tance. The cables provide suppression of radio fre-
quency emissions from the ignition system.Check the spark plug cable connections for good
contact at the coil and distributor cap towers and at
the spark plugs. Terminals should be fully seated.
The nipples and spark plug covers should be in good
condition. Nipples should fit tightly on the coil and
distributor cap towers and spark plug cover should
fit tight around spark plug insulators. Loose cable
connections can cause ignition malfunctions by per-
mitting water to enter the towers, corroding, and in-
creasing resistance.
SPARK PLUGS
The 2.2L Turbo III, 3.3L and 3.8L engines use re-
sistor spark plugs. They have resistance values of
6,000 to 20,000 ohms when checked with at least a
1000 volt tester. Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. An iso-
lated plug displaying an abnormal condition indi-
cates that a problem exists in the corresponding
cylinder. Replace spark plugs at the intervals recom-
mended in Group O. Spark plugs that have low milage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective. Refer to the
Spark Plug Condition section of this group. After
cleaning, file the center electrode flat with a small
point file or jewelers file. Adjust the gap between the
electrodes (Fig. 8) to the dimensions specified in the
chart at the end of this section.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion and change
spark plug gap. Tighten 2.2L Turbo III, 3.3L and
3.8L spark plugs to 28 N Im (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
SPARK PLUG CONDITION
NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
The few deposits present will be probably light tan
or slightly gray in color with most grades of commer-
cial gasoline (Fig. 9). There will not be evidence of
electrode burning. Gap growth will not average more
than approximately 0.025 mm (.001 in) per 1600 km
(1000 miles) of operation. Spark plugs that have nor-
Fig. 6 Spark Plug Wire RoutingÐ3.3L and 3.8L Engines
Fig. 7 Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Fig. 8 Setting Spark Plug Electrode GapÐTypical
8D - 26 IGNITION SYSTEMS Ä
SCAVENGER DEPOSITS Fuel scavenger deposits may be either white or yel-
low (Fig. 12). They may appear to be harmful, but
are a normal condition caused by chemical additives
in certain fuels. These additives are designed to
change the chemical nature of deposits and decrease
spark plug misfire tendencies. Accumulation on the
ground electrode and shell area may be heavy but
the deposits are easily removed. Spark plugs with
scavenger deposits can be considered normal in con-
dition and be cleaned using standard procedures.
CHIPPED ELECTRODE INSULATOR A chipped electrode insulator usually results from
bending the center electrode while adjusting the
spark plug electrode gap. Under certain conditions,
severe detonation also can separate the insulator
from the center electrode (Fig. 13). Spark plugs with
chipped electrode insulators must be replaced.
PREIGNITION DAMAGE
Excessive combustion chamber temperature can
cause preignition damage. First, the center electrode
dissolves and the ground electrode dissolves some- what later (Fig. 14). Insulators appear relatively de-
posit free. Determine if the spark plug has the
correct heat range rating for the engine, if ignition
timing is over advanced or if other operating condi-
tions are causing engine overheating. The heat range
rating refers to the operating temperature of a par-
ticular type spark plug. Spark plugs are designed to
operate within specific temperature ranges depend-
ing upon the thickness and length of the center elec-
trode and porcelain insulator.
SPARK PLUG OVERHEATING
Overheating is indicated by a white or gray center
electrode insulator that also appears blistered (Fig.
15). The increase in electrode gap will be consider-
ably in excess of 0.001 in per 1000 miles of operation.
This suggests that a plug with a cooler heat range
rating should be used. Over advanced ignition tim-
ing, detonation and cooling system malfunctions also
can cause spark plug overheating.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The camshaft position sensor provides fuel injection
synchronization and cylinder identification informa-
Fig. 12 Scavenger Deposits
Fig. 13 Chipped Electrode Insulator
Fig. 14 Preignition Damage
Fig. 15 Spark Plug Overheating
8D - 28 IGNITION SYSTEMS Ä
(2) With engine running, move test probe along
entire length of all cables (approximately 0 to 1/8
inch gap). If punctures or cracks are present there
will be a noticeable spark jump from the faulty area
to the probe. Cracked, leaking or faulty cables should
be replaced. Use the following procedure when removing the
high tension cable from the spark plug. First, remove
the cable from the retaining bracket. Then grasp the
terminal as close as possible to the spark plug. Ro-
tate the cover (boot) slightly and pull straight back.
