2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY timing belt

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)
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OPERATION
The crankshaft transfers force generated by com-
bustion within the cylinder to the flywheel or flex-
plate.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CRANKSHAFT END
PLAY
(1) Mount a dial indicator to front of engine with
the locating probe on nose of crankshaft (Fig. 51).
(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 9 - ENGINE -
SPECIFICATIONS) for end play specification.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the engine assembly. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - REMOVAL)
(2) Separate transaxle from engine.
(3) Mount engine on an engine stand.
(4) Remove the oil filter.
(5) Remove the oil pan and oil pick-up tube. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN -
REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the timing chain cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
Fig. 49 CRANKSHAFT AND ENGINE BLOCK - 3.3L
1 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 4
2 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 3
3 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 2
4 - MAIN BEARING CAP BOLT (QTY. 2 PER CAP)
5 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 1
6 - LOWER MAIN BEARING - THRUST
7 - UPPER MAIN BEARING - THRUST
8 - ENGINE BLOCK
9 - UPPER MAIN BEARINGS
10 - CRANKSHAFT
11 - LOWER MAIN BEARINGS
Fig. 50 CRANKSHAFT AND BLOCK - 3.8L
1 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 4
2 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 3
3 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 2
4 - MAIN BEARING CAP BOLT
5 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 1
6 - THRUST MAIN BEARING - LOWER
7 - THRUST MAIN BEARING - UPPER
8 - MAIN BEARING CAP CROSS BOLT
9 - ENGINE BLOCK
10 - MAIN BEARING - UPPER
11 - CRANKSHAFT
12 - MAIN BEARING - LOWER
9 - 110 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(7) Remove timing chain and sprockets. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN
AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove crankshaft rear oil seal and retainer.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANK-
SHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR - REMOVAL)
(9) Rotate the crankshaft until connecting rod cap
is accessible.
(10) Mark connecting rod cap position using a suit-
able marker/scribe tool.
(11) Remove connecting rod bearing cap. Use care
to prevent damage to the crankshaft bearing sur-
faces.
(12) Repeat removal procedure for each connecting
rod cap.
(13) Remove and discard the main bearing cross
bolts and washers (3.8L engine only).
NOTE: Install new cross bolt and washer assembly
(3.8L engine only) upon reassembly.
(14) Remove the main bearing cap bolts
(15) Remove the main bearing caps.
(16) Remove the crankshaft from engine block.
INSPECTION
The crankshaft journals should be checked for
excessive wear, taper and scoring (Fig. 52). Limits of
taper or out of round on any crankshaft journals
should within specitifications. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
SPECIFICATIONS) Journal grinding should not
exceed 0.305 mm (0.012 in.) under the standard jour-
nal diameter. DO NOT grind thrust faces of No. 3
main bearing. DO NOT nick crank pin or bearing fil-
lets. After grinding, remove rough edges from crank-
shaft oil holes and clean out all passages.
CAUTION: With the nodular cast iron crankshafts, it
is important that the final paper or cloth polish bein the same direction as normal rotation in the
engine.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate with engine oil and install the crank-
shaft main bearing halves in the engine block.
(2) Position the crankshaft in engine block (Fig.
54).
(3) Perform main bearing fitting procedure. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT
MAIN BEARINGS - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(4) Inspect main cap bolts for stretching (Fig. 53).
Replace bolts that are stretched.
NOTE: The main cap bolts should be examined
before reuse. Bolt stretch can be checked by hold-
ing a scale or straight edge against the threads. If
all the threads do not contact the scale the bolt
must be replaced (Fig. 53).
(5) Install the main bearing caps and bolts.
Tighten bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.) plus
1¤4turn.
Fig. 51 Checking Crankshaft End PlayÐTypical
Fig. 52 Crankshaft Journal Measurements
Fig. 53 Check for Stretched (Necked) Bolts
1 - STRETCHED BOLT
2 - THREADS ARE NOT STRAIGHT ON LINE
3 - THREADS ARE STRAIGHT ON LINE
4 - UNSTRETCHED BOLT
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 111
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

NOTE: Install new cross bolt and washer assembly
(3.8L engine only) upon reassembly.
(6) Install and tighten the NEW cross bolts and
washer assemblies (3.8L engine only) to 61 N´m (45
ft. lbs.) (Fig. 55).
