
NOTE: The lower plated link is 8 links from the
upper link.
(9) With balance shaft keyways pointing up (12
o'clock) slide the balance shaft sprocket onto the nose
of the balance shaft. The balance shaft may have to
be pushed in slightly to allow for clearance.
NOTE: THE TIMING MARK ON THE SPROCKET, THE
(LOWER) NICKEL PLATED LINK, AND THE ARROW
ON THE SIDE OF THE GEAR COVER SHOULD LINE
UP WHEN THE BALANCE SHAFTS ARE TIMED
CORRECTLY.(10) If the sprockets are timed correctly, install the
balance shaft bolts and tighten to 28 N´m (250 in.
lbs.). A wood block placed between crankcase and
crankshaft counterbalance will prevent crankshaft
and gear rotation.
(11)CHAIN TENSIONING:
(a) Install chain tensioner loosely assembled.
(b) Position guide on double ended stud making
sure tab on the guide fits into slot on the gear
cover. Install and tighten nut/washer assembly to
12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(c) Place a shim 1 mm (0.039 in.) thick x 70 mm
(2.75 in.) long or between tensioner and chain.
Push tensioner and shim up against the chain.
Apply firm pressure 2.5±3 Kg (5.5±6.6 lbs.)
directly behind the adjustment slot to take up
all slack.Chain must have shoe radius contact as
shown in (Fig. 136).
(d) With the load applied, tighten top tensioner
bolt first, then bottom pivot bolt. Tighten bolts to
12 N´m (105 in. lbs.). Remove shim.
(e) Install carrier covers and tighten screws to
12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(12) Install pick-up tube and oil pan.
(13) Fill engine crankcase with proper oil to cor-
rect level.
Fig. 135 Balance Shaft Timing
1 - MARK ON SPROCKET
2 - KEYWAYS UP
3 - ALIGN MARKS
4 - PLATED LINK
5 - PARTING LINE (BEDPLATE TO BLOCK)
6 - PLATED LINK
Fig. 136 Chain Tension Adjustment
1 - 1MM (0.039 IN.) SHIM
2 - TENSIONER (ADJUSTER) BOLT
3 - PIVOT BOLT
RSENGINE 2.4L9-69
BALANCE SHAFT (Continued)

ENGINE 3.3/3.8L
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L
DESCRIPTION...........................73
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................74
ENGINE..............................74
ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - PERFORMANCE......74
ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - MECHANICAL........76
ENGINE OIL LEAK INSPECTION...........77
CYLINDER COMPRESSION PRESSURE
TEST................................78
CYLINDER COMBUSTION PRESSURE
LEAKAGE TEST........................79
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................79
MEASURING WITH PLASTIGAGE..........79
FORM-IN-PLACE GASKETS AND SEALERS. . . 79
ENGINE GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION . . 80
HYDROSTATIC LOCKED ENGINE..........81
REPAIR OF DAMAGED OR WORN
THREADS.............................81
ENGINE CORE AND OIL GALLERY PLUGS . . . 81
REMOVAL..............................82
INSTALLATION...........................84
SPECIFICATIONS........................86
SPECIAL TOOLS.........................90
AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
REMOVAL..............................93
INSTALLATION...........................93
AIR CLEANER HOUSING
REMOVAL..............................93
INSTALLATION...........................93
CYLINDER HEAD
DESCRIPTION...........................94
OPERATION.............................94
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................94
CYLINDER HEAD GASKET...............94
REMOVAL..............................95
CLEANING..............................95
INSPECTION............................96
INSTALLATION...........................96
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
DESCRIPTION...........................97
CYLINDER HEAD COVER - RIGHT
REMOVAL..............................97
INSTALLATION...........................98
CYLINDER HEAD COVER - LEFT
REMOVAL..............................98
INSTALLATION...........................99
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES & SEATS
DESCRIPTION...........................99
OPERATION.............................99STANDARD PROCEDURE..................99
VALVE SERVICE.......................99
REMOVAL.............................100
CLEANING.............................100
INSPECTION...........................100
INSTALLATION..........................101
VALVE SPRINGS
DESCRIPTION..........................101
OPERATION............................101
REMOVAL.............................101
INSPECTION...........................103
INSTALLATION..........................103
ROCKER ARMS
DESCRIPTION..........................103
OPERATION............................104
REMOVAL.............................104
DISASSEMBLY..........................105
ASSEMBLY............................105
INSTALLATION..........................105
VALVE STEM SEALS
DESCRIPTION..........................106
REMOVAL.............................106
INSTALLATION..........................106
ENGINE BLOCK
DESCRIPTION..........................106
STANDARD PROCEDURE.................106
CYLINDER BORE HONING...............106
CLEANING.............................107
INSPECTION...........................107
CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN BLOCK)
DESCRIPTION..........................107
OPERATION............................107
REMOVAL.............................107
INSPECTION...........................108
INSTALLATION..........................108
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE.................109