Do not use pliers and do not pull the cable at an
angle. Doing so will damage the insulation, cable
terminal or the spark plug insulator. Wipe spark
plug insulator clean before reinstalling cable
and cover. Resistance cables are identified by the words Elec-
tronic Suppression .
Use an ohmmeter to check cables for opens, loose
terminals or high resistance. (a) Remove cable from spark plug.
(b) Remove cable from the coil tower.
(c) Connect the ohmmeter between spark plug
end terminal and the coil end terminal. Resistance
should be within tolerance shown in the cable re-
sistance chart. If resistance is not within tolerance,
replace cable assembly. Test all spark plug cables
in same manner.
SPARK PLUG SERVICE
When replacing the spark plug cables, route the ca-
bles correctly and secure them in the appropriate re-
tainers. Incorrectly routed cables can cause the radio
to reproduce ignition noise. It can also cause cross ig-
nition of the spark plugs or short circuit the cables to
ground.
SPARK PLUG REMOVAL
Always remove cables by grasping at boot, rotating
the boot 1/2 turn, and pulling straight back in a
steady motion. (1) Prior to removing the spark plug spray com-
pressed air around the spark plug hole and the area
around the spark plug. (2) Remove the spark plug using a quality socket
with a rubber or foam insert. (3) Inspect the spark plug condition. Refer to
Spark Plug Condition in this section.
SPARK PLUG GAP ADJUSTMENT
Check the spark plug gap with a gap gauge. If the
gap is not correct, adjust it by bending the ground
electrode (Fig. 6).
SPARK PLUG INSTALLATION
(1) To avoid cross threading, start the spark plug
into the cylinder head by hand. (2) Tighten spark plugs to 28 N Im (20 ft. lbs.)
torque. (3) Install spark plug cables over spark plugs.
IDLE RPM TEST
WARNING: BE SURE TO APPLY PARKING BRAKE
AND/OR BLOCK WHEELS BEFORE PERFORMING
ANY ENGINE RUNNING TESTS.
Engine idle set rpmshould be tested and recorded
as it is when the vehicle is first brought into shop
for testing. This will assist in diagnosing complaints
of engine stalling, creeping and hard shifting on ve-
hicles equipped with automatic transaxle. Refer to the
Throttle Body Minimum Airflow procedures in Group
14.
IGNITION TIMING PROCEDURE
Ignition timing cannot be changed or set on Turbo
III, 3.3L or 3.8L engines. For diagnostic information,
refer to the DRBII scan tool and the appropriate
Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures manual.
CABLE RESISTANCE CHART
Fig. 6 Setting Spark Plug GapÐTypical
Ä IGNITION SYSTEMS 8D - 41
The MOPAR Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant
gasket material or equivalent should be applied in a
continuous bead approximately 3mm (0.120 inch) in
diameter. All mounting holes must be circled. For
corner sealing, a 3.17 or 6.35 mm (1/8 or 1/4 inch.)
drop is placed in the center of the gasket contact
area. Uncured sealant may be removed with a shop
towels. Components should be torqued in place while
the sealant is still wet to the touch (within 10 min-
utes). The usage of a locating dowel is recommended
during assembly to prevent smearing of material off
location.
CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET BOLT ACCESS PLUG
An Access plug is located in the right inner fender
shield. Remove the plug and insert proper size
socket, extension and rachet, when crankshaft rota-
tion is necessary.
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
If a loss of performance is noticed, ignition timing
should be checked. If ignition timing is retarded by
9, 18 or 27É indicating 1, 2 or 3 (timing belt or chain)
teeth may have skipped, then, camshaft and acces-
sory shaft timing with the crankshaft should be
checked. Refer to Engine Timing Sprockets and Oil
Seals of the Engine Section. To provide best vehicle performance and lowest ve-
hicle emissions, it is most important that the tune-up
be done accurately. Use the specifications listed on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information label
found in the engine compartment. (1) Test cranking amperage draw. See Starting
Motor Cranking Amperage Draw Electrical Section
of this manual. (2) Tighten the intake manifold bolts to specifica-
tions. (3) Perform cylinder compression test.(a) Check engine oil level and add oil if neces-
sary. (b) Drive the vehicle until engine reaches normal
operating temperature. (c) Select a route free from traffic and other
forms of congestion, observe all traffic laws, and ac-
celerate through the gears several times briskly.
