Page 1145 of 1938

aligning yokes. The yokes are secured by an align-
ment yoke retainer (Fig. 4).
PRELIMINARY STEP TO CHECKING THE
HYDRAULIC TAPPETS
Before disassembling any part of the engine to cor-
rect tappet noise, read the oil pressure at the gauge.
Install a reliable gauge at pressure sending unit if
vehicle has no oil pressure gauge and check the oil
level in the oil pan. The pressure should be between
30 and 80 psi (206.8 to 551.6 kPa) at 2000 rpm.
The oil level in the pan should never be above the
MAX mark on dipstick, or below the MIN mark.
Either of these two conditions could be responsible
for noisy tappets.Oil Level Check: stop engineafter reaching normal operating temperature.
Allow 5 minutes to stabilize oil level, check dipstick.
OIL LEVEL TOO HIGH
If oil level is above the MAX mark on dip stick, it
is possible for the connecting rods to dip into the oil
while engine is running and create foam. Foam in oil
pan would be fed to the hydraulic tappets by the oil
pump causing them to become soft and allow valves
to seat noisily.
OIL LEVEL TOO LOW
Low oil level may allow pump to take in air which
when fed to the tappets, causes them to become soft
and allows valves to seat noisily. Any leaks on intake
side of pump through which air can be drawn will
create the same tappet action. Check the lubrication
system from the intake strainer to the pump cover,
including the relief valve retainer cap. When tappet
noise is due to aeration, it may be intermittent or
constant, and usually more than one tappet will be
noisy. When oil level and leaks have been corrected,
engine should be operated at fast idle to allow all of
the air inside of the tappets to be bled out.
VALVE TRAIN NOISE DIAGNOSIS
To determine source of valve train noise, operate
engine at idle with cylinder head covers removed and
listen for source of the noise.
Fig. 3 3.3/3.8L V-6 Engines
Fig. 4 Roller Tappets Aligning Yoke and Retainer
NS3.3/3.8L ENGINE 9 - 95
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
Page 1146 of 1938

NOTE: Worn valve guides or cocked springs are
sometimes mistaken for noisy tappets. If such is
the case, noise may be dampened by applying side
thrust on the valve spring. If noise is not apprecia-
bly reduced, it can be assumed the noise is in the
tappet. Inspect the rocker arm push rod sockets
and push rod ends for wear.
Valve tappet noise ranges from light noise to a
heavy click. A light noise is usually caused by exces-
sive leak-down around the unit plunger which will
necessitate replacing the tappet, or by the plunger
partially sticking in the tappet body cylinder. A heavy
click is caused either by a tappet check valve not
seating, or by foreign particles becoming wedged
between the plunger and the tappet body causing the
plunger to stick in the down position. This heavy
click will be accompanied by excessive clearance
between the valve stem and rocker arm as valve
closes. In either case, tappet assembly should be
removed for inspection and cleaning.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL PRESSURE
Check oil pressure using gauge at oil pressure
switch location. Oil pressure should be 34.47 kPa (5
psi.) at idle or 205 to 551 kPa (30 to 80 psi.) at 3000
RPM.
(1) Remove pressure sending unit and install oil
pressure gauge (Fig. 5).
CAUTION: If oil pressure is 0 at idle, do not run
engine at 3000 RPM.
(2) Warm engine at high idle until thermostat
opens.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
VALVE TIMING
(1) Remove front cylinder head 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 indicator
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 5.08 mm (0.200 in.) spacer between the
valve stem tip of #2 intake valve and rocker arm pad.
Allow tappet to bleed down to give a solid tappet
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 intake
valve has lifted .254 mm (0.010 in.).
CAUTION: Do not turn crankshaft any further
clockwise as intake valve might bottom and result
in serious damage.
(10) Degree wheel should read 6 degrees BTDC to
6 degrees ATDC.
MEASURING TIMING CHAIN FOR STRETCH
(1) Place a scale next to timing chain so that any
movement of chain may be measured.
(2) Place a torque wrench and socket on camshaft
sprocket attaching bolt and apply torque in direction
of crankshaft rotation to take up slack; 41 N´m (30 ft.
lb.) with cylinder head installed or 20 N´m (15 ft. lb.)
with cylinder heads removed.With a torque
applied to the camshaft sprocket bolt, crank-
shaft should not be permitted to move. It may
be necessary to block crankshaft to prevent
rotation.
(3) Holding a scale even, with dimension reading
as shown (Fig. 6), along edge of chain links. Apply
torque in the reverse direction to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.)
with cylinder heads installed, or 20 N´m (15 ft. lbs.)
with cylinder heads removed. Check amount of chain
movement.
(4) Install a new timing chain, if its movement
exceeds 3.175 mm (1/8 inch).
(5) If chain is not satisfactory, refer to Timing
Chain Removal and Installation in this section.
Fig. 5 Checking Oil Pump Pressure
9 - 96 3.3/3.8L ENGINENS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
Page 1147 of 1938

