Disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then remove the fan, fan shroud, radiator, and water pump pulley. Next, remove the vibration damper, unbolt the alternator and bracket assembly, and after removing the alternator, take off the bracket retaining nuts before unbolting the timing cover. Remove the oil pan-to-timing cover bolts and timing cover-to-engine block bolts, then separate the timing cover from the engine, gently tapping on it with a soft-face mallet if necessary, and temporarily stuff a rag into the oil pan opening to prevent debris entry. Cut off the oil pan side gasket end tabs flush with the front face of the engine block, saving the cut-off gasket tabs for later reference, and clean the mating surfaces of the timing cover, oil pan, and engine block, ensuring all traces of oil and old gasket material are removed. For installation, apply RTV sealant to both sides of the new timing cover-to-engine block gasket and position it on the engine. Trim the replacement oil pan side gasket ends to the appropriate sizes using the cut-off tabs as guides, apply RTV sealant to the gasket ends, and install them on the exposed portions of the oil pan side rails. Generously coat the timing cover end tab recesses of the new timing cover-to-oil pan seal with RTV sealant, position the seal on the timing cover, and apply engine oil to the seal-to-oil pan contact surface before positioning the timing cover on the engine block. Use the vibration damper to center the timing cover during installation, ensuring the old oil seal is in place to avoid damage. Install the timing cover-to-block and oil pan-to-cover bolts, tightening them to the specified torque, then replace the crankshaft front oil seal. With the key inserted in the crankshaft, install the vibration damper and reinstall the remaining components in the reverse order of removal. Finally, run the engine and check for oil leaks.