CONNECTING ROD BEARING - FITTING....109
CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION..........................109
OPERATION............................110
STANDARD PROCEDURE.................110
CRANKSHAFT END PLAY................110
REMOVAL.............................110
INSPECTION...........................111
INSTALLATION..........................111
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE.................113
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARING - FITTING . . . 113
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-71

REMOVAL.............................114
INSTALLATION..........................115
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - FRONT
REMOVAL.............................115
INSTALLATION..........................115
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR
REMOVAL.............................116
INSTALLATION..........................117
CRANKSHAFT REAR OIL SEAL RETAINER
REMOVAL.............................117
INSTALLATION..........................117
FLEX PLATE
REMOVAL.............................118
INSTALLATION..........................118
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS (CAM IN BLOCK)
DESCRIPTION..........................118
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................118
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS...................118
REMOVAL.............................119
INSTALLATION..........................119
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION..........................119
OPERATION............................120
STANDARD PROCEDURE.................120
CONNECTING ROD AND BEARING -
FITTING.............................120
PISTON - FITTING.....................121
REMOVAL.............................121
INSTALLATION..........................122
PISTON RINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE.................124
PISTON RING - FITTING................124
REMOVAL.............................124
INSTALLATION..........................125
VIBRATION DAMPER
REMOVAL.............................126
INSTALLATION..........................126
ENGINE MOUNTING
DESCRIPTION..........................127
FRONT MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................127
INSTALLATION..........................127
LEFT MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................128
INSTALLATION..........................128
REAR MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................129
INSTALLATION..........................130
RIGHT MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................130
INSTALLATION..........................131
LUBRICATION
DESCRIPTION..........................131
OPERATION............................131
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................131
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE................131OIL
STANDARD PROCEDURE.................132
ENGINE OIL CHANGE..................132
ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK..............133
OIL COOLER & LINES
DESCRIPTION..........................134
OPERATION............................134
REMOVAL.............................134
INSTALLATION..........................134
OIL FILTER
REMOVAL.............................135
INSTALLATION..........................135
OIL FILTER ADAPTER
REMOVAL.............................135
INSTALLATION..........................135
OIL PAN
REMOVAL.............................136
CLEANING.............................136
INSPECTION...........................136
INSTALLATION..........................136
OIL PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
REMOVAL.............................137
INSTALLATION..........................137
OIL PRESSURE SENSOR/SWITCH
DESCRIPTION..........................137
OPERATION............................138
REMOVAL.............................138
INSTALLATION..........................138
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION..........................138
REMOVAL.............................138
DISASSEMBLY..........................138
CLEANING.............................138
INSPECTION...........................138
ASSEMBLY............................140
INSTALLATION..........................140
INTAKE MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION..........................140
OPERATION............................141
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................141
INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKS..............141
INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER 3.3L
STANDARD PROCEDURE.................141
MANIFOLD STRIPPED THREAD REPAIR....141
INTAKE MANIFOLD VACUUM PORT REPAIR . 142
REMOVAL.............................143
CLEANING.............................144
INSPECTION...........................144
INSTALLATION..........................144
INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER 3.8L
REMOVAL.............................145
CLEANING.............................146
INSPECTION...........................147
INSTALLATION..........................147
INTAKE MANIFOLD - LOWER
REMOVAL.............................148
CLEANING.............................148
9 - 72 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
Engine diagnosis is helpful in determining the
causes of malfunctions not detected and remedied by
routine maintenance.