FITTING PISTONS AND RINGS
FITTING PISTONS
The piston and cylinder wall must be clean and
dry. Piston diameter should be measured 90 degrees
to piston pin at size location shown in (Fig. 8). Cyl-
inder bores should be measured halfway down the
cylinder bore and transverse to the engine crankshaft
center line shown in (Fig. 7). Refer to Cylinder Bore
and Piston Specification Chart.Pistons and cylin-
der bores should be measured at normal room
temperature, 70ÉF (21ÉC).
FITTING RINGS
(1) Wipe cylinder bore clean. Insert ring and push
down with piston to ensure it is square in bore. Thering gap measurement must be made with the ring
positioning at least 12 mm (0.50 in.) from bottom of
cylinder bore. Check gap with feeler gauge (Fig. 9).
Refer to Piston Ring Specification Chart.
(2) Check piston ring to groove clearance: (Fig. 10).
Refer to Piston Ring Specification Chart.
FITTING CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
Fit all rods on one bank until complete.
The bearing caps are not interchangeable and
should be marked at removal to insure correct
assembly.
The bearing shells must be installed with the
tangs inserted into the machined grooves in the rods
and caps. Install cap with the tangs on the same side
as the rod.
Limits of taper or out-of-round on any crankshaft
journals should be held to 0.025 mm (0.001 in.).
Bearings are available in 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) and
0.250 mm (0.010 in.) undersize.Install the bear-
ings in pairs. Do not use a new bearing half
Fig. 6 Measuring Timing Chain Wear and Stretch
Fig. 7 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
CYLINDER BORE AND PISTON
SPECIFICATION CHART
EngineStandard
BoreMaximum
Out-Of-
RoundMaximum
Taper
3.3L 92.993 -
93.007 mm0.076 mm 0.51 mm
(3.661 -
3.6617 in.)(0.003 in.) (0.002 in.)
3.8L 95.993 -
96.007 mmSame Same
3.7792 -
3.780 in.
Standard Piston Size
3.3L 92.950 - 92.968 mm (3.6594 - 3.6602 in.)
3.8L 95.950 - 95.968 mm (3.7776 - 3.7783 in.)
Piston to Bore Clearance: 0.025 - 0.057 mm
(0.0009 - 0.0022 in.)
Measurements taken at Piston Size Location.
Fig. 8 Piston Measurements
NS3.3/3.8L ENGINE 9 - 97
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
Page 1148 of 1938

with an old bearing half. Do not file the rods or
bearing caps.
(1) Follow procedure specified in the Standard Ser-
vice Procedure Section for Measuring Main Bearing
Clearance and Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance
(Fig. 11).
NOTE: The rod bearing bolts should be examined
before reuse. If the threads are necked down the
bolts should be replaced (Fig. 13). Necking can be
checked by holding a scale or straight edge againstthe threads. If all the threads do not contact the
scale the bolt should be replaced.
(2) Before installing the nuts the threads should
be oiled with engine oil.
(3) Install nuts finger tight on each bolt then alter-
nately torque each nut to assemble the cap properly.
(4) Tighten the nuts to 54 N´m PLUS 1/4 turn (40
ft. lbs. PLUS 1/4 turn).
(5) Using a feeler gauge, check connecting rod side
clearance (Fig. 12). Refer to Connecting Rod Specifi-
cation Chart.
FITTING MAIN BEARINGS
CRANKSHAFT OIL CLEARANCE
Measure the journal outside diameter as shown in
(Fig. 14). Refer to Crankshaft Specification Chart.
PISTON RING SPECIFICATION CHART
Ring Position Ring Gap Wear Limit Groove Clearance Maximum Clearance
Upper Ring 0.30 - 0.55 mm
(0.012 - 0.022 in.)1.0 mm (0.039 in.) 0.030 - 0.085 mm
(0.001 - 0.003 in.)0.10 mm (0.004 in.)
Intermediate Ring 0.30 - 0.55 mm
(0.012 - 0.022 in.)1.0 mm (0.039 in.) 0.030 - 0.095 mm
(0.001 - 0.0037 in.)0.10 mm (0.004 in.)
Oil Control Ring 0.25 - 1.00 mm
(0.010 - 0.039 in.)1.88 mm (0.074 in.) 0.014 - 0.266 mm
(0.0005 - 0.009 in.)0.266 mm (0.009 in.)
Fig. 9 Check Gap on Piston Rings
Fig. 10 Measuring Piston Ring Side Clearance
Fig. 11 Checking Connecting Rod Bearing
Clearance
9 - 98 3.3/3.8L ENGINENS
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
Page 1149 of 1938

