2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY check oil

OPERATION
The piston and connecting rod is the link between
the combustion force to the crankshaft.
STANDARD PROCEDURES - FITTING
CONNECTING RODS
The bearing caps are not interchangeable or
reversible, and should be marked at removal to
ensure correct reassembly. 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. For con-
necting rod bearing fitting (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/EN-
GINE BLOCK/CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE). Fit all connecting rods
on one bank until complete.NOTE: The connecting rod cap bolts should be
examined before reuse. Bolt stretch can be checked
by holding a scale or straight edge against the
threads. If all the threads do not contact the scale
the bolt must be replaced (Fig. 72).
(1) Before installing the nuts the threads should
be oiled with engine oil.
(2) Install nuts finger tight on each bolt then alter-
nately torque each nut to assemble the cap properly.
(3) Tighten the nuts to 54 N´m PLUS 1/4 turn (40
ft. lbs. PLUS 1/4 turn).
(4) Using a feeler gauge, check connecting rod side
clearance (Fig. 73). Refer to Engine Specifications
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).
Fig. 71 Lifter Aligning Yoke and Retainer
1 - YOKE RETAINER
2 - BOLT - YOKE RETAINER
3 - ALIGNING YOKE
4 - HYDRAULIC LIFTER
Fig. 72 Check for Stretched (Necked) Bolts
1 - STRETCHED BOLT
2 - THREADS ARE NOT STRAIGHT ON LINE
3 - THREADS ARE STRAIGHT ON LINE
4 - UNSTRETCHED BOLT
Fig. 73 Checking Connecting Rod Side Clearance
9 - 120 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)
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STANDARD PROCEDURES - FITTING PISTONS
The piston and cylinder wall must be clean and
dry. Piston diameter should be measured 90 degrees
to piston pin at size location shown in (Fig. 74). Cyl-
inder bores should be measured halfway down the
cylinder bore and transverse to the engine crankshaft
center line shown in (Fig. 75). Refer to Engine Spec-
ifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICA-
TIONS).Pistons and cylinder bores should be
measured at normal room temperature, 21ÉC
(70ÉF).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove the cylinder heads. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)(4) Remove the top ridge of cylinder bores with a
reliable ridge reamer, if necessary, before removing
pistons from cylinder block.Be sure to keep tops
of pistons covered during this operation. Pis-
tons and connecting rods must be removed
from top of cylinder block. When removing pis-
ton and connecting rod assemblies from the
engine, rotate crankshaft so that each connect-
ing rod is centered in cylinder bore.
(5) Inspect connecting rods and connecting rod
caps for cylinder identification. Identify them, if nec-
essary (Fig. 76).
(6) Remove connecting rod cap. Install connecting
rod bolt protectors on connecting rod bolts (Fig. 77).
(7) Remove each piston and connecting rod assem-
bly out of the cylinder bore.
NOTE: Be careful not to nick crankshaft journals.
(8) After removal, install bearing cap on the mat-
ing rod.
Fig. 74 Piston Measurement Locations
1 - 39.8 mm (1.56 in. ) 3.3L ENGINE
2 - 33.0 mm (1.29 in.) 3.8L ENGINE
Fig. 75 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
Fig. 76 Identify Connecting Rod to Cylinder
1 - CYLINDER NUMBER
Fig. 77 Connecting Rod Protectors
1 - COVER ROD BOLTS WITH A SUITABLE COVERING WHEN
REMOVING OR INSTALLING PISTON ASSEMBLY
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 121
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)
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PISTON RINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PISTON RING
FITTING
(1) Wipe cylinder bore clean. Insert the ring and
push down with piston to ensure squareness in bore
to approximately 12 mm (0.50 in.) from top of cylin-
der bore. Check ring gap with a feeler gauge (Fig.
81). For clearance specification (Refer to 9 - ENGINE
- SPECIFICATIONS).
(2) Check piston ring to groove side clearance (Fig.
82). For clearance specification (Refer to 9 - ENGINE
- SPECIFICATIONS)
REMOVAL
(1) Remove piston and connecting rod. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON & CONNECT-
ING ROD - REMOVAL)
Fig. 80 Piston and Connecting Rod Positioning (Front View of Engine)
1 - MAJOR THRUST SIDE OF PISTON 2 - OIL SQUIRT HOLE
Fig. 81 Piston Ring Gap
1 - FEELER GAUGE
9 - 124 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)
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OIL
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. DO
NOT POLLUTE, DISPOSE OF USED ENGINE OIL
PROPERLY. CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR GOVERN-
MENT AGENCY FOR LOCATION OF COLLECTION
CENTER IN YOUR AREA.
Fig. 98 Engine Oiling System
1 - OIL SUPPLY FOR BALL SOCKET THROUGH PUSH ROD 7 - OUTER ROTOR
2 - OIL SUPPLY PASSAGE FROM SHAFT TO ROCKER ARM 8 - INNER ROTOR
3 - ROCKER SHAFT 9 - RELIEF VALVE
4 - OIL FLOWS TO ONLY ONE PEDASTAL ON EACH HEAD; THIRD
FROM REAR ON RIGHT HEAD, THIRD FROM FRONT ON LEFT
HEAD10 - OIL PAN
5 - ROCKER SHAFT TOWER 11 - OIL SCREEN
6 - CRANKSHAFT 12 - OIL PUMP CASE
Fig. 99 Checking Oil Pressure
1 - OIL FILTER
2 - OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
9 - 132 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
LUBRICATION (Continued)
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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 (Fig. 100).
(5) Remove drain plug from crankcase (Fig. 100)
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.
STANDARD PROCEDURES - 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 (Fig. 101). Add only when the level is at or
below the ADD mark.