CAUTION: Do not overspeed the engine. The higher
engine speed may help clean out valve seat deposits
which can prevent accurate compression readings.
(d) Remove all spark plugs from engine. As
spark plugs are being removed, check electrodes for
abnormal firing indicators fouled, hot, oily, etc.
Record cylinder number of spark plug for future
reference. (e) Disconnect coil wire from distributor and se-
cure to good ground to prevent a spark from start- ing a fire (Conventional Ignition System). For Direct
Ignition System DIS disconnect the coil connector. (f) Be sure throttle blade is fully open during the
compression check. (g) Insert compression gage adaptor into the #1
spark plug hole in cylinder head. Crank engine until
maximum pressure is reached on gage. Record this
pressure as #1 cylinder pressure. (h) Repeat Step G for all remaining cylinders.
(i) Compression should not be less than (689kPa)
100 psi and not vary more than 25 percent from
cylinder to cylinder. (j) If one or more cylinders have abnormally low
compression pressures, repeat steps 3b through 3h. (k) If the same cylinder or cylinders repeat an
abnormally low reading on the second compression
test, it could indicate the existence of a problem in
the cylinder in question.
The recommended compression pressures are
to be used only as a guide to diagnosing engine
problems. An engine should not be disassembled
to determine the cause of low compression un-
less some malfunction is present. (4) Clean or replace spark plugs as necessary and
adjust gap as specified in Electrical Group 8. Tighten to
specifications. (5) Test resistance of spark plug cables. Refer to
Ignition System Secondary Circuit Inspection Electri-
cal Section Group 8. (6) Inspect the primary wire. Test coil output volt-
age, primary and secondary resistance. Replace parts
as necessary. Refer to Ignition System and make nec-
essary adjustment. (7) Ignition timing should be set to specifications.
(See Specification Label in engine compartment). (8) Test fuel pump for pressure and vacuum. Refer to
Fuel System Group 14, Specifications. (9) The air filter elements should be replaced as
specified in Lubrication and Maintenance, Group 0. (10) Inspect crankcase ventilation system as out
lined in Lubrication and Maintenance, Group 0. For
emission controls see Emission Controls Group 25 for
service procedures. (11) Inspect and adjust accessory belt drives refer-
ring to Accessory Belt Drive in Cooling System, Group
7 for proper adjustments. (12) Road test vehicle as a final test.
HONING CYLINDER BORES
Before honing, stuff plenty of clean shop towels
under the bores, over the crankshaft to keep abrasive
materials from entering crankcase area. (1) Used carefully, the cylinder bore resizing hone
C-823 equipped with 220 grit stones, is the best tool for
this job. In addition to deglazing, it will reduce taper
and out-of-round as well as removing light
9 - 2 ENGINE Ä
(15) Install hood.
(16) Connect battery.
(17) Start engine and run until operating temper-
ature is reached. (18) Adjust transmission or linkage if necessary.
ROCKER ARMS AND SHAFT ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL
(1) Remove upper intake manifold assembly. Refer
to Intake and Exhaust Manifolds, Group 11. (2) Disconnect spark plug wires by pulling on the
boot straight out in line with plug. (3) Disconnect closed ventilation system and evap-
oration control system from cylinder head cover. (4) Remove cylinder head cover and gasket.
(5) Remove four rocker shaft bolts and retainers.
(6) Remove rocker arms and shaft assembly.
(7) If rocker arm assemblies are disassembled for
cleaning or replacement. Assemble rocker arms in
their original position.Refer to (Fig. 5) for rocker arm
for positioning on the shaft.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install rocker arm and shaft assemblies with
the stamped steel retainers in the four positions,
tighten to 28 N Im (250 in. lbs.) (Fig. 5).
WARNING: THE ROCKER ARM SHAFT
SHOULD BE TORQUED DOWN SLOWLY,
STARTING WITH THE CENTERMOST BOLTS.
