ENGINE DIAGNOSIS
Engine diagnosis is helpful in determining the
causes of malfunctions not detected and remedied by
routine tune-ups.
These malfunctions may be classified as either per-
formance (e.g., engine idles rough and stalls) or me-
chanical (e.g., a strange noise).
Refer to the Service DiagnosisÐPerformance chart
and the Service DiagnosisÐMechanical chart for pos-
sible causes and corrections of malfunctions. Refer to
Group 14, Fuel System for the fuel system diagnosis.
Additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be
necessary for specific engine malfunctions that can
not be isolated with the Service Diagnosis charts. In-
formation concerning additional tests and diagnosis
is provided within the following diagnosis:
²Cylinder Compression Pressure Test.
²Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test.
²Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis.
²Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis.
INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKAGE DIAGNOSIS
An intake manifold air leak is characterized by
lower than normal manifold vacuum. Also, one or
more cylinders may not be functioning.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A DI-
RECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR THE FAN.
DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
METHOD 1
(1) Start the engine.
(2) Open the acetylene valve of an oxyacetylene
torch. DO NOT ignite.
(3) Pass the torch tip over the exposed gasket area
(EDGE) between the manifold and the engine cylin-
der head.
(4) If the engine speed increases, the manifold has
an air leak.
METHOD 2
(1) Start the engine.
(2) Apply engine oil to the exposed gasket area
(EDGE) between the manifold and the engine cylin-
der head.
(3) If oil is forced into the manifold and if smoke is
visible from the exhaust tailpipe, the manifold has
an air leak.
CYLINDER COMPRESSION PRESSURE TEST
The results of a cylinder compression pressure test
can be utilized to diagnose several engine malfunc-
tions.
Ensure the battery is completely charged and the
engine starter motor is in good operating condition.Otherwise the indicated compression pressures may
not be valid for diagnosis purposes.
(1) Clean the spark plug recesses with compressed
air.
(2) Remove the spark plugs.
(3) Secure the throttle in the wide-open position.
(4) Disconnect the ignition coil.
(5) Insert a compression pressure gauge and rotate
the engine with the engine starter motor for three
revolutions.
(6) Record the compression pressure on the 3rd
revolution. Continue the test for the remaining cyl-
inders.
Refer to Engine Specifications for the correct en-
gine compression pressures.
ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET FAILURE
DIAGNOSIS
A leaking engine cylinder head gasket usually re-
sults in loss of power, loss of coolant and engine mis-
firing.
An engine cylinder head gasket leak can be located
between adjacent cylinders or between a cylinder and
the adjacent water jacket.
²An engine cylinder head gasket leaking between
adjacent cylinders is indicated by a loss of power
and/or engine misfire.
²An engine cylinder head gasket leaking between a
cylinder and an adjacent water jacket is indicated by
coolant foaming or overheating and loss of coolant.
CYLINDER-TO-CYLINDER LEAKAGE TEST
To determine if an engine cylinder head gasket is
leaking between adjacent cylinders; follow the proce-
dures outlined in Cylinder Compression Pressure
Test. An engine cylinder head gasket leaking be-
tween adjacent cylinders will result in approximately
a 50-70% reduction in compression pressure.
CYLINDER-TO-WATER JACKET LEAKAGE
TEST
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A DI-
RECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR THE FAN.
DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
Remove the radiator cap.
Start the engine and allow it to warm up until the
engine thermostat opens.
If a large combustion/compression pressure leak ex-
ists, bubbles will be visible in the coolant.
If bubbles are not visible, install a radiator pres-
sure tester and pressurize the coolant system.
JENGINES 9 - 5
If a cylinder is leaking combustion pressure into
the water jacket, the tester pointer will pulsate with
every combustion stroke of the cylinder.
CYLINDER COMBUSTION PRESSURE LEAKAGE
TEST
The combustion pressure leakage test provides an
accurate means for determining engine condition.
Combustion pressure leakage testing will detect:
²Exhaust and intake valve leaks (improper seat-
ing).
²Leaks between adjacent cylinders or into water
jacket.
²Any causes for combustion/compression pressure
loss.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP
WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE
BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN
OCCUR.
Check the coolant level and fill as required. DO
NOT install the radiator cap.
Start and operate the engine until it attains nor-
mal operating temperature, then turn the engine
OFF.Remove the spark plugs.
Remove the oil filler cap.
Remove the air cleaner.
