
CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION
The crankshaft is made of nodular cast iron and
includes five main bearing journals and four connect-
ing rod journals (Fig. 47). The number three journal
is the location for the thrust bearing. The mains and
connecting rod journals have undercut fillet radiuses
that are rolled for added strength. To optimize bear-
ing loading, eight counterweights are used.
OPERATION
The crankshaft transfers force generated by com-
bustion within the cylinder to the flywheel or flex-
plate.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CRANKSHAFT END
PLAY
(1) Using Dial Indicator C-3339 and Mounting
Post L-4438, attach to front of engine, locating probe
perpendicular on nose of crankshaft (Fig. 48).
(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 Engine Specifica-
tions.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Crankshaft can not be removed when engine
is in vehicle.
(1) Remove engine assembly from vehicle. (Refer to
9 - ENGINE - REMOVAL)
(2) Separate engine from transaxle.
(3) Remove flex plate and crankshaft rear oil seal.
(4) Mount engine on a repair stand.
(5) Drain engine oil and remove oil filter.
(6) Remove the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove the timing belt covers. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove the timing belt. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
(9) Remove the oil pump. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP - REMOVAL)
Fig. 46 Connecting Rod Side Clearance
Fig. 47 CRANKSHAFT - TYPICAL
1 - MAIN BEARING JOURNALS
2 - COUNTER BALANCE WEIGHTS
Fig. 48 CHECKING CRANKSHAFT END PLAY
9 - 36 ENGINE 2.4LRS
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS (Continued)

(4) Apply 1.5 to 2.0 mm (0.059 to 0.078 in.) bead of
MopartBed Plate Sealant to cylinder block as shown
in (Fig. 52).
(5) Install lower main bearings into main bearing
cap/bedplate. Make certain the bearing tabs are
seated into the bedplate slots. Install the main bear-
ing/bedplate into engine block.
(6) Before installing the bolts the threads should
be oiled with clean engine oil, wipe off any excess oil.
(7) Install main bearing bedplate to engine block
bolts 11, 17, and 20 finger tight. Tighten these bolts
down together until the bedplate contacts the cylin-
der block.
(8) To ensure correct thrust bearing alignment,
perform the following steps:
²Step 1: Rotate crankshaft until number 4 piston
is at TDC.
²Step 2: Move crankshaft rearward to limits of
travel.
²Step 3: Then, move crankshaft forward to limits
of travel.
²Step 4: Wedge an appropriate tool between the
rear of the cylinder block(NOT BED PLATE)andthe rear crankshaft counterweight. This will hold the
crankshaft in it's furthest forward position.
²Step 5: Install and tighten bolts (1±10) in
sequence shown in (Fig. 53) to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
²Step 6: Remove wedge tool used to hold crank-
shaft.
(9) Tighten bolts (1±10) again to 41 N´m (30 ft.
lbs.) +1/4 turn in sequence shown in (Fig. 53).
(10) Install main bearing bedplate to engine block
bolts (11±20), and torque each bolt to 28 N´m (20 ft.
lbs.) in sequence shown in (Fig. 53).
(11) After the main bearing bedplate is installed,
check the crankshaft turning torque. The turning
torque should not exceed 5.6 N´m (50 in. lbs.).
(12) Install balance shafts and housing assembly.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/BALANCE
SHAFT - INSTALLATION)
(13) Install the oil pump. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP - INSTALLATION)
(14) Install the timing belt rear cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(15) Install the timing belt. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION)
(16) Install the timing belt front covers. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(17) Install engine support bracket.
(18) Install the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION)
(19) Install the oil filter.
(20) Install crankshaft rear oil seal. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - REAR - INSTALLATION)
(21) Install flex plate. Apply MopartLock & Seal
Adhesive to bolt threads and tighten to 95 N´m (70
ft. lbs.).
(22) Attach transaxle to engine. Tighten attaching
bolts to 101 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(23) Install the engine assembly. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - INSTALLATION)
CRANKSHAFT MAIN
BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MAIN BEARING
FITTING
For crankshaft specifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE
- SPECIFICATIONS).
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS
The crankshaft is supported in five main bearings.
All upper and lower bearing shells in the crankcase
have oil grooves. Crankshaft end play is controlled by
Fig. 52 Bedplate Sealing
Fig. 53 Bedplate Bolt Torque Sequence
9 - 38 ENGINE 2.4LRS
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)