These malfunctions may be classified as either
mechanical (e.g., a strange noise), or performance
(e.g., engine idles rough and stalls).
Refer to the Engine Mechanical and the Engine
Performance diagnostic charts, for possible causes
and corrections of malfunctions (Refer to 9 - ENGINE
- DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MECHANICAL)
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
- PERFORMANCE).
For fuel system diagnosis, (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
Additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be
necessary for specific engine malfunctions that can-
not be isolated with the Service Diagnosis charts.
Information concerning additional tests and diagno-
sis is provided within the following:
²Cylinder Compression Pressure Test
²Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test
²Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis
²Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis
²Lash Adjuster (Tappet) Noise Diagnosis
²Engine Oil Leak Inspection
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE PERFORMANCE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL
NOT START1. Weak battery. 1. Test battery. Charge or replace as
necessary. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
BATTERY SYSTEM - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
2. Corroded or loose battery connections. 2. Clean and tighten battery connections.
Apply a coat of light mineral grease to
terminals.
3. Faulty starter. 3. Test starting system. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/STARTING - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING)
4. Faulty coil(s) or control unit. 4. Test and replace as needed. (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information)
5. Incorrect spark plug gap. 5. Set gap. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL - SPECIFICATIONS)
6. Contamination in fuel system. 6. Clean system and replace fuel filter.
7. Faulty fuel pump. 7. Test fuel pump and replace as needed.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic Information)
8. Incorrect engine timing. 8. Check for a skipped timing belt/chain.
Fig. 2 Engine Identification
9 - 74 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
ENGINE STALLS
OR IDLES
ROUGH1. Idle speed too low. 1. Test minimum air flow. (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information)
2. Incorrect fuel mixture. 2. (Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
3. Intake manifold leakage. 3. Inspect intake manifold, manifold gasket,
and vacuum hoses.
4. Faulty ignition coil(s). 4. Test and replace as necessary. (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information)
ENGINE LOSS OF
POWER1. Dirty or incorrectly gapped plugs. 1. Clean plugs and set gap.
2. Contamination in fuel system. 2. Clean system and replace fuel filter.
3. Faulty fuel pump. 3. Test and replace as necessary. (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information)
4. Incorrect valve timing. 4. Correct valve timing.
5. Leaking cylinder head gasket. 5. Replace cylinder head gasket.
6. Low compression. 6. Test compression of each cylinder.
7. Burned, warped, or pitted valves. 7. Replace valves.
8. Plugged or restricted exhaust system. 8. Perform exhaust restriction test. (Refer to
11 - EXHAUST SYSTEM - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING) Install new parts, as necessary.
9. Faulty ignition coil(s). 9. Test and replace as necessary. (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information)
ENGINE MISSES
ON
ACCELERATION1. Dirty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs. 1. Clean spark plugs and set gap.
2. Contamination in Fuel System. 2. Clean fuel system and replace fuel filter.
3. Burned, warped, or pitted valves. 3. Replace valves.
4. Faulty ignition coil(s). 4. Test and replace as necessary. (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information)
ENGINE MISSES
AT HIGH SPEED1. Dirty or incorrect spark plug gap. 1. Clean spark plugs and set gap.
2. Faulty ignition coil(s). 2. Test and replace as necessary. (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information)
3. Dirty fuel injector(s). Test and replace as necessary. (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information)
4. Contamination in fuel system. 4. Clean system and replace fuel filter.
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-75
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE MECHANICAL
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NOISY VALVES 1. High or low oil level in crankcase. 1. Check and correct engine oil level.
2. Thin or diluted oil. 2. Change oil to correct viscosity.
3. Thick oil 3. (a) Change engine oil and filter.
(b) Run engine to operating temperature.
(c) Change engine oil and filter again.
4. Low oil pressure. 4. Check and correct engine oil level.
5. Dirt in tappets/lash adjusters. 5. Replace rocker arm/hydraulic lash
adjuster assembly.
