Why cant i take off the timing chain cover on my 02 oldsmobile bravada? all the bolts are off, but in the bottom right corner there is a long pipe looking thing that connects to the cover... how do i disconnect that little thing keeping the whole piece together and wont let me take off the cover and replace my timing chain, help :/

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/repairinfo/repairguide/repairGuideContent.jsp?fromSearchPage=true&pageId=0996b43f8036e7ab&partName=Timing+Chain+Cover%2C+Chain%2C+Sprockets%2C+%26+Seal&partId=0996b43f8036e7ab Here's a guide.

On a Bravada, the engine is positioned so that you have 4 cylinders on your left and right in an 8 cylinder, and 3 on each side in a 6 cylinder. If you look on each side you will see separate valve covers, About 4 inches below these covers are where your spark plugs go in. They will be between your exhaust pipes, where they mount to your engine.

you should have three.

There will be one on each exhaust pipe near the exhaust manifolds and one after the catalytic converter.

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_d728a59f986299fa

REPLACE WATER PUMP ON A 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. FIRST YOU HAVE TO DRAIN COOLANT SYSTEM IN A LARGE DRAIN. RADIATOR DRAIN PLUG SHOULD BE ON THE BOTTOM ON PASSENGER SIDE. THEN RAISE THE VECHICLE SUPPORT VECHICLE WITH JACKSTANDS. REMOVE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD FROM THE ENGINE. CAUTION DO NOT ROTATE THE FLEX COUPLING ON THE FRONT EXHAUST PIPE MORE THAN 4 DEGREE OR DAMAGE TO THE FLEX COUPLING MAY OCCUR. REMOVE THE THERMOSTAT AND THE COOLANT INLET PIPE FROM THE WATER PUMP HOUSING AND SEPARATE THE ASSEMBLY FROM THE ENGINE. LOWER THE VECHICLE REMOVE THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE FROM THE CAMSHAFT HOUSING. REMOVE THE FRONT TIMING CHAIN COVER AND THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FROM THE ENGINE. CAUTION THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER MUST BE REMOVED TO UNLOAD CHAIN TENSION BEFORE REMOVING THE WATER PUMP FROM THE HOUSING OTHERWISE THE WATER PUMP WILL BECOME JAMMED IN THE TIMING CHAIN HOUSING. REMOVE THE HEATER OUTLET PIPE FROM THE WATER PUMP COVER. REMOVE THE WATER PUMP COVER BOLTS FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK AND THE WATER PUMP. REMOVE WATER PUMP RETAINING NUTS AND SEPARATE THE WATER PUMP FROM THE TIMING CHAIN HOUSING. CLEAN THE SEALING SURFACES OF ALL GASKET MATERIAL ON THE WATER PUMP, WATER PUMP COVER AND THE TIMING CHAIN HOUSING. WIPE THE MATING SURFACES WITH A RAG SATURATED LACQUER THINNER OR ACETONE. YOU CAN BUY THESE CHEMICAL AT LOWES OR WALMART DEPARTMENT WHERE THEY SELL PAINTS. FIRST INSTALL THE WATER PUMP COVER AND