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)
(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)
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)
ENGINE MOUNT RUBBER INSULATORS
Insulator location on (right side) is adjustable to
allow right/left drive train adjustment in relation to
drive shaft assembly length.
Check and reposition right engine mount insulator.
See Adjustments in this section. Adjust drive train
position, if required, for the following conditions:
a. Drive shaft distress. See Group 2, Suspension
and Driveshafts.
b. Any front end structural damage (after repair).
c. Insulator replacement.
ENGINE ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL
(1) Perform fuel pressure release procedure. Refer
to group 14 fuel system for procedure. Remove fuel
line to fuel rail.
(2) Disconnect battery.
(3) Remove air cleaner and hoses.
(4) Remove battery cover, battery and battery tray,
with integral vacuum reservoir, from vehicle.
(5) Block off heater hoses to rear heater assembly,
if equipped.
(6) Drain cooling system. Refer to Group 7, Cooling
System for procedure.
(7) Disconnect heater hoses.
(8) Remove fan module and radiator. Refer to
Group 7 Cooling System for procedure.
(9) Disconnect transmission shift linkage.
(10) Disconnect throttle body linkage and vacuum
hoses from throttle body.
(11) Remove accessory drive belts. Refer to Group
7, Accessory Drive Belts located in Cooling System
for procedure.
(12) Remove air conditioning compressor from
engine and set it aside.
(13) Disconnect generator wiring harness and
remove generator.
(14) Hoist vehicle and remove right and left inner
splash shields.
(15) Remove crossmember cradle plate (Fig. 27).
(16) Remove axle shafts. Refer to Group 3, Differ-
ential and Driveline for procedure.
(17)(AWD equipped)Mark orientation and sepa-
rate propeller shaft from power transfer unit. Refer
to Group 3, Differential and Driveline for procedure.
(18) Disconnect exhaust pipe from manifold.
(19) Remove front engine mount and bracket as an
assembly.
Fig. 25 Engine MountingÐLeft
Fig. 26 Engine MountingÐRear
Fig. 27 Crossmember Cradle Plate
9 - 104 3.3/3.8L ENGINENS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
²Non±isolatedcylinder head cover to 12 N´m
(105 in. lbs.).
²Isolatedcylinder head cover to 10 N´m (90 in.
lbs.) (Fig. 32).
(4) Connect PCV hose from cylinder head cover.
(5) Install intake manifold upper plenum. Refer to
Group 11, Exhaust System and Intake Manifold for
procedure.
(6) Install Wiper Unit. Refer to Group 8K, Wind-
shield Wipers and Washers for procedure.
(7) Connect negative cable to battery.
CYLINDER HEAD
REMOVAL
(1) Drain cooling system. Refer to Group 7, Cooling
System for procedure and disconnect negative cable
from battery.
(2) Remove upper and lower intake manifolds.
Refer to Group 11, Exhaust System and Intake Man-
ifold.
WARNING: INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IS MADE
OF VERY THIN METAL AND MAY CAUSE PER-
SONAL INJURY, HANDLE WITH CARE.
(3) Disconnect coil wires, sending unit wire, heater
hoses and bypass hose.
(4) Remove PCV system hoses, evaporation control
system hose and cylinder head covers.
(5) Remove exhaust manifolds.
(6) Remove rocker arm and shaft assemblies.
Remove push rods andmark positions to ensure
installation in original locations.
(7) Remove the 9 head bolts from each cylinder
head and remove cylinder heads (Fig. 33).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean all sealing surfaces of cylinder block and
cylinder heads.
(2) Install new gaskets on cylinder block (Fig. 34).
(3)The cylinder head bolts are torqued using
the torque yield method, they should be exam-
ined BEFORE reuse. If the threads are necked
down, the bolts should be replaced(Fig. 35).
(4) Necking can be checked by holding a scale or
straight edge against the threads. If all the threads
do not contact the scale the bolt should be replaced.
(5) Tighten the cylinder head bolts1-8inthe
sequence shown in (Fig. 33). Using the 4 step torque
turn method, tighten according to the following val-
ues:
²Step 1: Bolts1±8to61N´m(45ft.lbs.)
