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)
the cylinder in question.The recommended com-
pression pressures are to be used only as a
guide to diagnosing engine problems. An engine
should not be disassembled to determine the
cause of low compression unless some malfunc-
tion is present.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER
COMBUSTION PRESSURE LEAKAGE
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, with 552 kPa (80 psi) rec-
ommended.
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 per cylinder.
FOR EXAMPLE:At 552 kPa (80 psi) input pres-
sure, a minimum of 414 kPa (60 psi) should be main-
tained in the cylinder.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
BEARING CLEARANCE USING PLASTIGAGE
Engine crankshaft bearing clearances can be deter-
mined by use of Plastigage or equivalent. The follow-
ing is the recommended procedure for the use of
Plastigage:(1) Remove oil film from surface to be checked.
Plastigage is soluble in oil.
(2) Place a piece of Plastigage across the entire
width of the bearing shell in the cap approximately
6.35 mm (1/4 in.) off center and away from the oil
holes (Fig. 3). (In addition, suspected areas can be
checked by placing the Plastigage in the suspected
area). Torque the bearing cap bolts of the bearing
being checked to the proper specifications.
(3) Remove the bearing cap and compare the
width of the flattened Plastigage with the metric
scale provided on the package. Locate the band clos-
est to the same width. This band shows the amount
of clearance in thousandths of a millimeter. Differ-
ences in readings between the ends indicate the
amount of taper present. Record all readings taken.
Compare clearance measurements to specs found in
engine specifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECI-
FICATIONS).Plastigage generally is accompa-
nied by two scales. One scale is in inches, the
other is a metric scale.
NOTE: Plastigage is available in a variety of clear-
ance ranges. Use the most appropriate range for
the specifications you are checking.
(4) Install the proper crankshaft bearings to
achieve the specified bearing clearances. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT MAIN
BEARINGS - STANDARD PROCEDURE) (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CONNECTING ROD
BEARINGS - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FORM-IN-PLACE
GASKETS AND SEALERS
There are numerous places where form-in-place
gaskets are used on the engine. Care must be taken
Fig. 3 Plastigage Placed in Lower ShellÐTypical
1 - PLASTIC GAUGE
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-79
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
when applying form-in-place gaskets to assure
obtaining the desired results.Do not use form-in-
place gasket material unless specified.Bead size,
continuity, and location are of great importance. Too
thin a bead can result in leakage while too much can
result in spill-over which can break off and obstruct
fluid feed lines. A continuous bead of the proper
width is essential to obtain a leak-free gasket.
There are numerous types of form-in-place gasket
materials that are used in the engine area. Mopart
Engine RTV GEN II, MopartATF-RTV, and Mopart
Gasket Maker gasket materials, each have different
properties and can not be used in place of the other.
MOPARtENGINE RTV GEN IIis used to seal
components exposed to engine oil. This material is a
specially designed black silicone rubber RTV that
retains adhesion and sealing properties when
exposed to engine oil. Moisture in the air causes the
material to cure. This material is available in three
ounce tubes and has a shelf life of one year. After one
year this material will not properly cure. Always
inspect the package for the expiration date before
use.
MOPARtATF RTVis a specifically designed
black silicone rubber RTV that retains adhesion and
sealing properties to seal components exposed to
automatic transmission fluid, engine coolants, and
moisture. This material is available in three ounce
tubes and has a shelf life of one year. After one year
this material will not properly cure. Always inspect
the package for the expiration date before use.
MOPARtGASKET MAKERis an anaerobic type
gasket material. The material cures in the absence of
air when squeezed between two metallic surfaces. It
will not cure if left in the uncovered tube. The
anaerobic material is for use between two machined
surfaces. Do not use on flexible metal flanges.
MOPARtBED PLATE SEALANTis a unique
(green-in-color) anaerobic type gasket material that
is specially made to seal the area between the bed-
plate and cylinder block without disturbing the bear-
ing clearance or alignment of these components. The
material cures slowly in the absence of air when
torqued between two metallic surfaces, and will rap-
idly cure when heat is applied.
MOPARtGASKET SEALANTis a slow drying,
permanently soft sealer. This material is recom-
mended for sealing threaded fittings and gaskets
against leakage of oil and coolant. Can be used on
threaded and machined parts under all tempera-
tures. This material is used on engines with multi-
layer steel (MLS) cylinder head gaskets. This
material also will prevent corrosion. MopartGasket
Sealant is available in a 13 oz. aerosol can or 4oz./16
oz. can w/applicator.SEALER APPLICATION
MopartGasket Maker material should be applied
sparingly 1 mm (0.040 in.) diameter or less of sealant
to one gasket surface. Be certain the material sur-
rounds each mounting hole. Excess material can eas-
ily be wiped off. Components should be torqued in
place within 15 minutes. The use of a locating dowel
is recommended during assembly to prevent smear-
ing material off the location.
