96 powerstroke front cover

[hanke777]

Do I have to drop the oil pan to remove front cover? I removed 4 bolts that I can fine holding it on seems like I I remember hearing that there is 5 bolts holding it on, but I could only find 4. it seems like something is holding the lower part of cover. I used a putty knife to break the front oil pan seal but still will not come off. Any Ideas?

[Patrick Feeley]

Usually you need to pull the engine to do the cover and/or oil pan. Here's the steps out of the factory service manual:

Engine Front Cover

Removal

1. Remove the engine. Refer to «Engine -- Automatic Transmission» or «Engine -- Manual Transmission» in the Removal and Installation portion of this section.

2. Remove the water pump (8501). Refer to «Water Pump» in the Removal and Installation portion of this section.

3. Remove the crankshaft vibration damper (6316). Refer to «Crankshaft Damper» in the Removal and Installation portion of this section.

4. Remove the oil pan (6675) and oil pump screen cover and tube (6622).

5. Remove the four engine front cover bolts.

6. Remove the engine front cover (6019) and the two engine front cover gaskets (6020).

7. Clean the engine front cover, oil pan and cylinder block mating surfaces.

Cheers!

[hanke777]

Dang I was afraid of that; so close yet so far. Looks like pulling the motor is quite the project.
Thanks