GASKET TO THE WATER PUMP ON THE BENCH BUT LEAVE THE BOLTS FINGER TIGHT. APPLY A THIN LAYER OF RTV SEALANT TO BOTH SIDES OF THE NEW GASKET AND INSTALL THE GASKET ON THE WATER PUMP. WAIT FOR RTV SEALANT SET UP DRY FIRST. POSITION WATER PUMP AND WATER PUMP COVER ASSEMBLY INTO TIMING CHAIN HOUSING ENGAGING THE WATER PUMP SPROCKET IN THE TIMING CHAIN, AND INSTALL THE NUTS FINGER TIGHT. USE CAUTION TO ENSURE THAT THE GASKET DOESNT SLIP OUT OF POSITION. LEAVE THE NUTS LOOSE TO ALLOW REPOSITIONING WHEN THE BLOCK BOLTS ARE INSTALLED IN THE NEXT STEP. INSTALL THE WATER PUMP COVER TO ENGINE BLOCK BOLTS AND TIGHTEN THEM BY HAND. LUBRICATE THE O - RING ON THE HEATER OUTLET PIPE WITH COOLANT AND INSTALL IT INTO THE WATER PUMP COVER. HAND TIGHTEN THE BOLTS. NOW THAT THE ENTIRE WATER PUMP HOUSING ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED AND IS FITTED AGAINST THE ENGINE BLOCK. TIGHTEN BOLTS CRISS CROSS SEQUENCE TO INSURE PROPER SEAL TORQUE WATER PUMP TO TIMING CHAIN HOUSING NUTS TO 19 FT LBS .NOW TORQUE WATER PUMP COVER TO WATER PUMP HOUSING BOLTS TO 124 INCH POUNDS. TORQUE WATER PUMP COVER TO ENGINE BLOCK BOLTS 19 FT LBS. TORQUE 124 INCH POUNDS THE RADIATOR OUTLET PIPE TO WATER PUMP HOUSING. INSTALL THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER AND COVER. INSTALL THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. INSTALL THE EXHAUST PIPE TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. WHEN ALL IS DONE. START POURING COOLANT IN THE RADIATOR OR COOLANT OVER FLOW JUG.CHECK FOR LEAKS. IF IS GOOD KEEP ADDING COOLANT TO RADIATOR OR OVER FLOW RESERVOIR UNTIL COOLANT LEVEL STOP DROPPING. NOW START ENGINE. WATCH THE COOLANT LEVEL WHEN START DROPPING ADD MORE COOLANT IN RADIATOR OR OVERFLOW JUG. WHEN COOLANT STOP DROPPING INSTALL RADIATOR CAP OR OVERFLOW JUG CAP. LET ENGINE IDLE UNTIL THERMOSTAT OPENS WATCH TEMPERATURE GAUGE WHEN TEMPERATURE GAUGE RISING TO OVERHEATING. TURN OFF ENGINE WAIT A WHILE TAKE A LARGE RAG SLOWLY OPEN RADIATOR CAP A LITTLE TO RELEASE PRESSURE. WHEN PRESSURE RELEASE REMOVE RADIATOR CAP ADD MORE COOLANT. START ENGINE LET IDLE WATCH TEMP GAUGE. TEMP GAUGE START RISING AGAIN TURN OFF ENGINE LET IT SET A WHILE ADD MORE COOLANT. TO RADIATOR. WHEN ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE STOP RISING AND THERMOSTAT OPENS YOUR COOLANT SYSTEM AIR IS BLED OUT. JUST LET VECHICLE SET A LITTLE CHECK COOLANT LEVEL MAKE ITS CORRECT BEFORE START DRIVING VECHICLE. IF YOU TAKE VECHICLE FOR TEST SPIN TAKE LARGE RAG AND PLENTY COOLANT WITH YOU.IF ENGINE START OVERHEATING WHILE DRIVING PULL OFF ROAD SAFELY WAIT 20 TO 30 MINUTES. USE LARGE RAG SLOWLY OPEN CAP A LITTLE RELEASE PRESSURE. THEN REMOVE RADIATOR CAP ADD MORE COOLANT IF NEEDED. HOPE THIS HELP.