MopartEngine RTV GEN II or ATF RTV gasket
material should be applied in a continuous bead
approximately 3 mm (0.120 in.) in diameter. All
mounting holes must be circled. For corner sealing, a
3.17 or 6.35 mm (1/8 or 1/4 in.) drop is placed in the
center of the gasket contact area. Uncured sealant
may be removed with a shop towel. Components
should be torqued in place while the sealant is still
wet to the touch (within 10 minutes). The usage of a
locating dowel is recommended during assembly to
prevent smearing material off the location.
MopartGasket Sealant in an aerosol can should be
applied using a thin, even coat sprayed completely
over both surfaces to be joined, and both sides of a
gasket. Then proceed with assembly. Material in a
can w/applicator can be brushed on evenly over the
sealing surfaces. Material in an aerosol can should be
used on engines with multi-layer steel gaskets.
STANDARD PROCEDURES - ENGINE GASKET
SURFACE PREPARATION
To ensure engine gasket sealing, proper surface
preparation must be performed, especially with the
use of aluminum engine components and multi-layer
steel cylinder head gaskets.
Neveruse the following to clean gasket surfaces:
²Metal scraper
²Abrasive pad or paper to clean cylinder block
and head
²High speed power tool with an abrasive pad or a
wire brush (Fig. 4)
NOTE: Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets require
a scratch free sealing surface.
Only use the following for cleaning gasket surfaces:
²Solvent or a commercially available gasket
remover
²Plastic or wood scraper (Fig. 4)
²Drill motor with 3M RolocyBristle Disc (white
or yellow) (Fig. 4)
9 - 80 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Weight
Ð3.3L 36265 grams
(12.7760.1764 oz.)
Ð3.8L 42665 grams
(15.0360.1764 oz.)
Piston Pins
Type Press Fit in Rod
(Serviced as an
Assembly)
Clearance in Piston @
21É C (70É F)0.006±0.019 mm
(0.0002±0.0007 in.)
Clearance in Connecting
Rod(Interference Fit)
Diameter 22.87±22.88 mm
(0.9007±0.9009 in.)
Length
Ð3.3L 67.25±67.75 mm
(2.648±2.667 in.)
Ð3.8L 71.25±71.75
(2.805±2.824 in.)
Piston Rings
Ring End GapÐTop
Compression Ring0.18±0.38 mm
(0.007±0.015 in.)
Wear Limit 1.0 mm
(0.039 in.)
Ring End GapÐ2nd
Compression Ring0.28±0.57 mm
(0.011±0.022 in.)
Wear Limit 1.0 mm
(0.039 in.)
Ring End GapÐOil
Control Steel Rails0.23±0.78 mm
(0.009±0.030 in.)
Wear Limit 1.88 mm
(0.074 in.)
Ring Side ClearanceÐ
Top Compression Ring
Ð3.3L 0.030±0.080 mm
(0.0012±0.0031 in.)
Ð3.8L 0.030±0.069 mm
(0.0012±0.0027 in.)
Wear Limit 0.10 mm
(0.004 in.)DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Ring Side ClearanceÐ
2nd Compression Ring
Ð3.3L 0.030±0.095 mm
(0.0012±0.0037 in.)
Ð3.8L 0.041±0.085 mm
(0.0016±0.0033 in.)
Wear Limit 0.13 mm
(0.005 in.)
Ring Side ClearanceÐOil
Ring Pack0.039±0.200 mm
(0.0015±0.0078 in.)
Wear Limit 0.266 mm
(0.009 in.)
Ring WidthÐTop
Compression Ring
Ð3.3L 1.46±1.49 mm
(0.0575±0.058 in.)
Ð3.8L 1.175±1.190 mm
(0.0462±0.0468 in.)
Ring WidthÐ2nd
Compression Ring
Ð3.3/3.8L1.46±1.49 mm
(0.0575±0.058 in.)
Ring WidthÐOil Ring
(Steel Rails)
Ð3.3L 0.435±0.490 mm
(0.017±0.019 in.)
Ð3.8L 0.435±0.510 mm
(0.017±0.020 in.)
Connecting Rod
Bearing Clearance 0.019±0.065 mm
(0.0008±0.0026 in.)
Wear Limit 0.074 mm
(0.003 in.)
Side Clearance 0.13±0.32 mm
(0.005±0.013 in.)
Wear Limit 0.38 mm
(0.015 in.)
Crankshaft
Material Nodular Iron
Connecting Rod Journal
Diameter57.979±58.005 mm
(2.2827±2.2837 in.)
Main Bearing Journal
Diameter63.993±64.013 mm
(2.5194±2.5202 in.)
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-87
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Journal Out-of-Round
(Max.)0.025 mm
(0.001 in.)