²Step 2: Bolts1±8to88N´m(65ft.lbs.)
²Step 3: Bolts1±8(again) to 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.)
²Step 4: Bolts1±8turn an additional 1/4 Turn.
(Do not use a torque wrench for this step.)
NOTE: Bolt torque after 1/4 turn should be over 122
N´m (90 ft. lbs.). If not, replace the bolt.
(6) Tighten head bolt number 9 (Fig. 33) to 33 N´m
(25 ft. lbs.) after head bolts1±8have been tighten
to specifications.
Fig. 33 Cylinder Head Bolts Location and
Tightening Sequence
Fig. 34 Head Gasket Installation
Fig. 35 Checking Bolts for Stretching (Necking)
9 - 108 3.3/3.8L ENGINENS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(3) Before removing valves,remove any burrs
from valve stem lock grooves to prevent dam-
age to the valve guides.Identify valves to insure
installation in original location.
VALVE INSTALLATION
(1) Coat valve stems with clean engine oil and
insert them in cylinder head.
(2) Check valve tip to spring seat dimensions A
after grinding the valve seats or faces. Grind valve
tip to give 49.541 to 51.271 mm (1.950 to 2.018 in.)
over spring seat when installed in the head (Fig. 41).
Check valve tip for scoring, if necessary, the tip
chamfer should be reground to prevent seal damage
when the valve is installed.
(3) Install valve spring seat spacer on head (Fig.
42).
(4) Install new cup seals on all valve stems and
over valve guides (Fig. 41). Install valve springs and
valve retainers (Fig. 42).
(5) Compress valve springs with Valve Spring
Compressor Tool C-3422-B, with adapter 6412 install
locks and release tool.If valves and/or seats are
reground, measure the installed height of
springs dimension B, make sure measurementsare taken from top of spring seat to the bottom
surface of spring retainer. If height is greater
than 1-19/32 inches, (40.6 mm), install a 1/32
inch (.794 mm) spacer in head counterbore to
bring spring height back to normal 1-17/32 to
1-19/32 inch (39.1 to 40.6 mm).TAPPET REMOVAL
(1) Refer to Cylinder Head Removal in this section.
Cylinder Head must be removed to gain access to
tappets for service.
(2) Remove yoke retainer and aligning yokes.
(3) Use Tool C-4129 to remove tappets from their
bores. If all tappets are to be removed, identify tap-
pets to insure installation in original location.
NOTE: If the tappet or bore in cylinder block is
scored, scuffed, or shows signs of sticking, ream
the bore to next oversize and replace with oversize
tappet.
CAUTION: The plunger and tappet bodies are not
interchangeable. The plunger and valve must
always be fitted to the original body. It is advisable
to work on one tappet at a time to avoid mixing of
parts. Mixed parts are not compatible. Do not disas-
semble a tappet on a dirty work bench.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate tappets.
(2) Install tappets in their original positions.
(3) With roller tappets, install aligning yokes (Fig.
43).
(4) Install yoke retainer and torque screws to 12
N´m (105 in. lbs.) (Fig. 43).
(5) Install cylinder heads. Refer to cylinder head
installation of this section for procedure.
Fig. 40 Compress Valve Springs with Special Tool
C-3422-B with Adapter 6412
Fig. 41 Checking Valve Installed Height
Fig. 42 Valve Seal and SpringÐInstallation
9 - 110 3.3/3.8L ENGINENS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
with the dot on the sprocket and install camshaft
sprocket into position.
(5) Use a straight edge to check alignment of tim-
ing marks (Fig. 50).
(6) Install camshaft bolt and washer. Tighten to 54
N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(7) Rotate crankshaft 2 revolutions. Timing marks
should line up. If timing marks do not line up
remove cam sprocket and realign.
(8) Check camshaft end play. With new thrust
plate the specification is 0.0127 to 0.304 mm (0.005
to 0.012 in.). Old thrust plate specification is 0.31
mm (0.012 in.) maximum. If not within these limits
install new thrust plate.
(9) Install timing chain cover and connect negative
cable to battery.
CAMSHAFT
REMOVALÐENGINE REMOVED FROM
VEHICLE
Remove intake manifold, cylinder head covers, cyl-
inder heads, timing chain case cover and timing
chain.
