cause of low compression unless some malfunc-
tion is present.
(11) Clean or replace spark plugs as necessary
and adjust gap as specified in Group 8, Electrical.
Tighten to specifications.
(12) Test resistance of spark plug cables. Refer to
Group 8, Electrical Ignition System Secondary Cir-
cuit Inspection.
(13) Test coil output voltage, primary and second-
ary resistance. Replace parts as necessary. Refer to
Group 8, Electrical Ignition System.
(14) Check fuel pump pressure at idle and differ-
ent RPM ranges. Refer to Group 14, Fuel System for
Specifications.
(15) The air filter elements should be replaced as
specified in Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance,.
(16) Inspect crankcase ventilation system as out
lined in Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance. For
emission controls see Group 25, Emission Controls
for service procedures.
(17) Inspect and adjust accessory belt drives refer-
ring to Group 7, Cooling System, Accessory Drive
Belts for proper adjustments.
(18) Road test vehicle as a final test.
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.
Clean spark plug recesses with compressed air.
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
according 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.
LASH ADJUSTER (TAPPET) NOISE DIAGNOSIS
A tappet-like noise may be produced from several
items. Check the following items.
(1) Engine oil level too high or too low. This may
cause aerated oil to enter the adjusters and cause
them to be spongy.
(2) Insufficient running time after rebuilding cylin-
der head. Low speed running up to 1 hour may be
required.
(3) During this time, turn engine off and let set for
a few minutes before restarting. Repeat this several
times after engine has reached normal operating
temperature.
(4) Low oil pressure.
(5) The oil restrictor pressed into the vertical oil
passage to the cylinder head is plugged with debris.
(6) Air ingested into oil due to broken or cracked
oil pump pick up.
(7) Worn valve guides.
(8) Rocker arm ears contacting valve spring
retainer.
(9) Rocker arm loose, adjuster stuck or at maxi-
mum extension and still leaves lash in the system.
(10) Faulty lash adjuster.
a. Check lash adjusters for sponginess while
installed in cylinder head. Depress part of rocker
arm over adjuster. Normal adjusters should feel very
firm. Spongy adjusters can be bottomed out easily.
b. Remove suspected lash adjusters, and disassem-
bleDo not reuse retainer caps. Do not inter-
change parts and make sure that care and
cleanliness is exercised in the handling of parts.
c. Clean out dirt and varnish with solvent.
d. Reassemble with engine oil.
e. Check for sponginess.
f. If still spongy, replace with new adjuster.
INSPECTION (ENGINE OIL LEAKS IN GENERAL)
Begin with a through visual inspection of the
engine, particularly at the area of the suspected leak.
If an oil leak source is not readily identifiable, the
following steps should be followed:
(1) Do not clean or degrease the engine at this
time because some solvents may cause rubber to
swell, temporarily stopping the leak.
9 - 8 ENGINENS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
BALANCE SHAFTS
Balance shaft lubrication is provided through an
oil passage from the number 1 main bearing cap
through the balance shaft carrier support leg. This
passage directly supplies oil to the front bearings and
internal machined passages in the shafts that routes
oil from front to rear shaft bearing journals
SPLASH LUBRICATION
Oil returning to the pan from pressurized compo-
nents supplies lubrication to the valve stems. Cylin-
der bores and wrist pins are splash lubricated from
directed slots on the connecting rod thrust collars.
ENGINE COMPONENTS
BALANCE SHAFTS:2.4L engines are equipped
with two balance shafts installed in a carrier
attached to the lower crankcase. The shafts intercon-
nect through gears to rotate in opposite directions.These gears are driven by a short chain from the
crankshaft, to rotate at two times crankshaft speed.
This counterbalances certain engine reciprocating
masses.
CYLINDER BLOCK AND BEDPLATE ASSEM-
B LY:A closed deck design is used for cooling and
weight reduction with water pump molded into the
block. Nominal wall thickness is 4.5 mm. The bed-
plate incorporates main bearing caps. Rear seal
retainer is integral with the block.
CRANKSHAFT:A nodular cast iron crankshaft is
used. The engine has 5 main bearings, with number
3 flanged to control thrust. The 60 mm diameter
main and 50 mm diameter crank pin journals (all)
have undercut fillets that are deep rolled for added
strength. To evenly distribute bearing loads and min-
imize internal stress, 8 counterweights are used.
Hydrodynamic seals provide end sealing, where the
crankshaft exits the block. Anaerobic gasket material
is used for parting line sealing in the block. A sin-
tered powder metal timing belt sprocket is mounted
on the crankshaft nose. This sprocket provides
motive power; via timing belt to the camshaft sprock-
ets (providing timed valve actuation) and to the
water pump.
PISTONS:There is provisions for free wheeling
valve train. Piston has a unique height. All engines
use pressed in piston pins to attach forged powder
metal connecting rods. Incorporate hex head cap
screw threaded into the connecting rod. Piston and
Rods are serviced as a assembly.