Journal Taper (Max.) 0.025 mm
(0.001 in.)
End Play 0.09±0.24 mm
(0.0036±0.0095 in.)
Wear Limit 0.381 mm
(0.015 in.)
Main Bearing Diametrical
Clearance
ÐNo. 1, 2, 3, 4 0.011±0.055 mm
(0.0005±0.0022 in.)
Wear Limit 0.076 mm
(0.003 in.)
Camshaft
Journal Diameter
No.1 50.724±50.775 mm
(1.997±1.999 in.)
No.2 50.317±50.368 mm
(1.9809±1.9829 in.)
No.3 49.936±49.987 mm
(1.9659±1.9679 in.)
No.4 49.530±49.581 mm
(1.9499±1.9520 in.)
Bearing ClearanceÐ
Diametrical0.025±0.101 mm
(0.001±0.004 in.)
Bearing Clearance (Max.
allowable)0.127 mm
(0.005 in.)
End Play 0.254±0.508 mm
(0.010±0.020 in.)
(Max. allowable) 0.304 mm
(0.012 in.)
Camshaft Bearing
Diameter
No. 1 50.800±50.825 mm
(1.9999±2.0009 in.)
No. 2 50.393±50.419 mm
(1.9839±1.9849 in.)
No. 3 50.013±50.038 mm
(1.9690±1.9699 in.)
No. 4 49.606±49.632 mm
(1.9529±1.954 in.)DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Exhaust Valve Timing
ClosesÐ3.3L (ATDC) 13É
ClosesÐ3.8L (ATDC) 18É
OpensÐ3.3L (BBDC) 43É
OpensÐ3.8L (BBDC) 46É
DurationÐ3.3L 236É
DurationÐ3.8L 244É
Intake Valve Timing
ClosesÐ3.3L (ABDC 52É
ClosesÐ3.8L (ABDC 63É
OpensÐ3.3L (ATDC) 6É
OpensÐ3.8L (ATDC) 1É
DurationÐ3.3L 226É
DurationÐ3.8L 242É
Valve OverlapÐ3.3L 7É
Valve OverlapÐ3.8L 17É
Lifters
Type Hydraulic Roller
Diameter O.D. 22.949±22.962 mm
(0.903±0.904 in.)
Clearance In Block 0.020±0.061 mm
0.0007±0.0024 in.)
Cylinder Head
Gasket Thickness
(Compressed)0.65±0.75 mm
(0.025±0.029 in.)
Valve Seat
Angle 44.5±45É
Valve Seat Runout
(Service Limits)0.0762 mm
(0.003 in.)
Valve Seat WidthÐIntake
& Exhaust1.50±2.00 mm
(0.057±0.078 in.)
Valve Guide
Guide Bore Diameter
(Std.)6.975±7.00 mm
(0.274±0.275 in.)
Valves
Valve Lift (Zero
Lash)ÐIntake & Exhaust
Ð3.3L 9.80 mm
(0.385 in.)
Ð3.8L 11.0 mm
(0.433 in.)
9 - 88 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean cylinder head and cover mating surfaces.
Inspect cylinder head cover surface for flatness.
Replace gasket as necessary.
(2) Assemble gasket to cylinder cover by inserting
the fasteners through each bolt hole on cover and
gasket (Fig. 24).
(3) Install the cylinder head cover and bolts (Fig.
25).
(4) Tighten cylinder head cover bolts to 12 N´m
(105 in. lbs.) (Fig. 25).
(5) Connect crankcase vent hose.
(6) Connect spark plug wires to spark plugs.
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES &
SEATS
DESCRIPTION
The valves have chrome plated valve stems with
four-bead lock grooves. The valve stem seals are
made of Viton rubber.
OPERATION
The two valves per cylinder are opened using
hydraulic lifters, push rods, and rocker arms.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFACING VALVES
AND VALVE SEATS
The intake and exhaust valves and seats are
machined to specific angles (Fig. 26).
VALVES
(1) Inspect the remaining margin after the valves
are refaced (Fig. 27). (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPEC-
IFICATIONS)
VALVE SEATS
CAUTION: Remove metal from valve seat only. Do
not remove material from cylinder head (Fig. 28).
(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.
Fig. 26 Valve Face and Seat
1 - SEAT WIDTH
2 - FACE ANGLE
3 - SEAT ANGLE
4 - SEAT CONTACT AREA
Fig. 27 Valve Margin
1 - VALVE FACE
2 - VALVE MARGIN
Fig. 28 Refacing Valve Seats
1 - REFACING STONE MUST NOT CUT INTO CYLINDER HEAD
2-STONE
3 - PILOT
4 - SEAT
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-99
CYLINDER HEAD COVER - LEFT (Continued)
(2) Measure the concentricity of valve seat using
dial indicator (Fig. 29). 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.
