(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. 45). Refer to clearance specifications
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).
CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION
The crankshaft is made of nodular cast iron and
includes five main bearing journals and four connect-
ing rod journals (Fig. 46). 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. 47).
(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 engine mount support bracket.
(8) Remove the crankshaft damper and timing belt
covers. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIM-
ING BELT / CHAIN COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(9) Remove the timing belt. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
Fig. 45 Connecting Rod Side Clearance
Fig. 46 Crankshaft - Typical
1 - MAIN BEARING JOURNALS
2 - COUNTER BALANCE WEIGHTS
Fig. 47 CHECKING CRANKSHAFT END PLAY
9 - 38 ENGINE 2.4LRS
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS (Continued)
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(10) Remove the crankshaft sprocket and oil pump.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP -
REMOVAL)
(11) Remove balance shafts and housing assembly.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/BALANCE
SHAFT - REMOVAL)
NOTE: If piston/connecting rod replacement is nec-
essary, remove cylinder head.
(12) Using a permanent ink or paint marker, iden-
tify cylinder number on each connecting rod cap.
CAUTION: DO NOT use a number stamp or a punch
to mark connecting rods. Damage to connecting
rod could occur.
(13) Remove all connecting rod bolts and caps.
Care should be taken not to damage the fracture rod
and cap surfaces.
NOTE: Do not reuse connecting rod bolts.
(14) Remove all bedplate bolts from the engine
block (Fig. 48).
(15) Using a mallet gently tap the bedplate loose
from the engine block dowel pins.
CAUTION: Do not pry up on one side of the bed-
plate. Damage may occur to cylinder block to bed-
plate alignment and thrust bearing.
(16) Bedplate should be removed evenly from the
cylinder block dowel pins to prevent damage to the
dowel pins and thrust bearing.
(17) Lift out crankshaft from cylinder block. Do
not damage the main bearings or journals when
removing the crankshaft.
INSPECTION
The crankshaft journals should be checked for
excessive wear, taper and scoring (Fig. 49). Limits of
taper or out of round on any crankshaft journalsshould 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 be
in the same direction as normal rotation in the
engine.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the main bearing upper shells with the
lubrication groove in the cylinder block (Fig. 50).
Fig. 48 Bedplate Bolt Tightenening Sequence
Fig. 49 Crankshaft Journal Measurements
Fig. 50 Installing Main Bearing Upper Shell
1 - LUBRICATION GROOVES
2 - OIL HOLES
RSENGINE 2.4L9-39
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
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(2) Make certain oil holes in block line up with oil
hole in bearings and bearing tabs seat in the block
tab slots.
CAUTION: Do not get oil on the bedplate mating
surface. It will affect the sealer ability to seal the
bedplate to cylinder block.
(3) Oil the bearings and journals. Install crank-
shaft.
CAUTION: Use only the specified anaerobic sealer
on the bedplate or damage may occur to the
engine.
(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. 51).
(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)and
the 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. 52) 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.) in sequence shown in (Fig. 52).
CAUTION: Do Not use a torque wrench for the fol-
lowing step.
(10) Turn bolts (1±10) an additional 1/4 turn in
sequence shown in (Fig. 52).
(11) Install main bearing bedplate to engine block
bolts (11±20), and torque each bolt to 28 N´m (250 in.
lbs.) in sequence shown in (Fig. 52).
(12) Tighten bolts (11±20) again to 28 N´m (250 in.
lbs.) in sequence shown in (Fig. 52).
(13) 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.).
(14) Install connecting rod bearings and caps.Do
Not Reuse Connecting Rod Bolts.Torque connect-
ing rod bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) plus 1/4 turn.
(15) Install balance shafts and housing assembly.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/BALANCE
SHAFT - INSTALLATION)
(16) Install the oil pump. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP - INSTALLATION)
(17) Install cylinder head if it was removed (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLA-
TION).
(18) Install the timing belt rear cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(19) Install crankshaft sprocket (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN
AND SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION).
(20) Install the timing belt. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 51 Bedplate Sealing
Fig. 52 Bedplate Bolt Torque Sequence
9 - 40 ENGINE 2.4LRS
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(6) Position the main bearing/bedplate onto the
engine block.
(7) Before installing bolts, lubricate the threads
with clean engine oil, wipe off any excess oil.
(8) 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.
(9) 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)and
the 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. 56) to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).²Step 6: Remove wedge tool used to hold crank-
shaft.
(10) Tighten bolts (1±10) again to 41 N´m (30 ft.
lbs.) in sequence shown in (Fig. 56).
CAUTION: Do Not use a torque wrench for the fol-
lowing step.
(11) Turn bolts (1±10) an additional 1/4 turn in
sequence shown in (Fig. 56).
(12) Install main bearing bedplate to engine block
bolts (11±20), and torque each bolt to 28 N´m (250 in.
lbs.) in sequence shown in (Fig. 56).
(13) Tighten bolts (11±20) again to 28 N´m (250 in.
lbs.) in sequence shown in (Fig. 56).
(14) 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.).
