Cover(S), Engine Timing: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

NOTE:

It is NOT necessary to remove the water pump, thermostat or the coolant outlet housing for engine timing cover removal. These components only need to be removed if replacing the timing cover.

Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
Remove the air cleaner body. Refer to REMOVAL .
Remove the front skid plate. Refer to REMOVAL .
Drain the cooling system. Refer to DRAINING .

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Remove the heater core return hose (1) from the water pump housing.
Remove the lower radiator hose (2) from the water pump housing.

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Disconnect the coolant bottle inlet hose (2) from the outlet hose.
Disengage the retainers (1) from the support bracket and position the hose aside.

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Remove the heater core supply hose (1) from the coolant outlet housing.
Remove the bolt (2) securing the outlet tube to the support bracket.
Disconnect the clamp (3) and remove the outlet tube from the thermostat housing.
NOTE:
Secure coolant hoses aside to allow for unrestricted access to the front cover.

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Remove the upper radiator hose (1) from the thermostat housing and position aside.
NOTE:
The thermostat housing may be left in place if the timing cover is not being replaced.
Remove the electric vacuum pump. Refer to PUMP, ELECTRIC VACUUM, REMOVAL .
Remove the accessory drive belt. Refer to 3.6L .
Remove the accessory drive belt tensioner. Refer to 3.6L .
Remove the accessory idler pulley. Refer to 3.6L .
Remove the crankshaft vibration damper. Refer to REMOVAL .
Remove the right and left cylinder head covers. Refer to COVER(S), CYLINDER HEAD, REMOVAL .

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Remove the five front oil pan to timing cover bolts (1).

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NOTE:
It is NOT necessary to remove the water pump, thermostat or the coolant outlet housing for engine timing cover removal. These components only need to be removed if the timing cover is being replaced.
Remove the following timing cover attaching bolts:
- Three M10 bolts (1)
- Two M8 bolts (2)
- Twenty-two M6 bolts (3)
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Using the seven indicated pry points, carefully remove the timing cover.
NOTE:
If necessary, the use of a heat gun may assist in removing the timing cover.

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If required for replacement of timing cover, remove the remaining four M6 bolts (2) and the coolant outlet housing (1) from the engine timing cover.
If required for replacement of timing cover, remove the remaining four M6 bolts (4) and the water pump (3) from the engine timing cover.

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CAUTION:
Do not use oil based liquids, wire brushes, abrasive wheels or metal scrapers to clean the engine gasket surfaces. Use only isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, along with plastic or wooden scrapers. Improper gasket surface preparation may result in engine fluid leakage.
Remove all residual sealant from the timing chain cover (1-4), cylinder head, and engine block mating surfaces. Refer to ENGINE GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION .

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Insert a shop cloth (1) into the front opening of the oil pan and remove all residual sealant (2) from the oil pan and engine block mating surfaces. Refer to ENGINE GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION .

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Remove and discard the coolant outlet housing gasket (1) and the water pump gasket (2).
NOTE:
Take this opportunity to measure timing chain wear. Refer to MEASURING TIMING CHAIN WEAR .