PISTONS RINGS:The piston rings include a
molybdenum faced top ring for reliable compression
EngineÐ2.4L
Fig. 1 Engine Identification
NS2.4L ENGINE 9 - 15
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
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) Drain cooling system. Refer to Group 7, Cooling
System for procedure.
(5) Remove upper radiator hose and remove radia-
tor fans. Refer to Group 7, Cooling System for proce-
dure.
(6) Remove lower radiator hose.
(7) Disconnect automatic transmission cooler lines
and plug, if equipped.
(8) Disconnect transmission shift linkage.
(9) Disconnect throttle body linkage.
(10) Disconnect engine wiring harness.
(11) Disconnect heater hoses.
(12) Discharge Air Conditioning System. Refer to
Group 24, Air Conditioning for procedure.
(13) Hoist vehicle and remove right inner splash
shield. Remove wheels and tires.
(14) Loosen power steering belt for pump removal.
Refer to Group 7, Cooling System for procedure.
(15) Remove axle shafts. Refer to Group 2, Suspen-
sion and Driveshafts for procedure.
(16) Disconnect exhaust pipe from manifold.
(17) Remove front and rear engine mount brackets
from the body.
(18) Remove bending braces and front engine
mount bracket. Remove transmission inspection
cover.
(19) Mark flexplate to torque converter and
remove torque converter bolts.
(20) Install front engine mount bracket.
(21) Lower vehicle.
(22) Remove power steering pump. Set pump
aside.
(23) Remove A/C lines at compressor and cap.
(24) Remove ground straps to body.
(25) Raise vehicle enough to allow engine dolly
Special Tool 6135, cradle Special Tool 6710 with
Posts Special Tool 6848 and Adaptor Special Tool
8130 to be installed under vehicle (Fig. 27).
(26) Loosen cradle posts to allow movement for
proper positioning. Locate two rear posts (right side
of engine) into the holes on the engine bedplate.
Locate the two front posts (left side of engine) on the
front engine bracket and A/C compressor bracket
(Fig. 27). Lower vehicle and position cradle mounts
until the engine is resting on mounts. Tighten
mounts to cradle frame. This will keep mounts from
moving when removing or installing engine and
transmission.(27) Lower vehicle so the weight ofONLY THE
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONare on the cradle.
(28) Remove engine and transmission mount bolts.
(29) Raise vehicle slowly. It may be necessary to
move the engine/transmission assembly on the cradle
to allow for removal around the body.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position engine and transmission assembly
under vehicle and slowly lower the vehicle over the
engine and transmission.
(2) Align engine and transmission mounts to
attaching points. Install mounting bolts at the right
engine and left transmission mounts. Refer to proce-
dures outlined in this section.
(3) Slowly raise vehicle enough to remove the
engine dolly and cradle Special Tools 6135 and 6710.
(4) Install axle shafts. Refer to Group 2, Suspen-
sion and Driveshafts for procedure.
(5) Install transmission and engine braces and
splash shields.
(6) Connect exhaust system to manifold. Refer to
Group 11, Exhaust System and Intake Manifold for
procedure and torque specifications.
(7) Install power steering pump. Refer to Cooling
System Group 7, Accessory Drive Section for belt ten-
sion adjustment.
(8) Install A/C compressor hoses. Refer to Group
24, Heater and Air Conditioning for procedure.
(9) Install accessory drive belts. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System Accessory Drive Section for belt ten-
sion adjustment.
(10) Install front and rear engine mounts. Refer to
this section for procedure.
(11) Install inner splash shield. Install wheels and
tires.
(12) Connect automatic transmission cooler lines,
and shift linkage. Refer to Group 21, Transmission
for procedures.
(13) Connect fuel line and heater hoses.
(14) Install ground straps. Connect engine and
throttle body connections and harnesses. Refer to
Group 8, Electrical for procedure.
(15) Connect throttle body linkage. Refer to Group
14, Fuel System for procedure.
(16) Install radiator fans. Install radiator hoses.
Fill cooling system. Refer to Group 7, Cooling System
for filling procedure.
(17) Connect battery.
(18) Install air cleaner and hoses.
(19) Install oil filter. Fill engine crankcase with
proper oil to correct level.
(20) Start engine and run until operating temper-
ature is reached.
(21) Adjust transmission linkage, if necessary.
9 - 26 2.4L ENGINENS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
CYLINDER HEAD
REMOVAL
(1) Perform fuel system pressure release proce-
durebefore attempting any repairs.Refer to
Group 14, Fuel System for procedure.
(2) Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain cool-
ing system. Refer to Group 7, Cooling System for pro-
cedure.
(3) Remove air cleaner and disconnect all vacuum
lines, electrical wiring and fuel lines from throttle
body.