Fig. 100 Engine Oil Drain Plug and Oil Filter
1 - DRAIN PLUG
2 - OIL FILTER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 133
OIL (Continued)
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(3) Install oil filter.
(4) Connect oil cooler inlet and outlet hoses (Fig.
103).
(5) Fill cooling system.
OIL FILTER
REMOVAL
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.
(1) Using suitable oil filter wrench, turn filter
counterclockwise to remove from oil filter adapter
(Fig. 105). Properly discard used oil filter.
INSTALLATION
(1) Wipe oil filter adapter base clean and inspect
gasket contact surface.
(2) Lubricate gasket of new filter with clean
engine oil.
(3) Install new filter until gasket contacts base
(Fig. 105). Tighten filter 1 turn or 20 N´m (15 ft.
lbs.). Use filter wrench if necessary.
(4) Start engine and check for leaks.
OIL FILTER ADAPTER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove the oil filter.
(3) Disconnect oil pressure switch electrical con-
nector.
(4) Remove oil filter adapter attaching bolts (Fig.
105).
(5) Remove oil filter adapter and seal (Fig. 105).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean oil filter adapter and install new seal.
(2) Position adapter on engine block and install
bolts (Fig. 105).
(3) Tighten adapter bolts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(4) Connect oil pressure switch electrical connector
(Fig. 105).
(5) Install the oil filter.
(6) Lower vehicle on hoist.
(7) Start engine and allow to run approximately 2
minutes.
(8) Turn off engine and check oil level. Adjust oil
level as necessary.
Fig. 103 Engine Oil Cooler Hoses
1 - OIL COOLER INLET TUBE
2 - INLET HOSE
3 - OIL COOLER OUTLET TUBE
4 - OUTLET HOSE
5 - WATER PUMP INLET TUBE
Fig. 104 Engine Oil Cooler
1 - OIL FILTER ADAPTOR
2 - CONNECTOR
3 - ENGINE OIL COOLER
4 - FITTING
5 - OIL FILTER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 135
OIL COOLER & LINES (Continued)
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OPERATION
The oil pressure switch provides a ground for the
instrument cluster low oil pressure indicator light.
The switch receives oil pressure input from the
engine main oil gallery. When engine oil pressure is
greater than 27.5 Kpa (4 psi), the switch contacts
open, providing a open circuit to the low pressure
indicator light. For wiring circuits and diagnostic
information, (Refer to Appropriate Wiring/Diagnostic
Information).
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from switch.
(3) Remove oil pressure switch (Fig. 110).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install oil pressure switch (Fig. 110).
(2) Connect electrical connector to switch.
(3) Lower the vehicle.
(4) Start engine and check for leaks.
(5) Check engine oil level. Adjust as necessary.
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION
The oil pump is located in the timing chain cover.
It is driven by the crankshaft.
REMOVAL
The oil pump is contained within the timing chain
cover housing (Fig. 111).
(1) Remove oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the timing chain cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(3) Disassemble oil pump from timing chain cover.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP -
DISASSEMBLY)
(4) Clean and Inspect oil pump components. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP - CLEAN-
ING) (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL
PUMP - INSPECTION)
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove oil pump cover screws, and lift off
cover (Fig. 111).
(2) Remove oil pump rotors (Fig. 111).
(3) Clean and inspect oil pump components. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP - CLEAN-
ING) (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL
PUMP - INSPECTION)
CLEANING
(1) Clean all parts thoroughly in a suitable sol-
vent.
INSPECTION
(1) Inspect mating surface of the chain case cover.
Surface should be smooth. Replace cover if scratched
or grooved.
(2) Lay a straightedge across the pump cover sur-
face (Fig. 112). If a 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) feeler gauge
can be inserted between cover and straight edge,
cover should be replaced.
(3) Measure thickness and diameter of outer rotor.
If outer rotor thickness measures 7.64 mm (0.301 in.)
or less (Fig. 113), or if the diameter is 79.95 mm
(3.148 in.) or less, replace outer rotor.
(4) If inner rotor thickness measures 7.64 mm
(0.301 in.) or less, replace inner rotor (Fig. 114).
(5) Install outer rotor into chain case cover. Press
rotor to one side with fingers and measure clearance
between rotor and chain case cover (Fig. 115). If mea-
surement is 0.39 mm (0.015 in.) or more, replace
chain case cover, only if outer rotor is in specification.
Fig. 110 OIL FILTER ADAPTER
1 - SEAL
2 - OIL FILTER ADAPTER
3 - OIL FILTER
4 - BOLT
5 - OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
6 - BOLT
9 - 138 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
OIL PRESSURE SENSOR/SWITCH (Continued)
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(6) Install inner rotor into chain case cover. If
clearance between inner and outer rotors (Fig. 116) is
0.203 mm (0.008 in.) or more, replace both rotors.
(7) Place a straightedge across the face of the
chain case cover, between bolt holes. If a feeler gauge
of 0.10 mm (0.004 in.) or more can be inserted
between rotors and the straightedge, replace pump
assembly (Fig. 117).ONLYif rotors are in specs.
Fig. 111 OIL PUMP
1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - SCREWS
3 - INNER ROTOR
4 - OUTER ROTOR
5 - COVER
Fig. 112 Checking Oil Pump Cover Flatness
1 - FEELER GAUGE
2 - OIL PUMP COVER
3 - STRAIGHT EDGE
Fig. 113 Measuring Outer Rotor Thickness
Fig. 114 Measuring Inner Rotor Thickness
Fig. 115 Measuring Outer Rotor Clearance in
Housing
1 - FEELER GAUGE
2 - OUTER ROTOR
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 139
OIL PUMP (Continued)
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