ALLOW 20 MINUTES TAPPET BLEED DOWN
TIME AFTER INSTALLATION OF THE
ROCKER SHAFTS BEFORE ENGINE OPERA-
TION. (2) Clean cylinder head cover gasket surface. In-
spect cover for distortion and straighten if necessary. (3) Clean head rail if necessary. Install a new gas-
ket and tighten cylinder head cover fasteners to 12
N Im (105 in. lbs.).
(4) Install closed crankcase ventilation system and
evaporation control system. (5) Install spark plug wires.
(6) Install upper intake manifold assembly. Refer to
Exhaust Systems and Intake Manifolds Group 11.
CYLINDER HEADS
The alloy aluminum cylinder heads shown in (Fig. 6)
are held in place by 9 bolts. The spark plugs are located
in peak of the wedge between the valves.
REMOVAL
(1) Drain cooling system refer to Cooling System
Group 7 for procedure and disconnect negative battery
cable. Remove intake manifold, and throttle body. Refer to
Group 11 Exhaust System and Intake Manifold. (2) Disconnect coil wires, sending unit wire, heater
hoses and by-pass hose. (3) Remove closed ventilation system, evaporation
control system and cylinder head covers. (4) Remove exhaust manifolds.
(5) Remove rocker arm and shaft assemblies. Re-
move push rods and identify to insure installation
in original locations. (6) Remove the 9 head bolts from each cylinder head
and remove cylinder heads (Fig. 7).
Fig. 5 Rocker Arm Location Left Blank
Fig. 6 Cylinder Head Assembly
Fig. 7 Cylinder Head Bolts Location
9 - 102 3.3/3.8L ENGINE Ä
length of the spring to be tested is 33.34mm (1-5/16
inches). Turn table of Tool C-647 until surface is in line
with the 33.34mm (1-5/16 inch) mark on the threaded
stud and the zero mark on the front. Place spring over
stud on the table and lift compressing lever to set tone
device. Pull on torque wrench until ping is heard. Take
reading on torque wrench at this instant. Multiply this
reading by two. This will give the spring load at test
length. Fractional measurements are indicated on the
table for finer adjustments. Refer to specifications to
obtain specified height and allowable tensions. Discard
the springs that do not meet specifications.
VALVE INSTALLATION
(1) Coat valve stems with clean engine oil and insert
them in cylinder head. (2) Check valve tip to spring seat dimension A after
grinding the valve seats or faces. Grind valve tip to give
49.541 to 51.271 mm (1.950 to 2.018 inch.) over spring
seat when installed in the head (Fig. 17). Check valve
tip for scoring, if necessary, the tip chamfer should be
reground to prevent seal damage when the valve is
installed. (3) Install new cup seals on all valve stems and over
valve guides (Fig. 24). Install valve springs and valve
retainers.
(4) Compress valve springs with Valve Spring Com-
pressor Tool C-3422-B, with adapter 6412 install locks
and release tool. If valves and/or seats are re-
ground, measure the installed height of springs
dimension B, make sure measurements is taken
from top of spring seat to the bottom surface of
spring retainer. If height is greater than 1-19/32
inches, (40.6mm), install a 1/32 inch (.794mm)
spacer in head counterbore to bring spring
height back to normal 1-17/32 to 1-19/32 inch (39.1
to 40.6mm) .
REPLACE VALVE STEM SEALS OR VALVE
SPRINGS, CYLINDER HEAD NOT REMOVED
(1) Perform fuel system pressure release procedure
before attempting any repairs (2) Disconnect negative battery cable. (3) Remove Air Cleaner Cover and hose assembly.
(4) Remove Intake Manifold; Refer to
Intake/Exhaust Manifold 3.3/3.8L Engine Group 11
Exhaust System and Intake Manifolds of this manual
for removal procedure. (5) Remove cylinder head covers and spark plugs.
(6) Remove connector wire from ignition coils.
