful when scraping on aluminum engine parts. Aluminum is soft and gouges easily. Severely gouged parts may require replacement.
18. If necessary, replace the crankshaft seal in the timing chain cover (see Crankshaft pulley and front oil seal — replacement).
19. Apply RTV sealant to the cylinder block mating surfaces on the timing chain cover, the upper surface contact areas and to the oil pan mating surfaces. Also, apply a small amount of RTV sealant to the inner thread holes.
20. Install a new timing chain cover 0-ring.
21. Install the timing chain cover and fasteners. Make sure the fasteners are in their original locations. Tighten the fasteners by hand until the cover is contacting the block around its entire periphery.
22. Tighten the bolts, a little at a time, to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
23. Install the drivebelt tensioner, tightening the bolts to the torque listed in the Chapter Tune-up and routine maintenance Specifications.
24. Install the crankshaft pulley (see Crankshaft pulley and front oil seal — replacement).
25. Reinstall the remaining parts in the reverse order of removal.
26. Fill the crankcase with the recommended oil (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
27. Reconnect the battery (see Engine electrical systems).
28. Start the engine and check for leaks. Check all fluid levels.