Water pump is driven by timing chain idler and is mounted on the rear of the timing chain housing. Disconnect the neg. battery cable. Drain cooling system. Disconnect oxygen sensor connector.
Remove upper exhaust manifould heat sheild. Remove exhaust manifold brace. Remove lower exhaust manifold heat sheild. Loosen manifold to exhaust manifold spring loaded nuts. Remove radiator outlet pipe to water pump coverbolts. Disconnect exhaust pipe from manifold.
Pull down on the exhaust pipe to disconnect it from exhaust manifold bolts. Disconnect outlet pipe from oil pan and transaxle. If equipped with manual tranaxle, remove exhaust maifold brace. Leave lower radiator hose attached and pull down on radiator out look pipe to disengauge from water pump. Leave outlet pipe hanging.
Lower vehicle. Remove exhaustmanifold to cylinder head nuts. Remove exhaust manifold to cylinder head nuts. Remove manifould. Remove timing chain front cover. Remove timing chain tensioner. Remove bolts bolts securing water pump cover to cylinder block. Remove water pump to timing chain housing nuts. Remove water pump attaching nuts. Remove water pump and cover assembly. Separate componets as necessary.
WHEN INSTALLING WATER PUMP MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW THE TIGHTENING SEQUENCES THAT AFFECT SEALING. My frist one I messed up and broke the pump so becarful.
Installation
If cover was separated from body during removal, join this componets with a new gasket and hand tighten bolts. Apply bearing grease to splines of water pump drive. Set body and assemble into position.
Install and hand tighten bolts securing cover to cylinder block. Install and hand tighten bolts securing cover to cylinder block. Installand hand tighten nuts securing body to timing chain housing. Lubracate outlet pipe "O" ring with antifreeze. (I use RTV) Connect outlet pipe. Install and hand tighten bolts. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification in the following sequence. I'll ad the torque spec. at the end but this is where if you tighten out of order something will break.
pump assembly to timing chain housing nuts.
pump cover to pump body bolts
pump cover to cylinder block bolts (Bottom Bolt First)
outlet pipe to cover bolts
To complete installation reverse removel procedure.
Torque specs are 19 in. or 26mm all except water pump cover bolts which are 124 in or 14Nm
I never torque the bolts just make sure there done in the right order.

Timing Chain and Gears Removal & Installation To Remove:


Except XRS

XRS

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. Drain cooling system.
3. Remove the upper front fender apron insulator.
4. Remove the upper radiator support insulator.
5. Remove the right front wheel and tire assembly.
6. Remove the right lower splash shield.
7. Remove the drive belt and alternator.
8. Remove the air switching valve (XRS)
9. Remove the power steering oil pressure switch connector.
10. Remove the 2 power steering mounting nuts and through bolts. Remove the steering pump from the engine. Secure the steering pump to the cowl
    
    
11. Raise and support the engine with floor a jack.
    
    
12. Remove the right engine mount.
    
    
13. Remove the 2 nuts, 2 clips and the cylinder head shield (except XRS).
14. Remove the 4 ignition coils.
15. Remove the 2 ventilation hoses from the cylinder head valve cover.
16. Remove the 9 bolts, 2 seal washers, 2 nuts, cylinder head cover and gasket (except XRS). XRS
    
    
17. Remove the 4 bolts and the cylinder head shield (XRS).
18. Remove the 2 nuts, bolt and remove the ventilation hose from the ventilation pipe (XRS). XRS
    
    
19. Remove the Ventilation pipe and gasket (XRS).
20. Remove the 9 bolts, wire harness protector. Remove the cylinder head cover and gasket (XRS).
21. Remove the O-ring from the cylinder head cover (XRS)
22. Turn the crankshaft pulley and align its groove with timing mark "0" on the timing chain cover.
    
    
23. Ensure that the marks on the camshaft timing sprockets are in straight line on the timing chain cover surface as shown.
    
    
24. If not turn the crankshaft 1 revolution (360°) and align the marks as above.
25. Remove the crankshaft pulley
    
    
26. Remove the 2 mounting bolts and remove the crankshaft position sensor.
27. Remove the mounting bolt, nut and the drive belt tensioner.
28. Remove the right engine mount bracket.
29. Remove the front exhaust pipe (XRS).
30. Remove the Exhaust manifold brace (XRS).
31. Remove the Exhaust manifold (XRS)
    
    
32. Remove the 2 mounting nuts and remove the chain tensioner.
33. Remove the water pump. Except XRS
    
    XRS
    
    
34. Remove the 11 mounting bolts and nut (except XRS).
35. Remove the 12 bolts (XRS).
36. Remove the stud bolt.
37. Remove the timing chain cover and 2 gaskets.
38. Remove the crank sensor plate.
39. Remove the timing chain tensioner slipper mounting bolt. Remove the tensioner slipper.
    