RIGHT MOUNT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove air cleaner housing lid and clean air
hose from throttle body.
(2) Remove air cleaner element and housing.
(3) Disconnect make-up air hose from cylinder
head cover.
(4) Remove the load on the right engine mount by
carefully supporting the engine assembly with a floor
jack.
(5) Disconnect electrical harness support clips from
engine mount bracket.
(6) Remove the vertical bolts attaching the engine
mount to the frame rail (Fig. 87).
(7) Loosen the horizontal bolt attaching the engine
mount to the frame rail (Fig. 87).
(8) Remove the bolts attaching the engine mount
to the engine bracket (Fig. 87).
(9) Remove the right engine mount (Fig. 87).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position right engine mount and install frame
rail to mount vertical bolts (Fig. 87).(2) Tighten engine right mount to rail horizontal
bolt (Fig. 87).
(3) Install mount to engine bracket bolts (Fig. 87).
(4) Connect electrical harness support clips to
engine mount bracket.
(5) Remove jack from under engine.
(6) Connect make-up air hose to cylinder head
cover.
(7) Install air cleaner housing and element.
(8) Install air cleaner housing lid and clean air
tube to throttle body.
LUBRICATION
DESCRIPTION
The lubrication system is a full-flow filtration,
pressure feed type. The oil pump is mounted in the
front engine cover and driven by the crankshaft.
OPERATION
Engine oil drawn up through the pickup tube and
is pressurized by the oil pump and routed through
the full-flow filter to the main oil gallery running the
length of the cylinder block. A diagonal hole in each
bulkhead feeds oil to each main bearing. Drilled pas-
sages within the crankshaft route oil from main bear-
ing journals to connecting rod journals. Balance shaft
lubrication is provided through an oil passage from
the number one main bearing cap through the bal-
ance 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 the rear shaft bearing journals. A vertical
hole at the number five bulkhead routes pressurized
oil through a restrictor (integral to the cylinder head
gasket) up past a cylinder head bolt to an oil gallery
running the length of the cylinder head. The cam-
shaft journals are partially slotted to allow a prede-
termined amount of pressurized oil to pass into the
bearing cap cavities. Lubrication of the camshaft
lobes are provided by small holes in the camshaft
bearing caps that are directed towards each lobe. Oil
returning to the pan from pressurized components
supplies lubrication to the valve stems. Cylinder
bores and wrist pins are splash lubricated from
directed slots on the connecting rod thrust collars.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
(1) Disconnect and remove oil pressure switch.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PRES-
SURE SENSOR/SWITCH - REMOVAL)
(2) Install Special Tools C-3292 Gauge with 8406
Adaptor fitting.
Fig. 87 RIGHT MOUNT TO RAIL AND ENGINE
1 - BOLT - MOUNT TO RAIL 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
2 - BOLT - MOUNT TO ENGINE 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
3 - BOLT - MOUNT TO RAIL (HORIZONTAL) 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
4 - RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT
5 - RIGHT FRAME RAIL
9 - 50 ENGINE 2.4LRS