PLASTIGAGE (OIL CLEARANCE)
MEASUREMENT
(1) Remove oil from journal and bearing shell.
(2) Install crankshaft.
(3) Cut plastigage to same length as width of the
bearing and place it in parallel with the journal axis
(Fig. 15).
(4) Install the main bearing cap carefully and
tighten the bolts to specified torque.
CAUTION: Do not rotate crankshaft or the plasti-
gage will be smeared.(5) Carefully remove the bearing cap and measure
the width of the plastigage at the widest part using
the scale on the plastigage package (Fig. 15). Refer to
Crankshaft Specification Chart for proper clearances.
If the clearance exceeds the specified limits, replace
the main bearing(s) and if necessary, have the crank-
shaft machined to next undersize.
CAUTION: Do not rotate crankshaft or the Plasti-
gage may be smeared.
CRANKSHAFT END PLAY
DIAL INDICATOR METHOD
(1) Mount a dial indicator to front of engine, locat-
ing probe on nose of crankshaft (Fig. 16).
Fig. 12 Checking Connecting Rod Side Clearance
CONNECTING ROD SPECIFICATION CHART
Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance
New Part: 0.019 - 0.073 mm
(0.0008 - 0.0029 in.)
Wear Limit: 0.074 mm
(0.003 in.)
Connecting Rod Side Clearance
New Part: 0.13 - 0.32 mm
(0.005 - 0.013 in.)
Wear Limit: 0.38 mm
(0.015 in.)
Fig. 13 Check for Stretched (Necked) Bolts
CRANKSHAFT SPECIFICATION CHART
Crankshaft End-Play
New Part: 0.09 - 0.24 mm
(0.0036 - 0.0095 in.)
Wear Limit: 0.38 mm
(0.015 in.)
Main Bearing Clearance
New Part: 0.011 - 0.059 mm
(0.0005 - 0.0024 in.)
Wear Limit: 0.076 mm
(0.003 in.)
Crankshaft Main Bearing Journal
Standard Size: 63.992 - 64.013 mm
(2.5194 - 2.5202 in.)
Crankshaft Connecting Rod Journal
Standard Size: 57.989 - 58.005 mm
(2.2831 - 2.2837 in.)
Fig. 14 Measure Crankshaft Journal O.D.
NS3.3/3.8L ENGINE 9 - 99
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
Page 1150 of 1938

(2) Move crankshaft all the way to the rear of its
travel.
(3) Zero the dial indicator.
(4) Move crankshaft all the way to the front and
read the dial indicator. Refer to Crankshaft Specifi-
cation Chart.
FEELER GAUGE METHOD
(1) Move crankshaft all the way to the rear of its
travel using a lever inserted between a main bearing
cap and a crankshaft cheek using care not to damage
any bearing surface.Do notloosen main bearing
cap.
(2) Use a feeler gauge between number 2 thrust
bearing and machined crankshaft surface to deter-
mine end play. Refer to Crankshaft Specification
Chart.
VALVE SERVICE RECONDITION
VALVE INSPECTION
(1) Clean valves thoroughly and discard burned,
warped and cracked valves.
(2) Measure valve stems for wear. Refer to Valve
Dimension Chart.
CAUTION: Valve stems are chrome plated and
should not be polished.
(3) Remove carbon and varnish deposits from
inside of valve guides with a reliable guide cleaner.
(4) Measure valve stem guide clearance as follows:
a. Install valve into cylinder head so it is 14 mm
(0.551 in.) off the valve seat. A small piece of hose
may be used to hold valve in place.
b. Attach dial indicator Tool C-3339 to cylinder
head and set it at right angle of valve stem being
measured (Fig. 17).
(5) Move valve to and from the indicator. Refer to
Valve Guide Specification Chart.
(6) Ream the guides for valves with oversized
stems if dial indicator reading is excessive or if the
stems are scuffed or scored.
(7) Service valves with oversize stems and over
size seals are available in 0.15 mm (0.005 in.), 0.40
mm, (0.015 in.) and 0.80 mm (0.030 in.) oversize.
NOTE: Oversize seals must be used with oversize
valves.
(8) Refer to Valve Guide Specification Chart for
reamer size to accommodate the oversize valve
stems.
(9) Slowly turn reamer by hand and clean guide
thoroughly before installing new valve.Do not
attempt to ream the valve guides from standard
directly to 0.80 mm (0.030 in.) Use step proce-
Fig. 15 Measuring Bearing Clearance with
Plastigage
Fig. 16 Checking Crankshaft End Play
Fig. 17 Measuring Valve Guide Wear
9 - 100 3.3/3.8L ENGINENS
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
Page 1151 of 1938