    Note: If the crankshaft timing sprocket cannot be removed by hand, use 2 screwdrivers. Position shop rags as shown to prevent damage.
    
40. Remove the timing chain and crankshaft timing sprocket.
41. Remove the 2 chain vibration damper mounting bolts. Remove the vibration damper
    
    
42. Hold the camshaft hexagonal section with a wrench. Remove the sprocket mounting bolt.
43. Remove the valve timing controller assembly and timing sprocket.

Note: Be careful not to damage the cylinder head and valve lifter with the wrench.
Do not disassemble the valve timing controller assembly.

Removal & Installation 2.2L Engine To Remove:

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. If equipped with an automatic transmission, remove the exhaust manifold..
3. Drain the cooling system.
4. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
5. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Right front wheel and tire assembly.
   • Right front fender liner.
     
     
   • Access plate on the water pump sprocket from the timing cover.
6. Install J 43651 water pump sprocket holder or equivalent to the water pump sprocket.
7. Use the access plate bolts to attach J43651 to the engine front cover.
8. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Bolts that secure the sprocket to the water pump.
   • Bolt that secures the engine block to the water pump.
   • Bolt that secures the engine front cover to the water pump.
   • Feed pipe that joins the thermostat housing to the water pump.
     
     
   • 2 Bolts that secure the water pump to the engine block.
   • Water pump.

To Install:

1. Use a threaded stud in the hub to align the water pump sprocket.
2. Install or connect the following:
   • Water pump.
   • 2 bolts that secure the water pump to the engine block.
   • Feed pipe that joins the thermostat housing to the water pump.
   • Front cover bolt and the bolt that secures the engine block to the water pump. Tighten the bolts to 15 ft lbs (20 Nm).
   • 2 of the bolts that secure the water pump sprocket to the water pump.
3. Remove the threaded stud.
4. Install the last bolt.
   • Tighten the bolts to 89 in lbs (10 Nm).
5. Remove J 43651.
6. Install the access plate on the water pump sprocket to the timing cover.
7. Install the access plate bolts.
   • Tighten the bolts to 18 in lbs (10 Nm).
8. Install the front fender liner.
9. Install the right front tire and wheel.
10. If equipped with an automatic transmission, install the exhaust manifold.
11. Fill the cooling system.
12. Connect the battery ground cable.

2.4L Engine To Remove:
Water pump 2.4L

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable
2. Drain the engine coolant.
3. Remove the exhaust manifold.
4. Remove the coolant intake pipe as follows:
   1. Remove the coolant inlet pipe bolts.
   2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
   3. Remove the engine splash shield.
   4. Remove the bolts from the transaxle-to-engine block brace and remove the brace.
   5. Remove the radiator hose from the coolant inlet pipe.
   6. Remove the coolant inlet pipe to oil pan bolt.
   7. Remove the coolant inlet pipe, thermostat and seal.
5. Lower the vehicle.
6. Disconnect the heater hose quick connect from the heater outlet pipe.
7. Remove the front timing chain cover and the chain tensioner.
8. Unfasten the water pump-to-cylinder block bolts.
9. Remove the water pump-to-timing chain housing nuts.
10. Remove the water pump and cover mounting bolts and nuts.
11. Remove the water pump and cover as an assembly. Separate the two pieces after removal.
12. Clean the mating surfaces.