(3) Start engine and record oil pressure. Refer to
Specifications for correct oil pressure requirements.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS)
CAUTION: If oil pressure is 0 at idle, do not perform
the 3000 RPM test
(4) If oil pressure is 0 at idle. Shut off engine,
check for pressure relief valve stuck open, a clogged
oil pick-up screen or a damaged oil pick-up tube
O-ring.
(5) After test is complete, remove test gauge and
fitting.
(6) Install oil pressure switch and connector. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PRESSURE
SENSOR/SWITCH - INSTALLATION)
OIL
ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK
The best time to check engine oil level is after it
has sat overnight, or if the engine has been running,
allow the engine to be shut off for at least 5 minutes
before checking oil level.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level
ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level
reading. Remove dipstick and observe oil level. Add
oil only when the level is at or below the ADD mark
(Fig. 88).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL AND
FILTER CHANGE
Change engine oil at mileage and time intervals
described in the Maintenance Schedule. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/MAINTE-
NANCE SCHEDULES - DESCRIPTION)
WARNING: NEW OR USED ENGINE OIL CAN BE
IRRITATING TO THE SKIN. AVOID PROLONGED OR
REPEATED SKIN CONTACT WITH ENGINE OIL.
CONTAMINANTS IN USED ENGINE OIL, CAUSED BY
INTERNAL COMBUSTION, CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO
YOUR HEALTH. THOROUGHLY WASH EXPOSED
SKIN WITH SOAP AND WATER. DO NOT WASH
SKIN WITH GASOLINE, DIESEL FUEL, THINNER, OR
SOLVENTS, HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN RESULT. DONOT POLLUTE, DISPOSE OF USED ENGINE OIL
PROPERLY. CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR GOVERN-
MENT AGENCY FOR LOCATION OF COLLECTION
CENTER IN YOUR AREA.
Run engine until achieving normal operating tem-
perature.
(1) Position the vehicle on a level surface and turn
engine off.
(2) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
Refer to Hoisting and Jacking Recommendations.
(Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOIST-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(3) Remove oil fill cap.
(4) Place a suitable drain pan under crankcase
drain.
(5) Remove drain plug from crankcase and allow
oil to drain into pan. Inspect drain plug threads for
stretching or other damage. Replace drain plug and
gasket if damaged.
(6) Remove oil filter. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL FILTER - REMOVAL)
(7) Install and tighten drain plug in crankcase.
(8) Install new oil filter. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL FILTER - INSTALLATION)
(9) Lower vehicle and fill crankcase with specified
type and amount of engine oil. (Refer to LUBRICA-
TION & MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES -
DESCRIPTION)
(10) Install oil fill cap.
(11) Start engine and inspect for leaks.
(12) Stop engine and inspect oil level.
NOTE: Care should be exercised when disposing
used engine oil after it has been drained from a
vehicle engine. Refer to the WARNING listed above.
OIL FILTER
DESCRIPTION
The engine oil filter (Fig. 89) is a high quality full-
flow, disposable type. Replace the oil filter with a
Mopartor the equivalent.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Position an oil collecting container under oil fil-
ter location.
CAUTION: When servicing the oil filter avoid
deforming the filter can by installing the remove/in-
stall tool band strap against the can to base lock
seam. The lock seam joining the can to the base is
reinforced by the base plate.
Fig. 88 Oil Level
1 - ENGINE OIL LEVEL DIPSTICK
RSENGINE 2.4L9-51
LUBRICATION (Continued)

(3) Using a suitable filter wrench, turn oil filter
(Fig. 89) counterclockwise to remove.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and check filter mounting surface. The
surface must be smooth, flat and free of debris or
pieces of gasket.
(2) Lubricate new oil filter gasket with clean
engine oil.
(3) Screw oil filter (Fig. 89) on until the gasket
contacts base. Tighten to 21 N´m (15 ft. lbs.).
OIL PAN
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist and drain engine oil.
(2) Remove structural collar. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/STRUCTURAL COVER -
REMOVAL)
(3) Remove air conditioning compressor bracket to
oil pan bolt.
(4) Remove bolts attaching oil pan.
(5) Remove oil pan.
(6) Clean oil pan and all gasket surfaces.
INSTALLATION
(1) Apply MopartEngine RTV GEN II at the oil
pump to engine block parting line (Fig. 90).
(2) Install the oil pan gasket to the block.
(3) Install pan and tighten the screws to 12 N´m
(105 in. lbs.).
(4) Install air conditioning compressor bracket to
oil pan bolt.
(5) Install structural collar. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
ENGINE BLOCK/STRUCTURAL COVER - INSTAL-
LATION)
(6) Lower vehicle and fill engine crankcase with
proper oil to correct level.
OIL PUMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove timing belt. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove timing belt rear cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove crankshaft sprocket using Special
Tools 6793 and C-4685-C2 (Fig. 91).
(6) Remove crankshaft key (Fig. 92).
(7) Remove oil pick-up tube.
(8) Remove oil pump (Fig. 93) and front crankshaft
seal.
Fig. 89 Oil Filter
Fig. 90 Oil Pan Sealing - Typical
1 - SEALER LOCATIONS
9 - 52 ENGINE 2.4LRS
OIL FILTER (Continued)

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)