(7) Position and install the connecting rod and
bearing caps on the crankshaft. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CONNECTING ROD
BEARINGS - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(8) Install the crankshaft rear oil seal. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - REAR - INSTALLATION)(9) Install the crankshaft sprocket. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN
AND SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION)
(10) Install the timing chain and camshaft
sprocket. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/
TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS -
INSTALLATION)
(11) Install the timing chain cover.
(12) Install the oil pick-up tube and oil pan. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTAL-
LATION)
(13) Install the transaxle to the engine.
(14) Install the engine assembly. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 54 CRANKSHAFT AND BLOCK - 3.3L
1 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 4
2 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 3
3 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 2
4 - MAIN BEARING CAP BOLT (QTY. 2 PER CAP)
5 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 1
6 - LOWER MAIN BEARING - THRUST
7 - UPPER MAIN BEARING - THRUST
8 - ENGINE BLOCK
9 - UPPER MAIN BEARINGS
10 - CRANKSHAFT
11 - LOWER MAIN BEARINGS
Fig. 55 CRANKSHAFT AND BLOCK - 3.8L
1 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 4
2 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 3
3 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 2
4 - MAIN BEARING CAP BOLT
5 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 1
6 - THRUST MAIN BEARING - LOWER
7 - THRUST MAIN BEARING - UPPER
8 - MAIN BEARING CAP CROSS BOLT
9 - ENGINE BLOCK
10 - MAIN BEARING - UPPER
11 - CRANKSHAFT
12 - MAIN BEARING - LOWER
9 - 112 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CRANKSHAFT (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)
ProCarManuals.com

(8) Remove oil pressure relief valve. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE - REMOVAL)
(9) Inspect oil pressure relief valve and bore.
Inspect for scoring, pitting and free valve operation
in bore (Fig. 118). Small marks may be removed with
400-grit wet or dry sandpaper.
(10) The relief valve spring has a free length of
approximately 49.5 mm (1.95 inches) it should test
between 19.5 and 20.5 pounds when compressed to
34 mm (1-11/32 inches). Replace spring that fails to
meet specifications.(11) If oil pressure is low and pump is within spec-
ifications, inspect for worn engine bearings or other
reasons for oil pressure loss.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Assemble pump, using new parts as required.
Install the inner rotor with chamfer facing the
cast iron oil pump cover.
(2) Prime oil pump before installation by filling
rotor cavity with engine oil.
(3) Install cover and tighten screws to 12 N´m (105
in. lbs.).
(4) If removed, install the oil pressure relief valve.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PRES-
SURE RELIEF VALVE - INSTALLATION)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install oil pump. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PUMP - ASSEMBLY)
(2) Install timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION) and oil pan (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
INTAKE MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION
The intake system is made up of an upper and
lower intake manifold. The upper intake manifold is
made of a composite for the 3.3L engine (Fig. 119)
and aluminum for the 3.8L engine (Fig. 120). The
lower intake manifold is common between the two
engines (Fig. 121). It also provides coolant crossover
Fig. 116 Measuring Clearance Between Rotors
1 - FEELER GAUGE
2 - INNER ROTOR
3 - OUTER ROTOR
Fig. 117 Measuring Clearance Over Rotors
1 - FEELER GAUGE
2 - STRAIGHT EDGE
Fig. 118 Oil Pressure Relief Valve
1 - RELIEF VALVE
2 - SPRING
3 - RETAINER CAP
9 - 140 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
OIL PUMP (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

INSPECTION
Inspect exhaust manifolds for damage or cracks
and check distortion of the cylinder head mounting
surface and exhaust crossover mounting surface with
a straightedge and thickness gauge (Fig. 148).
Manifold surface flatness limits should not exceed
1.0 mm (0.039 in.).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position exhaust manifold on cylinder head
(Fig. 147). Install bolts to center runner (cylinder #4)
and initial tighten to 2.8 N´m (25 in. lbs.).
(2) Using a new gasket, attach crossover pipe to
exhaust manifold and tighten bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft.
lbs.) (Fig. 146).
NOTE: Inspect crossover pipe fasteners for damage
from heat and corrosion. The cross-over bolts are
made of a special stainless steel alloy. If replace-
ment is required, OEM bolts are highly recom-
mended.
(3) Position heat shield on manifold (Fig. 147).
(4) Install the remaining manifold attaching bolts.
Tighten all bolts to 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(5) Install and tighten heat shield attaching nut to
12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) (Fig. 147).
(6) Connect battery negative cable.
