GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cleaning Procedure

  1. Clean the camshaft covers in solvent.
  2. Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

  3. Dry the camshaft covers with compressed air.

Inspection Procedure

  1. Inspect each camshaft cover for the dents or damage to the exterior. A dented or damaged camshaft cover may:
  2. • Leak engine oil
    • Effect crankcase ventilation
    • Interfere with the camshafts
    • Interfere with the ignition coil sealing
    • Allow water or condensation to enter the engine

    Object Number: 1864454  Size: SH
  3. Inspect the exterior of the left camshaft cover for the following conditions:
  4. • Damage to the camshaft cover bolt holes (1)
    • Damage to the oil fill hole (2)
    • Damage to the mounting holes (3) for the ignition coil assembly and fuel injector sight shield ballstud.
    • Damage to the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) hose connector (4) -- A damaged PCV hose connector is replaceable.

    Object Number: 1864456  Size: SH
  5. Inspect the interior of the left camshaft cover for the following conditions:
  6. • Gouges or damage to the camshaft cover sealing groove (1)
    • Damaged, loose or missing baffle fasteners (2)
    • Damaged, loose or missing baffle (3)
    • Gouges or damage to the spark plug shield seal bore (4)
    • Restrictions to the ventilation system (5)

    Object Number: 1864457  Size: SH
  7. Inspect the exterior of the right camshaft cover for the following conditions:
  8. • Damage to the PCV orifice (1) -- A damaged PCV orifice can be replaced. Refer to PCV Orifice Replacement.
    • Damage to the mounting holes (2) for the ignition coil assembly
    • Damage to the camshaft cover bolt holes (3)

    Object Number: 1864458  Size: SH
  9. Inspect the interior of the right camshaft cover for the following conditions:
  10. • Restrictions to the ventilation system (1)
    • Gouges or damage to the spark plug shield seal bore (2)
    • Gouges or damage to the camshaft cover sealing groove (3)
  11. Repair or replace the camshaft cover or covers as necessary.

PCV Orifice Replacement


    Object Number: 1832356  Size: SH

    Important: If the PCV orifice is damaged or plugged and cannot be cleaned out, the PCV orifice can be replaced.

  1. Remove the old PCV orifice by griping the neck of the orifice with pliers and twisting and pulling out of the right camshaft cover.

  2. Object Number: 1211037  Size: SH
  3. Apply sealant GM P/N 12378521 (Canadian P/N 88901148) or equivalent to the NEW PCV orifice (1).

  4. Object Number: 1832357  Size: SH
  5. Install the NEW PCV orifice into the right camshaft cover. After insertion, twist the PCV orifice in order to eliminate any vertical leak paths in the sealant.

PCV Fitting Replacement


    Object Number: 1832359  Size: SH

    Important: If the PCV fitting is damaged or plugged and cannot be cleaned out, the PCV fitting can be replaced.

  1. Remove the old PCV fitting.
  2. Install the new PCV fitting with a NEW O-ring.