
(16) Install axle shafts. (Refer to 3 - DIFFEREN-
TIAL & DRIVELINE/HALF SHAFT - INSTALLA-
TION)
(17) Install accessory drive belt splash shield.
(18) Install front wheels and tires.
(19) Connect automatic transmission cooler lines
to transaxle.
(20) Connect the transaxle shift linkage and elec-
trical connectors.
(21) Connect heater hoses (Fig. 5).
(22) Install ground straps.
(23) Connect all engine and throttle body electrical
connections.(24) Connect all vacuum lines.
(25) Connect the throttle cables.
(26) Connect the fuel line. (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FIT-
TING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(27) Connect radiator lower and upper hoses.
(28) Install radiator fans. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLATION)
(29) Fill cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(30) Connect battery cables.
(31) Install air cleaner and inlet hose.
(32) Fill engine crankcase with proper oil to cor-
rect level.
(33) Start engine and run until operating temper-
ature is reached.
(34) Adjust transmission linkage, if necessary.
1 - SPECIAL TOOL POSTS 6848 4 - SPECIAL TOOL 6710 CRADLE
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6135 DOLLY 5 - SPECIAL TOOL 6848 - POST CONTACT ON PAN RAIL
3 - SPECIAL TOOL POSTS 6848
Fig. 9 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
Fig. 10 LEFT MOUNT TO FRAME BRACKET
1 - FRAME BRACKET
2 - FRAME RAIL - LEFT
3 - BOLT
4 - TRANSAXLE MOUNT
RSENGINE 2.4L9-15
ENGINE 2.4L (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

CAUTION: When depressing the valve spring retain-
ers with valve spring compressor the locks can
become dislocated. Ensure both locks are in the
correct location after removing tool.
(4) Check the valve spring installed height B after
refacing the valve and seat (Fig. 37). Make sure mea-
surements are taken from top of spring seat to the
bottom surface of spring retainer. If height is greater
than 38.75 mm (1.525 in.), install a 0.762 mm (0.030
in.) spacer under the valve spring seat to bring
spring height back within specification.
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LASH ADJUSTER
(TAPPET) NOISE
A tappet-like noise may be produced from several
items. Check the following items.
(1) Engine oil level too high or too low. This may
cause aerated oil to enter the adjusters and cause
them to be spongy.
(2) Insufficient running time after rebuilding cylin-
der head. Low speed running up to 1 hour may be
required.
(3) During this time, turn engine off and let set for
a few minutes before restarting. Repeat this several
times after engine has reached normal operating
temperature.
(4) Low oil pressure.
(5) The oil restrictor (integral to the head gasket)
in the vertical oil passage to the cylinder head is
plugged with debris.
(6) Air ingested into oil due to broken or cracked
oil pump pick up.
(7) Worn valve guides.
(8) Rocker arm ears contacting valve spring
retainer.(9) Rocker arm loose, adjuster stuck or at maxi-
mum extension and still leaves lash in the system.
(10) Faulty lash adjuster.
²Check lash adjusters for sponginess while
installed in cylinder head. Depress part of rocker
arm over adjuster. Normal adjusters should feel very
firm. Spongy adjusters can be bottomed out easily.
²Remove suspected lash adjusters, and replace as
necessary.
REMOVAL
NOTE: This procedure is for in-vehicle service with
camshafts installed.
(1) Remove cylinder head cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove rocker arm. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER ARMS - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove hydraulic lifter (Fig. 38).
(4) Repeat removal procedure for each hydraulic
lifter.
(5) If reusing, mark each hydraulic lifter for reas-
sembly in original position. Lifters are serviced as an
assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install hydraulic lifter (Fig. 38). Ensure the
lifters are at least partially full of engine oil. This is
indicated by little or no plunger travel when the
lifter is depressed.
(2) Install rocker arm. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYL-
INDER HEAD/ROCKER ARMS - INSTALLATION)
(3) Repeat installation procedure for each hydrau-
lic lifter.
(4) Install cylinder head cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 37 Checking Spring Installed Height and Valve
Tip Height Dimensions
1 - GARTER SPRING
2 - VALVE SPRING SEAT
3 - CYLINDER HEAD SURFACE
Fig. 38 Hydraulic Lifter
9 - 32 ENGINE 2.4LRS
VALVE SPRINGS (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(4) A controlled hone motor speed between
200±300 RPM is necessary to obtain the proper cross-
hatch angle. The number of up and down strokes per
minute can be regulated to get the desired 40±60
degree angle. Faster up and down strokes increase
the cross-hatch angle.
(5) After honing, it is necessary that the block be
cleaned again to remove all traces of abrasive.
CAUTION: Ensure all abrasives are removed from
engine parts after honing. It is recommended that a
solution of soap and hot water be used with a
brush and the parts then thoroughly dried. The bore
can be considered clean when it can be wiped
clean with a white cloth and cloth remains clean.
Oil the bores after cleaning to prevent rusting.
CLEANING
Clean cylinder block thoroughly using a suitable
cleaning solvent.
INSPECTION
ENGINE BLOCK
(1) Clean cylinder block thoroughly and check all
core hole plugs for evidence of leaking.
(2) If new core plugs are to be installed, refer to
Engine Core Plugs for procedures (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Examine block and cylinder bores for cracks or
fractures.
(4) Check block deck surfaces for flatness. Deck
surface must be within service limit of 0.1 mm (0.004
in.).
CYLINDER BORE
NOTE: The cylinder bores should be measured at
normal room temperature, 21ÉC (70ÉF).
The cylinder walls should be checked for out-of-
round and taper with Tool C119 or equivalent (Fig.
45). (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS) If
the cylinder walls are badly scuffed or scored, the
cylinder block should be replaced, and new pistons
and rings fitted.
Measure the cylinder bore at three levels in direc-
tions A and B (Fig. 45). Top measurement should be
10 mm (3/8 in.) down and bottom measurement
should be 10 mm (3/8 in.) up from bottom of bore.
Refer to Engine Specifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE
- SPECIFICATIONS).
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
CONNECTING RODÐFITTING
(1) For measuring connecting rod bearing clear-
ance procedure and use of Plastigage(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE). For bearing
clearance refer to Engine Specifications. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS)
NOTE: The rod bearing bolts should not be reused.
(2) Before installing theNEWbolts the threads
should be oiled with clean engine oil.
(3) Install each bolt finger tight than alternately
torque each bolt to assemble the cap properly.
(4) Tighten the bolts to 27 N´m PLUS 1/4 turn (20
ft. lbs. PLUS 1/4 turn)Do not use a torque
wrench for last step.
(5) Using a feeler gauge, check connecting rod side
clearance (Fig. 46). Refer to clearance specifications
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).
Fig. 45 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
RSENGINE 2.4L9-35
ENGINE BLOCK (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(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)
ProCarManuals.com

(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)
ProCarManuals.com

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)
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

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)
ProCarManuals.com