VALVE TIMING
VALVE TIMING VERIFICATION
(1) Remove front cylinder head cover and all 6
spark plugs.(2) Rotate engine until the #2 piston is at TDC of
the compression stroke.
(3) Install a degree wheel on the crankshaft pulley.
(4) With proper adaptor, install a dial indicator
into #2 spark plug hole. Using the indicator find TDC
on the compression stroke.
(5) Position the degree wheel to zero.
(6) Remove dial indicator from spark plug hole.
(7) Place a 5.08 mm (0.200 in.) spacer between the
valve stem tip of #2 intake valve and rocker arm pad.
Allow tappet to bleed down to give a solid tappet
effect.
(8) Install a dial indicator so plunger contacts the
#2 intake valve spring retainer as nearly perpendic-
ular as possible. Zero the indicator.
(9) Rotate the engine clockwise until the intake
valve has lifted .254 mm (0.010 in.).
CAUTION: Do not turn crankshaft any further clock-
wise as intake valve might bottom and result in
serious damage.
(10) Degree wheel should read 6 degrees BTDC to
6 degrees ATDC.
TIMING CHAIN COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(3) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(4) Drain engine oil.
(5) Remove right wheel and inner splash shield.
(6) Remove oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove oil pick-up tube (Fig. 149).
(8) Remove accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(9) Remove A/C compressor and set aside.
(10) Remove crankshaft vibration damper. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION
DAMPER - REMOVAL)
(11) Remove radiator lower hose.
(12) Remove heater hose from timing chain cover
housing (Fig. 150) or water pump inlet tube (if
engine oil cooler equipped) (Fig. 151).
(13) Remove the right side engine mount. (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/ENGINE MOUNTING/RIGHT MOUNT
- REMOVAL)
(14) Remove idler pulley from engine bracket (Fig.
152).
(15) Remove the engine mount bracket (Fig. 152).
(16) Remove cam sensor from timing chain cover
(Fig. 152).
Fig. 148 Check Exhaust Manifold Mounting
1 - STRAIGHT EDGE
2 - CROSSOVER PIPE MOUNTING SURFACE
3 - FEELER GAUGE
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 153
EXHAUST MANIFOLD - LEFT (Continued)
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(5) Install timing cover (Fig. 154).
(6) Install timing chain cover bolts. Tighten M8
bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) and M10 bolts to 54 N´m
(40 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 155).
(7) Install crankshaft front oil seal. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - FRONT - INSTALLATION)(8) Install water pump and pulley. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/WATER PUMP - INSTALLA-
TION)
(9) Install crankshaft vibration damper. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
INSTALLATION)
(10) Install engine mount bracket (Fig. 152) and
tighten M10 to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.), M8 bolt to 28
N´m (21 ft. lb. lbs.).
(11) Install idler pulley on engine mount bracket
(Fig. 152).
(12) Install right side engine mount. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE MOUNTING/RIGHT MOUNT -
INSTALLATION)
(13) Install camshaft sensor. Refer to IGNITION
SYSTEM for procedure.
(14) Connect the heater return hose at rear of tim-
ing chain cover (Fig. 150) or at water pump inlet
tube (if engine oil cooler equipped) (Fig. 151).
(15) Connect the radiator lower hose.
(16) Install A/C compressor.
(17) Install accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION)
(18) Install oil pump pick-up tube with new
O-ring. Tighten attaching bolt to 28 N´m (250 in.
lbs.).
(19) Install oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION)
(20) Install inner splash shield and right front
wheel.
(21) Fill crankcase with engine oil to proper level.
(22) Fill cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(23) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 152 Engine Mount Bracket
1 - CAMSHAFT SENSOR
2 - BOLT - CAMSHAFT SENSOR
3 - BOLT - MOUNT BRACKET (VERTICAL)
4 - BRACKET - ENGINE MOUNT
5 - BOLT - MOUNT BRACKET (HORIZONTAL)
6 - PULLEY - IDLER
7 - BOLT - IDLER PULLEY
8 - SPACER - IDLER PULLEY BOLT
9 - BOLT - MOUNT BRACKET (HORIZONTAL)
Fig. 153 Power Steering Pump Strut
1 - BOLT - LOWER
2 - STRUT - P/S PUMP
3 - BOLT - UPPER
Fig. 154 Timing Chain Cover and Gasket
1 - GASKET
2 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 155
TIMING CHAIN COVER (Continued)
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