dure of 0.15 mm (0.005 in.), 0.40 mm (0.015 in.)
and 0.80 mm (0.030 in.) so the valve guides may
be reamed true in relation to the valve seat.
After reaming guides, the seat runout should be
measured and resurfaced if necessary. See
Refacing Valves and Valve Seats.VALVE GUIDES
NOTE: Replace cylinder head if guide does not
clean up with 0.80 mm (0.030 in.) oversize reamer,
or if guide is loose in cylinder head.
REFACING VALVES AND VALVE SEATS
The intake and exhaust valves have a 44-1/2 to 45
degree face angle. The valve seats have a 45 to 45-1/2
degree face angle. The valve face and valve seat
angles are shown in (Fig. 19).
VALVES
(1) Inspect the remaining margin after the valves
are refaced Refer to Valve Dimension Chart.
VALVE SEATS
CAUTION: Remove metal from valve seat only. Do
not remove metal from cylinder head (Fig. 20).
(1) When refacing valve seats, it is important that
the correct size valve guide pilot be used for reseat-
ing stones. A true and complete surface must be
obtained.
(2) Measure the concentricity of valve seat using
dial indicator. Total runout should not exceed 0.051
mm (0.002 in.) total indicator reading.
(3) Inspect the valve seat using Prussian blue to
determine where the valve contacts the seat. To do
this, coat valve seatLIGHTLYwith Prussian blue
then set valve in place. Rotate the valve with light
pressure. If the blue is transferred to the center of
valve face, contact is satisfactory. If the blue is trans-
ferred to top edge of valve face, lower valve seat with
a 15 degree stone. If the blue is transferred to the
bottom edge of valve face raise valve seat with a 65
degrees stone.
Fig. 18 Intake and Exhaust Valves
VALVE GUIDE SPECIFICATION CHART
Intake Valve Exhaust Valve
Dial Indicator
Reading
(Maximum):0.247 mm
(0.009 in.)0.414 mm
(0.016 in.)
Valve Guide
Reamer
OversizeValve Guide Size
0.15 mm
(0.005 in.)8.125 - 8.150 mm
(0.3198 - 0.3208 in.)
0.40 mm
(0.015 in.)8.375 - 8.400 mm
(0.3297 - 0.3307 in.)
0.80 mm
(0.030 in.)8.775 - 8.800 mm
(0.3454 - 0.3464 in.)
VALVE SPECIFICATION CHART
Intake Valve (Minimum)
Stem Diameter: 7.935 mm (0.3124 in.)
Face Angle: 44.5É
Valve Margin: 0.794 mm (0.031 in.)
Head Diameter: 45.5 mm (1.79 in.)
Length: 127.2 mm (5.008 in.)
Exhaust Valve (Minimum)
Stem Diameter: 7.906 mm (0.3112 in.)
Face Angle: 44.5É
Valve Margin: 1.191 mm (0.0469 in.)
Head Diameter: 37.5 mm (1.476 in.)
Length: 127.82 (5.032 in.)
Fig. 19 Valve Seats
NS3.3/3.8L ENGINE 9 - 101
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
Page 1152 of 1938

NOTE: Valve seats which are worn or burned can
be reworked, provided that correct angle and seat
width are maintained. Otherwise cylinder head must
be replaced.
(4) When seat is properly positioned the width of
intake seats should be 1.75 to 2.25 mm (0.69 to 0.088
in.) The width of the exhaust seats should be 1.50 to
2.00 mm (0.059 to 0.078 in.) (Fig. 19).
(5) Check the valve spring installed height after
refacing the valve and seat (Fig. 22).
TESTING VALVE SPRINGS
Whenever valves have been removed for inspection,
reconditioning or replacement, valve springs should
be tested (Fig. 21).As an example;the compression
length of the spring to be tested is 33.34 mm (1-5/16
inches). Turn table of Tool C-647 until surface is in
line with the 33.34 mm (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 measure-
ments are indicated on the table for finer adjust-
ments. Refer to specifications to obtain specified
height and allowable tensions. Discard the springs
that do not meet specifications.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
WIPER UNIT
When performing work on the upper engine.
Refer to Section 8K, Windshield Wipers and
Washers for removal of the Wiper Unit.
ENGINE MOUNTS
RIGHT SIDE MOUNT
REMOVAL
NOTE: Right mount should only be serviced as an
assembly to prevent noise, vibration and harshness
concerns.
(1) Remove the purge duty solenoid and wiring
harness from engine mount.
(2) Remove the two right engine mount insulator
vertical fasteners and loosen the horizontal fastener,
Do Notremove the large nut on the end of the core
from frame rail (Fig. 23).
(3) Remove the load on the engine motor mounts
by carefully supporting the engine and transmission
assembly with a floor jack.
Fig. 20 Refacing Valve SeatsFig. 21 Testing Valve Springs
Fig. 22 Checking Valve Installed Height
ITEM DESCRIPTION
A Valve Stem Height
B Valve Installed Height
9 - 102 3.3/3.8L ENGINENS
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)