To Install:

1. Install the water pump cover to the water pump assembly.
2. Install and hand tighten the pump cover mounting bolts.
3. Install water pump cover assembly.
4. Install and hand tighten the cover-to-block mounting bolts.
5. Install and hand tighten the water pump-to-timing chain housing nuts.
   • Tighten the water pump-to-timing chain housing mounting nuts to 19 ft lb (26 Nm).
   • Tighten the water pump cover-to-water pump mounting bolts to 124 in lb (14 Nm).
   • Tighten the water pump cover-to-engine block bolts starting with the bottom bolt first to 19 ft lb (26 Nm).
6. Install the heater hose to the water pump pipe.
7. Using new gaskets, install the exhaust manifold.
8. Install the oil level indicator and tube.
9. Connect the brake vacuum tube to the cam housing.
10. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
11. Install the catalytic converter.
12. Install the coolant inlet pipe.
    • Tighten the inlet pipe-to-oil pan bolt to 19 ft lb (26 Nm). Tighten the coolant inlet pipe bolt to 124 in lb (14 Nm).
13. Install the timing chain and tensioner.
14. Lower the vehicle.
15. Connect the oxygen sensor.
16. Fill cooling system and check the system for leaks.

3.4L Engine To Remove:

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Drain the cooling system.
3. Loosen the water pump pulley bolts.
4. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Drive belt.
   • Water pump pulley bolts and pulley.
   • Water pump bolts, pump and gasket.
   • Clean the water pump mating surfaces.

To Install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   • Water pump gasket and pump.
   • Water pump bolts.
     1. Tighten the water pump bolts to 89 in lbs (10 Nm).
   • Water pump pulley and bolt until snug.
   • Drive belt.
2. Tighten the water pump pulley bolts to 18 ft. lbs (25 Nm).
3. Fill the cooling system.
4. Check for leaks.
5. Connect the battery ground cable.

2.4L Engine
See Figure 3

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Drain and recycle the engine coolant.
3. Disconnect the oxygen sensor wiring.
4. Remove the upper exhaust manifold heat shield.
5. Raise and safely support the front end of the vehicle securely on jackstands.
6. Remove the exhaust manifold brace bolt.
7. Unbolt and remove the lower exhaust manifold heat shield.
8. Break loose the manifold-to-exhaust pipe spring loaded nuts.
9. Unbolt the radiator outlet pipe assembly from the water pump cover.
10. Disconnect the exhaust pipe from the manifold.
11. Pull down and back on the exhaust pipe to disengage it from the exhaust manifold bolts.

Do not rotate the flex coupling more than 4°. this could damage the component.

1. Separate the radiator outlet pipe from the oil pan and transaxle.
   1. On manual transaxle, remove the exhaust manifold brace.
   
   
2. Next, leave the lower radiator hose attached and pull down on the outlet pipe to detach it from the water pump. Allow the outlet pipe to hang.
3. Lower the vehicle.
4. Remove the exhaust manifold-to-cylinder head nuts.
5. Extract the manifold, seals and gaskets.
6. Remove the timing chain cover. Refer to the procedure later on in this section.
7. Remove the timing chain tensioner. Refer to Timing Chain removal later in this section.
8. Unbolt the water pump from the cylinder block.
9. Extract the pump assembly-to-timing chain housing nuts.
10. Remove the water pump and cover assembly.
11. Separate the pump from the cover.
12. Clean all mating surfaces of gaskets and sealant materials.

To install:
Prior to installing the water pump, read the entire procedure. Pay special attention to the tightening sequence to avoid component damage and ensure a proper seal.

1. Attach the water pump to the cover and hand-tighten the components.
2. Lubricate the splines of the water pump drive with chassis grease or equivalent, then install the pump and cover assembly. Hand tighten the cover-to-block bolts.
3. Install the pump-to-chain housing nuts and hand-tighten.
4. Lubricate the O-ring on the radiator outlet pipe with an anti-freeze solution and slide the pipe into the water pump cover, install and hand-tighten the bolts.
5. With the specified gaps, tighten in sequence as follows:
   1. Pump assembly-to-chain housing nuts
   2. Pump cover-to-pump assembly
   3. Cover-to-block, bottom bolt first
   4. Radiator outlet pipe assembly-to-cover
   
   
6. Install the exhaust manifold using new gaskets.
7. Install the manifold-to-cylinder head nuts, follow the tightening sequence and tighten to specifications.
8. Raise and support the front of the vehicle.
9. Index the exhaust manifold-to-exhaust pipe flange bolts.
   1. Turn bolt bolts in evenly to avoid cocking the exhaust pipe and binding the bolts. Turn the bolts in until they are fully seated.
   