6. Worn rocker arms. 6. Inspect oil supply to rocker arms.
7. Worn tappets/lash adjusters. 7. Install new rocker arm/hydraulic lash
adjuster assembly.
8. Worn valve guides. 8. Replace cylinder head assembly.
9. Excessive runout of valve seats on valve
faces.9. Grind valve seats and valves.
10. Missing adjuster pivot. 10. Replace rocker arm/hydraulic lash
adjuster assembly.
CONNECTING
ROD NOISE1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check engine oil level. Inspect oil pump
relief valve and spring.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil to correct viscosity.
4. Thick oil 4. (a) Change engine oil and filter.
(b) Run engine to operating temperature.
(c) Change engine oil and filter again.
5. Excessive bearing clearance. 5. Measure bearings for correct clearance.
Repair as necessary.
6. Connecting rod journal out-of-round. 6. Replace crankshaft or grind surface.
7. Misaligned connecting rods. 7. Replace bent connecting rods.
MAIN BEARING
NOISE1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check engine oil level. Inspect oil pump
relief valve and spring.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil to correct viscosity.
4. Thick oil 4. (a) Change engine oil and filter.
(b) Run engine to operating temperature.
(c) Change engine oil and filter again.
5. Excessive bearing clearance. 5. Measure bearings for correct clearance.
Repair as necessary.
6. Excessive end play. 6. Check thrust bearing for wear on flanges.
7. Crankshaft journal out-of-round or worn. 7. Replace crankshaft or grind journals.
8. Loose flywheel or torque converter. 8. Tighten to correct torque.
9 - 76 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OIL PRESSURE
DROP1. Low oil level. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Faulty oil pressure sending unit. 2. Install new sending unit.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check sending unit and main bearing oil
clearance.
4. Clogged oil filter. 4. Install new oil filter.
5. Worn parts in oil pump. 5. Replace worn parts or pump.
6. Thin or diluted oil. 6. Change oil to correct viscosity.
7. Oil pump relief valve stuck. 7. Remove valve and inspect, clean, or
replace.
8. Oil pump suction tube loose. 8. Remove oil pan and install new tube or
clean, if necessary.
9. Oil pump cover warped or cracked. 9. Install new oil pump.
10. Excessive bearing clearance. 10. Measure bearings for correct clearance.
OIL LEAKS 1. Misaligned or deteriorated gaskets. 1. Replace gasket(s).
2. Loose fastener, broken or porous metal
part.2. Tighten, repair or replace the part.
3. Misaligned or deteriorated cup or
threaded plug.3. Replace as necessary.
OIL
CONSUMPTION
OR SPARK
PLUGS FOULED1. PCV system malfunction. 1. Check system and repair as necessary.
(Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS CONTROL/
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS/PCV VALVE -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
2. Worn, scuffed or broken rings. 2. Hone cylinder bores. Install new rings.
3. Carbon in oil ring slots. 3. Install new rings.
4. Rings fitted too tightly in grooves. 4. Remove rings and check grooves. If
groove is not proper width, replace piston.
5. Worn valve guide(s). 5. Replace cylinder head assembly.
6. Valve stem seal(s) worn or damaged. 6. Replace seal(s).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE OIL LEAK
Begin with a thorough 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.
(2) Add an oil soluble dye (use as recommended by
manufacturer). Start the engine and let idle for
approximately 15 minutes. Check the oil dipstick to
make sure the dye is thoroughly mixed as indicated
with a bright yellow color under a black light.
(3) Using a black light, inspect the entire engine
for fluorescent dye, particularly at the suspected area
of oil leak. If the oil leak is found and identified,
repair as necessary.(4) If dye is not observed, drive the vehicle at var-
ious speeds for approximately 24 km (15 miles), and
repeat inspection.
(5)If the oil leak source is not positively
identified at this time, proceed with the air leak
detection test method as follows:
²Disconnect the fresh air hose (make-up air) at
the cylinder head cover and plug or cap the nipple on
the cover.