Calibrate the tester according to the manufactur-
er's instructions. The shop air source for testing
should maintain 483 kPa (70 psi) minimum, 1 379
kPa (200 psi) maximum and 552 kPa (80 psi) recom-
mended.
Perform the test procedures on each cylinder ac-
cording to the tester manufacturer's instructions.
While testing, listen for pressurized air escaping
through the throttle body, tailpipe and oil filler cap
opening. Check for bubbles in the radiator coolant.
All gauge pressure indications should be equal,
with no more than 25% leakage.
FOR EXAMPLE:At 552 kPa (80 psi) input pres-
sure, a minimum of 414 kPa (60 psi) should be main-
tained in the cylinder.
Refer to the Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leak-
age Test Diagnosis chart.
CYLINDER COMBUSTION PRESSURE LEAKAGE TEST DIAGNOSIS
9 - 6 ENGINESJ
SERVICE DIAGNOSISÐPERFORMANCE
JENGINES 9 - 7
SERVICE DIAGNOSISÐMECHANICAL
9 - 8 ENGINESJ
2.5L ENGINE SERVICE PROCEDURES
INDEX
page page
Camshaft............................... 29
Camshaft Pin Replacement................. 31
Crankshaft Main Bearings.................. 40
Cylinder Block........................... 45
Engine AssemblyÐXJ Vehicles.............. 14
Engine AssemblyÐYJ Vehicles.............. 16
Engine Cylinder Head..................... 19
Engine Cylinder Head Cover................ 18
Engine Damper.......................... 13
Engine MountÐRear...................... 12
Engine MountsÐFront..................... 10
General Information........................ 9
Hydraulic Tappets........................ 24Oil Pan ................................ 32
Oil Pump............................... 33
Pistons and Connecting Rods............... 34
Rear Main Oil Seals...................... 44
Rocker Arms............................ 19
Specifications........................... 47
Timing Case Cover....................... 27
Timing Case Cover Oil Seal Replacement...... 26
Timing Chain and Sprockets................ 28
Valve Springs and Oil Seals................ 21
Valve Timing............................ 26
Valves and Valve Springs.................. 22
Vibration Damper........................ 26
GENERAL INFORMATION
The 2.5 liter (150 CID) four-cylinder engine is an
In-line, lightweight, overhead valve engine (Fig. 1).
This engine is designed for unleaded fuel.
The engine cylinder head has dual quench-type
combustion chambers that create turbulence and fast
burning of the air/fuel mixture. This results in good
fuel economy.
The cylinders are numbered 1 through 4 from front
to rear. The firing order is 1-3-4-2 (Fig. 2).
The crankshaft rotation is clockwise, when viewed
from the front of the engine. The crankshaft rotates
within five main bearings and the camshaft rotates
within four bearings.
BUILD DATE CODE
The engine Build Date Code is located on a ma-
chined surface on the right side of the cylinder block
between the No.3 and No.4 cylinders (Fig. 3).
Fig. 1 Engine Description
Fig. 2 Engine Firing Order
Fig. 3 Build Date Code Location
J2.5L ENGINE 9 - 9
The digits of the code identify:
(1) 1st DigitÐThe year (4 = 1994).
(2) 2nd & 3rd DigitsÐThe month (01 - 12).
(3) 4th & 5th DigitsÐThe engine type/fuel system/
compression ratio (HX = A 2.5 liter (150 CID) 9.1:1
compression ratio engine with a multi-point fuel in-
jection system).
(4) 6th & 7th DigitsÐThe day of engine build (01 -
31).
FOR EXAMPLE:Code * 401HX23 * identifies a
2.5 liter (150 CID) engine with a multi-point fuel in-
jection system, 9.1:1 compression ratio and built on
January 23, 1994.
OVERSIZE AND UNDERSIZE COMPONENT
CODES
Some engines may be built with oversize or under-
size components such as:
²Oversize cylinder bores.
²Oversize camshaft bearing bores.
²Undersize crankshaft main bearing journals.
²Undersize connecting rod journals.
These engines are identified by a letter code (Fig.
4) stamped on the oil filter boss near the distributor
(Fig. 5).
ENGINE MOUNTSÐFRONT
The front mounts support the engine at each side.
These supports are made of resilient rubber.
REMOVALÐXJ VEHICLES
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle.
(3) Support the engine.
(4) Remove through bolt nut (Fig. 6). DO NOT re-
move the through bolt.
(5) Remove the retaining bolts/nuts from the sup-
port cushions (Fig. 6).
(6) Remove the through bolt.
(7) Remove the support cushions.