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 and exhaust seats should be 1.50±2.00 mm
(0.059±0.078 in.) (Fig. 26).
(5) After grinding the valve seats or faces, install
the valve in cylinder head and check valve installed
height by measuring from valve tip to spring seat
(Fig. 30). Remove valve from cylinder head and grind
valve tip until within specifications. Check valve tip
for scoring. The tip chamfer should be reground (if
necessary) to prevent seal damage when the valve is
installed.
(6) Check the valve spring installed height after
refacing the valve and seat (Fig. 30).If valves
and/or seats are reground, measure the
installed height of springs (Fig. 30), make sure
measurements are taken from top of spring
seat to the bottom surface of spring retainer. If
height is greater than specifications, install a0.794 mm (0.0312 in.) spacer in head counter-
bore to bring spring height back within specifi-
cations.
REMOVAL
(1) With cylinder head removed, compress valve
springs using Valve Spring Compressor Tool
C-3422-B with adapter 6412.
(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.
CLEANING
(1) Clean all valves thoroughly and discard
burned, warped and cracked valves.
INSPECTION
VALVES
(1) Clean and inspect valves thoroughly. Replace
burned, warped and cracked valves.
(2) Measure valve stems for wear (Fig. 31). For
valve specifications, (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECI-
FICATIONS).
NOTE: Valve stems are chrome plated and should
not be polished (Fig. 31).
Fig. 29 Measurement of Valve Seat Runout
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
Fig. 30 Checking Valve and Spring Installed Height
1 - SPRING RETAINER
2 - VALVE INSTALLED HEIGHT* - 48.1±49.7 mm (1.89±1.95 in.)
3 - CYINDER HEAD SURFACE
4 - SPRING INSTALLED HEIGHT* - 41.1±42.7 mm (1.61±1.68 in.)
*(MEASURED FROM TOP OF SPRING SEAT)
9 - 100 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES & SEATS (Continued)
reused must be installed in the same position from
which it was removed.
(8) Install the timing chain cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(9) Install the cylinder heads. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLATION)
(10) Install the cylinder head covers. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(11) Install the lower and upper intake manifolds.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - INSTALLATION)
(12) Install the engine assembly. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - INSTALLATION)
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
CONNECTING ROD BEARING CLEARANCE
The bearing caps are not interchangeable and
should be marked at removal to ensure 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. Fit all rods on one bank until com-
plete. Connecting rod bearings are available in the
standard size and the following undersizes: 0.025
mm (0.001 in.) and 0.250 mm (0.010 in.).
CAUTION: Install the bearings in pairs. Do not use a
new bearing half with an old bearing half. Do not
file the rods or bearing caps.
Measure connecting rod journal for taper and out-
of-round. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/
CRANKSHAFT - INSPECTION)
The connecting rod bearing clearances can be
determined by use of Plastigage or the equivalent.
The following is the recommended procedure for the
use of Plastigage:
(1) Rotate the crankshaft until the connecting rod
to be checked is at the bottom of its stroke.
(2) Remove oil film from surface to be checked.
Plastigage is soluble in oil.
(3) Place a piece of Plastigage across the entire
width of the bearing shell in the bearing cap approx-
imately 6.35 mm (1/4 in.) off center and away from
the oil hole. In addition, suspect areas can be
checked by placing Plastigage in that area.
(4) Assemble the rod cap with Plastigage in place.
Tighten the rod cap to the specified torque.Do not
rotate the crankshaft while assembling the cap
or the Plastigage may be smeared, giving inac-
curate results.(5) Remove the bearing cap and compare the
width of the flattened Plastigage with the scale pro-
vided on the package (Fig. 48). Locate the band clos-
est to the same width. This band indicates the
amount of oil clearance. Differences in readings
between the ends indicate the amount of taper
present. Record all readings taken. Refer to Engine
Specifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICA-
TIONS).Plastigage generally is accompanied by
two scales. One scale is in inches, the other is a
metric scale. If the bearing clearance exceeds
wear limit specification, replace the bearing.
CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION - 3.3L
The nodular iron crankshaft is supported by four
main bearings, with number two position the thrust
bearing (Fig. 49). Crankshaft end sealing is provided
by front and rear rubber seals.
DESCRIPTION - 3.8L
The nodular iron crankshaft is supported by four
main bearings, with number two position providing
thrust bearing location (Fig. 50). Each main bearing
cap has two vertical retaining bolts. The two center
main caps have horizontal bolts to add increased
rigidity to the lower engine block (Fig. 50). Crank-
shaft end sealing is provided by front and rear rub-
ber seals.
Fig. 48 Measuring Connecting Rod Bearing
Clearance
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 109
CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN BLOCK) (Continued)