(4) Remove throttle linkage. Refer to Group 14,
Fuel System for procedures
(5) Remove accessory drive belts. Refer to Group
7, Cooling System for procedure.
(6) Remove power brake vacuum hose from intake
manifold.
(7) Raise vehicle and remove exhaust pipe from
manifold.(8) Remove power steering pump assembly and
set aside.
(9) Disconnect coil pack wiring connector and
remove coil pack and plug wires from engine.
(10) Remove cam sensor and fuel injectors wiring
connectors.
(11) Remove timing belt and camshaft sprocket.
Refer to procedure outlined in this section.
(12) Remove timing belt idler pulley and rear tim-
ing belt cover.
(13) Remove cylinder head cover using procedure
outlined in this section.
(14) Remove camshafts and cam followers. Refer to
procedures outlined in this section for procedures.
(15) Remove cylinder head bolts and remove cyl-
inder head from engine block.
(16) Inspect and clean cylinder head. Refer to
Cleaning and Inspection outlined in this section for
procedures.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The Cylinder head bolts should be exam-
ined BEFORE reuse. If the threads are necked
down, the bolts should be replaced (Fig. 49).
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.
(1) Before installing the bolts, the threads should
be coated with engine oil.
(2) Tighten the cylinder head bolts in the
sequence shown in (Fig. 50). Using the 4 step torque
turn method, tighten according to the following val-
ues:
²First All to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.)
²Second All to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
²Third All to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for the fol-
lowing step.
²Fourth Turn an additional 1/4 Turn,
(3) Install camshafts and cam followers. Refer to
procedures outlined in this section for procedures.
Fig. 47 Valve SpringÐRemoval/Installation
Fig. 48 Valve Stem Seal/Valve Spring Seat
Fig. 49 Checking Bolts for Stretching (Necking)
9 - 34 2.4L ENGINENS
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(4) Install cylinder head cover using procedure out-
lined in this section.
(5) Install rear timing belt cover and timing belt
idler pulley.
(6) Install timing belt and camshaft sprocket.
Refer to procedure outlined in this section.
(7) Install cam sensor and fuel injectors wiring
connectors.
(8) Install coil pack and plug wires onto the
engine. Connect coil pack wiring connector.
(9) Install power steering pump assembly.
(10) Raise vehicle and install the exhaust pipe to
the manifold.
(11) Install power brake vacuum hose to the intake
manifold.
(12) Install accessory drive belts. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System for procedure.
(13) Install throttle linkage. Refer to Group 14,
Fuel System for procedures.
(14) Install air cleaner and connect all vacuum
lines, electrical wiring and fuel lines to the throttle
body.
(15) Fill cooling system. Refer to Group 7, Cooling
System for procedure. Connect negative battery
cable.
VALVES AND VALVE SPRINGS
REMOVAL
(1) With cylinder head removed, compress valve
springs using a universal valve spring compressor.
(2) Remove valve retaining locks, valve spring
retainers, valve stem seals and valve springs.(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.
(4) Inspect and clean the valves. Refer to Cleaning
and Inspection outlined in this section for procedure.
INSTALLATION
(1) Coat valve stems with clean engine oil and
insert in cylinder head.
(2) Install new valve stem seals on all valves
using a valve stem seal tool (Fig. 51). The valve stem
seals should be pushed firmly and squarely over
valve guide.
CAUTION: When oversize valves are used, the cor-
responding oversize valve seal must also be used.
Excessive guide wear may result if oversize seals
are not used with oversize valves.
(3) Install valve springs and retainers. Compress
valve springs only enough to install locks, taking
care not to misalign the direction of compression.
Nicked valve stems may result from misalignment of
the valve spring compressor.
CAUTION: When depressing the valve spring
retainers with valve spring compressor the locks
can become dislocated. Ensure both locks are in
the correct location after removing tool.
(4) Check the valve spring installed height B after
refacing the valve and seat (Fig. 52). Make sure mea-
surements are taken from top of spring seat to the
bottom surface of spring retainer. If height is greater
than 38.75 mm (1.525 in.), install a .762 mm (0.030
in.) spacer under the valve spring seat to bring
spring height back within specification.
Fig. 50 Cylinder Head Tightening Sequence
Fig. 51 Valve Stem Oil Seal Tool
NS2.4L ENGINE 9 - 35
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
TIMING BELT COVER
FRONT COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove crankshaft damper. Refer to crank-
shaft damper removal for procedure.
(2) Remove front timing belt cover fasteners (Fig.
55) and remove covers.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install front timing belt covers (Fig. 55).
Tighten bolts to 4.5 N´m (40 in. lbs.).
(2) Install crankshaft damper. Refer to crankshaft
damper installation for procedure.
REAR COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove front covers.
(2) Remove engine mount bracket (Fig. 55).