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL -
FRONT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the crankshaft vibration damper.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION
DAMPER - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove timing belt. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove crankshaft sprocket using Special Tool
6793 and insert C-4685-C2 (Fig. 57).
CAUTION: Do not nick shaft seal surface or seal
bore.
Fig. 55 Main Bearing Caps/Bedplate Sealing
Fig. 56 Main Bearing Caps/Bedplate Tightening
Sequence
Fig. 57 Crankshaft Sprocket - Removal
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6793
2 - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
9 - 42 ENGINE 2.4LRS
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(9) After removal, install bearing cap on the mat-
ing rod.
(10) Repeat procedure for each piston and connect-
ing rod assembly.
(11) Piston and connecting rods are serviced as an
assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Before installing pistons and connecting rod
assemblies into the bore, be sure that compression
ring gaps are staggered so that neither is in line with
oil ring rail gap (Fig. 67).
(2) Before installing the ring compressor, make
sure the oil ring expander ends are butted and the
rail gaps located as shown in (Fig. 67). As viewed
from top.
(3) Immerse the piston head and rings in clean
engine oil, slide the ring compressor, over the piston
(Fig. 68).Be sure position of rings does not
change during this operation.(4) The directional stamp on the piston should face
toward the front of the engine (Fig. 65).
(5) Rotate crankshaft so that the connecting rod
journal is on the center of the cylinder bore. Insert
rod and piston assembly into cylinder bore and guide
rod over the crankshaft journal.
(6) Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a
hammer handle. At the same time, guide connecting
rod into position on connecting rod journal.
NOTE: The connecting rod cap bolts should not be
reused.
(7) Before installing theNEWbolts the threads
should be coated with clean engine oil.
(8) Install each bolt finger tight then alternately
torque each bolt to assemble the cap properly.
CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for second
part of last step.
(9) Tighten the bolts to 27 N´m PLUS 1/4 turn (20
ft. lbs. PLUS 1/4 turn).
(10) Using a feeler gauge, check connecting rod
side clearance (Fig. 69).
(11) Install Balance Shaft Carrier Assembly (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/BALANCE SHAFT
CARRIER - INSTALLATION).
(12) Install oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION).
(13) Install cylinder head (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 66 Identify Connecting Rod to Cylinder
Fig. 67 Piston Ring End Gap Position
1 - GAP OF LOWER SIDE RAIL
2 - NO. 1 RING GAP
3 - GAP OF UPPER SIDE RAIL
4 - NO. 2 RING GAP AND SPACER EXPANDER GAP
Fig. 68 PistonÐInstallation
9 - 46 ENGINE 2.4LRS
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)
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PISTON RINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE
PISTON RING - FITTING
(1) Wipe cylinder bore clean. Insert ring and push
down with piston to ensure it is square in bore. The
ring gap measurement must be made with the ring
positioning at least 12 mm (0.50 inch) from bottom of
cylinder bore. Check gap with feeler gauge (Fig. 70).
Refer to Engine Specifications.
(2) Check piston ring to groove side clearance (Fig.
71). Refer to Engine Specifications.
PISTON RINGS - INSTALLATION
(1) Install rings with manufacturers I.D. mark fac-
ing up, to the top of the piston (Fig. 72).CAUTION: Install piston rings in the following
order:
²Oil ring expander.
²Upper oil ring side rail.
²Lower oil ring side rail.
²No. 2 Intermediate piston ring.
²No. 1 Upper piston ring.
(2) Install the side rail by placing one end
between the piston ring groove and the expander.
Hold end firmly and press down the portion to be
installed until side rail is in position.Do not use a
piston ring expander(Fig. 73).
Fig. 69 Checking Connecting Rod Side Clearance
Fig. 70 Piston Ring Gap
1 - FEELER GAUGE
Fig. 71 Piston Ring Side Clearance
1 - FEELER GAUGE
Fig. 72 Piston Ring Installation
1 - NO. 1 PISTON RING
2 - NO. 2 PISTON RING
3 - SIDE RAIL
4 - OIL RING
5 - SPACER EXPANDER
RSENGINE 2.4L9-47
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)
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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 galleryrunning 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 - CHECKING
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.
(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
STANDARD PROCEDURE
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. 87).
Fig. 86 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
RSENGINE 2.4L9-53
RIGHT MOUNT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
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. 88) on until the gasket
contacts base. Tighten to 12 N´m (105 in. 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. 89).
(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 PRESSURE SWITCH
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Position oil collecting container under pressure
switch location.
(3) Disconnect oil pressure switch electrical con-
nector and remove switch (Fig. 90).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install oil pressure switch. Torque switch to 21
N´m (190 in. lbs.) (Fig. 90).
(2) Connect electrical connector
(3) Lower vehicle.
(4) Start engine and allow to run a minimum of 2
minutes.
(5) Shut engine off and check engine oil level.
Adjust level as necessary.
OIL PUMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove timing belt (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT AND SPROCKETS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove timing belt rear cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT 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 Pan Sealing - Typical
1 - SEALER LOCATIONS
Fig. 90 Engine Oil Pressure Switch
RSENGINE 2.4L9-55
OIL FILTER (Continued)
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