   
10. Install and secure the radiator outlet pipe to the transaxle and oil pan.

On manual transaxles, install the exhaust manifold brace.

1. Install the timing chain tensioner and chain cover.
2. Attach the lower heat shield.
3. Lower the vehicle.
4. Attach the exhaust manifold brace. Tighten the manifold-to-exhaust pipe nuts to specification.
5. Attach and secure the upper heat shield.
6. Connect the oxygen sensor wiring.
7. Fill the radiator with coolant water mixture until it reaches the heater hose coolant outlet, then install the hose and continue to fill. This will assist with the complete cylinder block fill.
8. Connect the negative battery cable.
9. Start the engine and top off the cooling system and check for leaks.

Removal & Installation

2.2L Engine

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions section.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Drain the engine coolant.
4. Remove or disconnect the following:
   Exhaust manifold, if equipped with n automatic transaxle Right front wheel Splash shield Water pump sprocket access plate from the timing cover
   
   
   
   Fig. Remove the water pump sprocket access plate from the timing cover -2.2L engine
   
5. Attach Water Pump Sprocket Holding Tool J 43651to the sprocket using the access plate bolts to secure the tool to the engine front cover.
   Sprocket to water pump bolts Engine block to water pump bolt Engine front cover to water pump bolt Thermostat housing to water pump feed pipe 2 water pump to engine block bolts Water pump
   
   
   
   Fig. Water pump mounting-2.2L engine
   

To install:

1. Use a threaded stud in the water pump hub to align the hub to the water pump sprocket.
   Water pump and bolts Thermostat housing to water pump feed pipe Engine front cover bolt and engine block to water pump bolt. Tighten the bolts to 15 ft. lbs. (20 Nm) 2 of the water pump sprocket to water pump bolts
   
2. Remove the threaded stud.
   Last water pump sprocket to water pump bolt and tighten the sprocket bolts to 89 inch lbs. (10 Nm).
3. Remove the tool.
   Water pump sprocket access plate to the timing cover and tighten the bolts to 89 inch lbs. (10 Nm) Splash shield Right front wheel Exhaust manifold, if removed
4. Fill the cooling system.
5. Connect the negative battery cable.

2.4L Engine

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions section.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Drain the cooling system.
4. Remove or disconnect the following:
   WARNING Do not rotate the flex coupling more than 4 degrees or damage may occur. Oxygen Sensor (O 2 S) electrical connector Exhaust manifold heat shield Coolant inlet housing bolt through the exhaust manifold Exhaust manifold brace-to-manifold bolt Manifold-to-exhaust pipe studs Coolant inlet housing-to-water pump cover bolt Exhaust pipe from the exhaust manifold by pulling it downward Coolant inlet pipe from the oil pan Brake vacuum pipe from the camshaft housing Exhaust manifold from the cylinder head Heater hose from the heater outlet pipe Timing chain cover and tensioner Water pump cover-to-engine bolts 3 water pump-to-timing chain housing nuts Water pump and cover assembly Water pump cover from the pump
   
   
   
   Fig. Exploded view of the water pump mounting-2.4L engine
   

continue...

2.4 enigine is the harder of the 3 enignes. it will need a timing chain to be removed and a coolant tube in the back of the engine to be removed. this job on the book calls for almost 7 hours.

if its 3.3 or 3100 its alot easier.

3100 is just 4 10mm pulley bolts and 5 or 6 small 8mm water pump bolts.

3.3 is alittle more work, but same concept as 3100 engine. more owkr only cause its in a tighter area.

good luck,
michael