(7) Using suitable socket and flex handle at crank-
shaft pulley retaining screw, turn engine so the num-
ber 1 piston is at Top Dead Center on the compression
stroke. (8) Remove rocker arms with rocker shaft and in-
stall a dummy shaft. The rocker arms should not be
disturbed and left on shaft. (9) With air hose attached to spark plug adapter
installed in number 1 spark plug hole, apply 90 to 100
psi air pressure (620.5 to 689 kPa). This is to hold
valves into place while servicing components. (10) Using Tool C-4682 or Equivalent compress
valve spring and remove retainer valve locks and valve
spring. (11) The intake valve stem seals should be pushed
firmly and squarely over the valve guide using the
valve stem as guide. Do Not Forceseal against top of
guide. When installing the valve retainer locks, com-
press the spring only enoughto install the locks.
CAUTION:Do not pinch seal between retainer and top
of valve guide .
(12) Follow the same procedure on the remaining 5
cylinders using the firing sequence 1-2-3-4-5-6. Make
sure piston in cylinder is at TDC on the valve
spring that is being covered. (13) Remove spark plug adapter tool .
(14) Remove dummy shaft and install rocker shaft
assembly and tighten screws to 28 N Im (250 in. lbs.).
Fig. 24 Checking Valve Installed Height
Fig. 25 Installing Valve, Cup Seal, Spring and Re-
tainer
Ä 3.3/3.8L ENGINE 9 - 107
(2) Clean varnish deposits from inside of tappet
body above plunger cap. (3) Invert tappet body and remove plunger cap,
plunger, flat or ball check valve, check valve spring,
check valve retainer and plunger spring. Check valve
could be flat or ball.
CLEANING AND ASSEMBLY
(1) Clean all tappet parts in a solvent that will re-
move all varnish and carbon. (2) Replace tappets that are unfit for further ser-
vice with new assemblies. (3) If plunger shows signs of scoring or wear, valve
is pitted, or valve seat on end of plunger indicates
any condition that would prevent valve from seating,
install a new tappet assembly. (4) Assemble tappets (Fig. 27).
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate tappets.
(2) Install tappets in their original positions.
(3) With roller tappets, install aligning yokes with
(Fig. 26). (4) Install yoke retainer and torque screws to 12
N Im (105 in. lbs.) (Fig. 26).
(5) Install cylinder heads. Refer to cylinder head
installation of this section for procedure. (6) Start and operate engine. Warm up to normal
operating temperature.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to valve mechanism,
engine must not be run above fast idle until all hy-
draulic tappets have filled with oil and have become
quiet.
VALVE TIMING
(1) Remove front valve cover and all 6 spark plugs.
(2) Rotate engine until the #2 piston is at TDC of
the compression stroke. (3) Install a degree wheel on the crankshaft pulley.
(4) With proper adaptor, install a dial into #2
spark plug hole. Using the indicator find TDC on the
compression stroke. (5) Position the degree wheel to zero.
(6) Remove dial indicator from spark plug hole. (7) Place a 5.08mm (.200 inch) spacer between the
valve stem tip of #2 intake valve and rocker arm
pad. Allow tappet to bleed down to give a solid tap-
pet effect. (8) Install a dial indicator so plunger contacts the
#2 intake valve spring retainer as nearly perpendic-
ular as possible. Zero the indicator. (9) Rotate the engine clockwise until the in take
valve has lifted .254mm (0.010 inch).
CAUTION: Do not turn crankshaft any further clock-
wise as intake valve might bottom and result in se-
rious damage.
(10) Degree wheel should read 3 degrees BTDC to
4 degrees ATDC.
TIMING CHAIN COVER, OIL SEAL AND CHAIN
COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery.
(2) Drain cooling system. Refer to Cooling System
Group 7 for procedure. (3) Support engine and remove right engine
mount. (4) Raise vehicle on hoist. Drain engine oil.
(5) Remove oil pan and oil pump pick-up. It may
necessary to remove transmission inspection cover. (6) Remove right wheel and inner splash shield.
(7) Remove drive belt. Refer to Cooling System
Group 7 for procedure. (8) Remove A/C compressor and set aside.
(9) Remove A/C compressor mounting bracket.
(10) Remove crankshaft pulley (Fig. 1).
(11) Remove idler pulley from engine bracket.
(12) Remove engine bracket (Fig. 2).
(13) Remove cam sensor from chain case cover
(Fig. 3).
Fig. 27 Hydraulic Roller Tappet Assembly
Fig. 1 Removing Crankshaft Pulley
Ä 3.3/3.8L ENGINE 9 - 109