(1) Remove rocker arm and shaft assemblies.
(2) Remove push rods and tappets; identify so each
part will be replaced in its original location.
(3) Remove camshaft thrust plate (Fig. 51).
(4) Install a long bolt into front of camshaft to
facilitate removal of the camshaft; remove camshaft,
being careful not to damage cam bearings with the
cam lobes.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate camshaft lobes and camshaft bearing
journals and insert the camshaft to within 2 inches
of its final position in cylinder block.(2) Install camshaft thrust plate with two screws
as shown in (Fig. 51). Tighten to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.)
torque.
(3) Rotate crankshaft so the timing arrow is at the
12 o'clock position.
(4) Place timing chain around camshaft sprocket
and place the timing mark to the 6 o'clock position.
(5) Align the dark colored links with the dot on the
camshaft sprocket, place timing chain around crank-
shaft sprocket with the dark colored link lined up
with the dot on the sprocket and install camshaft
sprocket into position.
(6) Using straight edge to check alignment of tim-
ing marks (Fig. 52).
(7) Install the camshaft bolt. Tighten bolt to 54
N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(8) Rotate crankshaft 2 revolutions. Timing marks
should line up. If timing marks do not line up,
remove cam sprocket and realign.
(9) Measure camshaft end play. End Play should
measure 0.0127 to 0.304 mm (0.005 to 0.012 inches.)
Fig. 50 Timing Marks Alignment
Fig. 51 Camshaft Thrust Plate
Fig. 52 Alignment of Timing Marks
NS3.3/3.8L ENGINE 9 - 113
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(6) Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a
hammer handle. At the same time, guide connecting
rod into position on connecting rod journal.
(7) The notch or groove on top of piston must be
pointing toward front of engine (Fig. 60).
(8) Install rod caps. Install nuts on cleaned and
oiled rod bolts and tighten nuts to 54 N´m (40 ft. lb.)
Plus 1/4 turn.
(9) Repeat procedure for each piston and rod
installation.
(10) Install cylinder heads and oil pan.
(11) Fill engine crankcase with proper oil to cor-
rect level.
(12) Connect negative cable to battery.
CRANKSHAFT
MAIN BEARINGS
Bearing caps are not interchangeable and should
be marked at removal to insure correct assembly
(Fig. 62). Upper and lower bearing halves are NOT
interchangeable. Lower main bearing halves of 1, 3
and 4 are interchangeable. Upper main bearing
halves of 1, 3 and 4 are interchangeable.
CRANKSHAFT MAIN JOURNALS
The crankshaft journals should be checked for
excessive wear, taper and scoring. (Fig. 61) Limits of
taper or out-of-round on any crankshaft journals
should be held to 0.025 mm (0.001 in.). Journal
grinding should not exceed 0.305 mm (0.012 in.)
under the standard journal diameter. Do NOT grind
thrust faces of Number 2 main bearing. Do NOT nick
crank pin or bearing fillets. After grinding, remove
rough edges from crankshaft oil holes and clean out
all passages.
CAUTION: With the nodular cast iron crankshafts
used it is important that the final paper or cloth pol-ish after any journal regrind be in the same direc-
tion as normal rotation in the engine.
Upper and lower Number 2 bearing halves are
flanged to carry the crankshaft thrust loads and are
NOT interchangeable with any other bearing halves
in the engine (Fig. 63). All bearing cap bolts removed
during service procedures are to be cleaned and oiled
before installation. Bearing shells are available in
standard and the following undersizes: 0.025 mm
(0.001 in.) and 0.254 mm (0.010 in). Never install an
undersize bearing that will reduce clearance below
specifications.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove oil pan and identify bearing caps
before removal.
(2) Remove bearing caps one at a time. Remove
upper half of bearing by inserting Special Main Bear-
ing Tool C-3059. (Fig. 64) into the oil hole of crank-
shaft.
Fig. 60 Piston I.D. NotchesFig. 61 Measure Crankshaft Journal O.D.
Fig. 62 Main Bearing Cap Identification
9 - 116 3.3/3.8L ENGINENS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)