(3) Remove Timing Belt, Idler Pulley, and Cam-
shaft Sprockets. Refer to procedure outlined in this
section.
(4) Remove rear cover fasteners and remove cover
from engine (Fig. 56).INSTALLATION
(1) Install rear timing belt cover and fasteners
(Fig. 56).
(2) Install camshaft sprockets. While holding
sprocket with Special Tools C-4687 and C-4687-1,
tighten center bolt to 101 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install timing belt idler pulley and tighten
mounting bolt to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install Timing Belt. Refer to procedure outlined
in this section.
(5) Install engine mount bracket and tighten bolts
to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install front covers.
TIMING BELT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist. Remove right front
wheel.
(2) Remove right inner splash shield.
(3) Remove accessory drive belts. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System.
(4) Remove crankshaft damper bolt, and remove
damper. Refer to Removal and Installation procedure
in this section.
(5) Remove lower timing belt cover fasteners and
remove cover (Fig. 57).
Fig. 55 Front Timing Belt Cover
Fig. 56 Rear Timing Belt Cover Fasteners
NS2.4L ENGINE 9 - 37
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
CAUTION: If timing belt was damaged due to incor-
rect tracking (alignment), the belt tensioner assem-
bly must be replace. Refer to Timing Belt Tensioner
Assembly Removal and Installation procedure out-
lined in this section.
INSTALLATION
(1) Set crankshaft sprocket to TDC by aligning
the sprocket with the arrow on the oil pump housing.
(2) Set camshafts timing marks so that the
exhaust camshaft sprocket is a 1/2 notch below the
intake camshaft sprocket (Fig. 61).
CAUTION: Ensure that the arrows on both cam-
shaft sprockets are facing up.
(3) Install timing belt. Starting at the crankshaft,
go around the water pump sprocket, idler pulley,
camshaft sprockets and then around the tensioner
(Fig. 62).
(4) Move the exhaust camshaft sprocket counter-
clockwise (Fig. 62) to align marks and take up belt
slack.
NOTE: A new tensioner is held in the wound posi-
tion by a pull pin.
(5) Remove the pull pin or Allen wrench from the
belt tensioner.
(6) Once timing belt has been installed and ten-
sioner released, rotate crankshaft two (2) complete
revolutions. Verify that the TDC marks on crank-
shaft and timing marks on the camshafts are aligned
as shown in (Fig. 60).
(7) Install right engine mount and support
bracket. Refer to Removal and Installation procedure
in this section.
(8) Install upper timing belt cover bolts 4.5 N´m
(40 in. lbs.).
(9) Install the lower timing belt cover bolts 4.5
N´m (40 in. lbs.).
(10) Install crankshaft damper. Refer to procedure
outlined in this section.
(11) Install accessory drive belts. Refer to Group 7,
Cooling System.
(12) Install right inner splash shield.
(13) Install right front wheel.
Fig. 60 Crankshaft and Camshaft Timing
Fig. 61 Camshaft Sprocket Alignment
NS2.4L ENGINE 9 - 39
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(2) Tighten mount to transmission bolts to 55 N´m
(40 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 22).
Tighten through bolt to 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.)
(3) Engine mount adjustment, Refer to Engine
Mount Insulator Adjustment of this section.
REAR MOUNT
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Support the transmission with a transmission
jack so it will not rotate.
(3) Remove the insulator through bolt from the
mount and rear suspension crossmember.
(4) Remove the four transmission mount fasteners
and remove the mount.
(5) Reverse the removal procedure for installation.
Refer to (Fig. 23).
ENGINE MOUNT RUBBER INSULATORS
Insulator location on (right side) is adjustable to
allow right/left drive train adjustment in relation to
driveshaft assembly length. See Engine Mount
Adjustments in this section.
Check and reposition right engine mount insulator.
Adjust drive train position, if required, for the follow-
ing conditions:
²Driveshaft distress: See Group 2, Suspension
and Driveshafts.
²Any front end structural damage (after repair).
²Insulator 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 Acces-
sory Drive System located in Group 7, Cooling Sys-
tem 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 axle shafts. Refer to
Group 2, Driveshaft for procedure.
(15) Remove right and left inner splash shields.
(16) Disconnect exhaust pipe from manifold.
(17) Remove front engine mount and bracket as an
assembly.
(18) Remove rear transmission mount and bracket.
(19) Remove power steering pump and bracket
assembly.
(20) Remove wiring harness and connectors from
front of engine.
(21) Remove bending braces and install tool num-
ber 6910 on engine.
(22) Remove trans inspection cover and mark flex-
plate to torque converter.
(23) Remove driveplate to torque converter bolts.
(24) Lower the vehicle.
Fig. 22 Engine MountÐLeft
Fig. 23 Engine MountÐRear
NS3.0L ENGINE 9 - 69
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)