²Remove the PCV valve hose from the cylinder
head cover. Cap or plug the PCV valve nipple on the
cover.
²Attach an air hose with pressure gauge and reg-
ulator to the dipstick tube.
CAUTION: Do not subject the engine assembly to
more than 20.6 kpa (3 PSI) of test pressure.
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-77
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)

²Gradually apply air pressure from 1 psi to 2.5
psi maximum while applying soapy water at the sus-
pected source. Adjust the regulator to the suitable
test pressure that provides the best bubbles which
will pinpoint the leak source. If the oil leak is
detected and identified, repair per service manual
procedures.
²If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil
seal area, refer to the section, Inspection for Rear
Seal Area Leak.
(6) If no leaks are detected, turn off the air supply.
Remove the air hose, all plugs, and caps. Install the
PCV valve and fresh air hose (make-up air). Proceed
to next step.
(7) Clean the oil off the suspect oil leak area using
a suitable solvent. Drive the vehicle at various
speeds approximately 24 km (15 miles). Inspect the
engine for signs of an oil leak by using a black light.
NOTE: If oil leakage is observed at the dipstick tube
to block location; remove the tube, clean and reseal
using MoparTStud & Bearing Mount (press fit tube
applications only), and for O-ring style tubes,
remove tube and replace the O-ring seal.
INSPECTION FOR REAR SEAL AREA LEAKS
Since it is sometimes difficult to determine the
source of an oil leak in the rear seal area of the
engine, a more involved inspection is necessary. The
following steps should be followed to help pinpoint
the source of the leak.
If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil seal
area:
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle.
(3) Remove torque converter or clutch housing
cover and inspect rear of block for evidence of oil.
Use a black light to check for the oil leak. If a leak is
present in this area, remove transmission for further
inspection.
(a) Circular spray pattern generally indicates
seal leakage or crankshaft damage.
(b) Where leakage tends to run straight down,
possible causes are a porous block, oil gallery cup
plug, bedplate to cylinder block mating surfaces
and seal bore. See proper repair procedures for
these items.
(4) If no leaks are detected, pressurize the crank-
case as previously described.
CAUTION: Do not exceed 20.6 kPa (3 psi).
(5) If the leak is not detected, very slowly turn the
crankshaft and watch for leakage. If a leak is
detected between the crankshaft and seal while
slowly turning the crankshaft, it is possible thecrankshaft seal surface is damaged. The seal area on
the crankshaft could have minor nicks or scratches
that can be polished out with emery cloth.
CAUTION: Use extreme caution when crankshaft
polishing is necessary to remove minor nicks and
scratches. The crankshaft seal flange is especially
machined to complement the function of the rear oil
seal.
(6) For bubbles that remain steady with shaft
rotation, no further inspection can be done until dis-
assembled.
(7) After the oil leak root cause and appropriate
corrective action have been identified, replace compo-
nent(s) as necessary.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER
COMPRESSION PRESSURE
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) Check engine oil level and add oil if necessary.
(2) Drive the vehicle until engine reaches normal
operating temperature. Select a route free from traf-
fic and other forms of congestion, observe all traffic
laws, and accelerate through the gears several times
briskly.
(3) Remove all spark plugs from engine. As spark
plugs are being removed, check electrodes for abnor-
mal firing indicators fouled, hot, oily, etc. Record cyl-
inder number of spark plug for future reference.
(4) Disconnect the ignition coil electrical connector.
(5) Be sure throttle blade is fully open during the
compression check.
(6) Insert compression gage adaptor Special Tool
8116 or the equivalent, into the #1 spark plug hole in
cylinder head. Connect the 0±500 psi (Blue) pressure
transducer with cable adaptors to the DRBIIIt.
(7) Crank engine until maximum pressure is
reached on gage. Record this pressure as #1 cylinder
pressure.
(8) Repeat the previous step for all remaining cyl-
inders.
(9) Compression should not be less than 689 kPa
(100 psi) and not vary more than 25 percent from cyl-
inder to cylinder.
(10) If one or more cylinders have abnormally low
compression pressures, repeat the compression test.
(11) 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
9 - 78 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)