INSTALLATIONÐXJ VEHICLES
(1) If the engine support bracket was removed, po-
sition the LEFT bracket (Fig. 6) and the RIGHT
bracket with generator brace (Fig. 7) onto the cylin-
der block. Install the bolts and stud nuts.
(a) RIGHT SIDE (Fig. 7)ÐTighten the bolts to
61 Nzm (45 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the stud nuts to
46 Nzm (34 ft. lbs.) torque.
(b) LEFT SIDE (Fig. 6)ÐTighten the bolts to 61
Nzm (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) If the support cushion brackets were removed,
position the brackets onto the lower front sill (Figs. 6
and 8). Install the bolts and stud nuts. Tighten the
bolts to 54 Nzm (40 ft. lbs.) torque and the stud nuts
to 41 Nzm (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Place the support cushions onto the support
cushion brackets (Fig. 6). Tighten the right support
cushion nuts to 65 Nzm (48 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten
the left support cushion bolt/nut to 41 Nzm (30 ft.
lbs.) torque.
Fig. 4 Oversize and Undersize Component Codes
Fig. 5 Oversize and Undersize Component Code
Location
9 - 10 2.5L ENGINEJ
(4) Install the through bolt and the retaining nut
(Fig. 6). Tighten the through bolt nut to 65 Nzm (48
ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Remove the engine support.
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Connect negative cable to battery.
REMOVALÐYJ VEHICLES
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle.(3) Support the engine.
(4) Remove through bolt nut (Fig. 9). DO NOT re-
move the through bolt.
(5) Remove the retaining bolts/nuts from the sup-
port cushions (Fig. 9).
(6) Remove the through bolt.
(7) Remove the engine support cushions.
Fig. 6 Front MountsÐXJ Vehicles
Fig. 7 Engine Support BracketÐRight Side
Fig. 8 Support Cushion BracketÐLeft Side
Fig. 9 Front MountsÐYJ Vehicles
J2.5L ENGINE 9 - 11
INSTALLATIONÐYJ VEHICLES
(1) If the engine support bracket was removed, po-
sition the bracket onto the block and install the at-
taching bolts (Fig. 9). Tighten the bolts to 62 Nzm
(46 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Place the support cushion on the support cush-
ion bracket (Fig. 9). Install the support cushion re-
taining bolts and nuts. Tighten the bolts/nuts to 52
Nzm (38 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install the through bolt and the retaining nut
(Fig. 9). Tighten the through bolt nut to 69 Nzm (51
ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Remove the engine support.
(5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Connect negative cable to battery.
ENGINE MOUNTÐREAR
A resilient rubber cushion supports the transmis-
sion at the rear between the transmission extension
housing and the rear support crossmember or skid
plate.
REMOVALÐXJ VEHICLES
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle and support the transmission.
(3) Remove the nuts holding the support cushion to
the crossmember (Figs. 10 and 11). Remove the cross-
member.
(4)MANUAL TRANSMISSION:
(a) Remove the support cushion nuts and remove
the cushion.
(b) If necessary, remove the bolts holding the
transmission support bracket to the transmission
(Fig. 10). Remove the bracket.
(5)AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:
(a) Remove the support cushion bolts and remove
the cushion and the transmission support bracket.(b) If necessary on 2WD vehicles, remove the
bolts holding the transmission support adaptor
bracket to the transmission (Fig. 11). Remove the
adaptor bracket.
INSTALLATIONÐXJ VEHICLES
(1)MANUAL TRANSMISSION:
(a) If removed, position the transmission support
bracket to the transmission and install the bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 43 Nzm (32 ft. lbs.) torque.
(b) Position the support cushion onto the trans-
mission support bracket. Install and tighten the
nuts to 46 Nzm (34 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2)AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSON:
(a) If removed, position the transmission support
adaptor bracket (2WD vehicles) to the transmission
and install the bolts. Tighten the bolts to 75 Nzm
(55 ft. lbs.) torque.
(b) Position the transmission support bracket
and support cushion to the transmission and install
the bolts. Tighten the bolts to 75 Nzm (55 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(3) Position the crossmember onto the support
cushion studs and install the nuts. Tighten the nuts
to 22 Nzm (192 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install the crossmember to sill bolts and
tighten to 41 Nzm (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 10 Rear MountÐXJ Vehicles (Manual
Transmission)
Fig. 11 Rear MountÐXJ Vehicles (Automatic
Transmission)
9 - 12 2.5L ENGINEJ