(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)
ProCarManuals.com
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L
DESCRIPTION.........................76
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - INTRODUCTION...........77
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - PERFORMANCE...........78
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - MECHANICAL.............80
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE OIL
LEAK INSPECTION....................82
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER
COMPRESSION PRESSURE TEST........83
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER
COMBUSTION PRESSURE LEAKAGE
TEST...............................83
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
BEARING CLEARANCE USING
PLASTIGAGE........................84
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FORM-IN-
PLACE GASKETS AND SEALERS.........84
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE
GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION........85
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HYDROSTATIC
LOCKED ENGINE.....................86
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REPAIR OF
DAMAGED OR WORN THREADS.........86
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE CORE
AND OIL GALLERY PLUGS..............86
REMOVAL - ENGINE ASSEMBLY...........87
INSTALLATION - ENGINE ASSEMBLY........90
SPECIFICATIONS
3.3/3.8L ENGINE......................92
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE............95
SPECIAL TOOLS
3.3/3.8L ENGINE......................96
AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
REMOVAL.............................99
INSTALLATION.........................99
AIR CLEANER HOUSING
REMOVAL.............................99
INSTALLATION........................100
CYLINDER HEAD
DESCRIPTION........................100
OPERATION..........................100
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐCYLINDER HEAD
GASKET...........................100
REMOVAL - CYLINDER HEAD............100
CLEANING...........................101INSPECTION.........................101
INSTALLATION - CYLINDER HEAD.........102
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
DESCRIPTION........................103
CYLINDER HEAD COVER - RIGHT
REMOVAL............................103
INSTALLATION........................103
CYLINDER HEAD COVER - LEFT
REMOVAL............................105
INSTALLATION........................105
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES & SEATS
DESCRIPTION........................105
OPERATION..........................105
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFACING
VALVESANDVALVESEATS ............105
REMOVAL............................106
CLEANING...........................106
INSPECTION.........................106
INSTALLATION........................107
VALVE SPRINGS
DESCRIPTION........................107
OPERATION..........................107
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - CYLINDER HEAD OFF.......108
REMOVAL - CYLINDER HEAD ON........108
INSPECTION.........................109
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - CYLINDER HEAD OFF . . . 109
INSTALLATION - CYLINDER HEAD ON....109
ROCKER ARMS
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - ROCKER ARMS.........110
DESCRIPTION - PUSHRODS............110
OPERATION
OPERATION - ROCKER ARMS..........110
OPERATION - PUSHRODS.............110
REMOVAL - ROCKER ARMS AND SHAFT....110
DISASSEMBLY - ROCKER ARMS AND
SHAFT.............................110
ASSEMBLY - ROCKER ARMS AND SHAFT . . . 111
INSTALLATION - ROCKER ARMS AND
SHAFT.............................111
VALVE STEM SEALS
DESCRIPTION........................112
REMOVAL............................113
INSTALLATION........................113
ENGINE BLOCK
DESCRIPTION........................113
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CYLINDER BORE
HONING............................113
9 - 74 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ProCarManuals.com
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
ENGINE LOSS OF POWER 1. 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 SPEED 1. 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). 3. Test and replace as necessary.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
4. Contamination in fuel system. 4. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-79
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
SPECIFICATIONS
3.3/3.8L ENGINE
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
General Specification
Type 60É V-6 Engine
Number of Cylinders 6
Displacement
Ð3.3L 3.3 Liters
(201 cu. in.)
Ð3.8L 3.8 Liters
(231 cu. in.)
Bore
Ð3.3L 93.0 mm
(3.66 in.)
Ð3.8L 96.0 mm
(3.779 in.)
Stroke
Ð3.3L 81.0 mm
(3.188 in.)
Ð3.8L 87.0 mm
(3.425 in.)
Compression Ratio
Ð3.3L 9.35:1
Ð3.8L 9.6:1
Firing Order 1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinder Number (Front
to Rear)
ÐFront Bank 2,4,6
ÐRear Bank 1,3,5
Compression PressureÐ
Minimum689.5 kPa
(100 psi)
Max. Variation Between
Cylinders25%
Cylinder Block
Cylinder Bore Diameter
(Standard)
Ð3.3L 92.993±93.007 mm
(3.661±3.6617 in.)
Ð3.8L 95.993±96.007 mm
(3.7792±3.780 in.)
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Out-of-Round (Service
Limits)0.076 mm
(0.003 in.)
Taper (Service Limits) 0.051 mm
(0.002 in.)
Lifter Bore Diameter 22.980±23.010 mm
(0.905±0.906 in.)
Deck Surface Flatness
(Max.)0.1 mm
(0.004 in.)
Pistons
Piston Diameter
Ð3.3L ÐMeasured 39.8
mm (1.567 in.) from
piston top92.968±92.998 mm
(3.660±3.661 in.)
Ð3.8L ÐMeasured 33.01
mm (1.30 in.) from piston
top95.968±95.998 mm
(3.778±3.779 in.)
Clearance in Bore @
Size Location (New)-0.005±0.039 mm
(-0.0002±0.0015 in.)
Weight
Ð3.3L 362 5 grams
(12.77 0.1764 oz.)
Ð3.8L 426 5 grams
(15.03 0.1764 oz.)
Piston Pins
Type Press Fit in Rod
(Serviced as an
Assembly)
Clearance in Piston @
21É C (70É F)0.006±0.019 mm
(0.0002±0.0007 in.)
Clearance in Connecting
Rod(Interference Fit)
Diameter 22.87±22.88 mm
(0.9007±0.9009 in.)
Length
Ð3.3L 67.25±67.75 mm
(2.648±2.667 in.)
Ð3.8L 71.25±71.75
(2.805±2.824 in.)
Piston Rings
Ring End GapÐTop
Compression Ring0.18±0.38 mm
(0.007±0.015 in.)
Wear Limit 1.0 mm
(0.039 in.)
9 - 92 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
INSTALLATION
(1) Install air box into vehicle and onto the locat-
ing pin.
(2) Install bolt to hold air box to the upper radia-
tor cross member.
(3) Install the inlet hose to the throttle body.
(4) Connect the inlet air temperature sensor (Fig.
16).
(5) Connect the negative battery cable.
CYLINDER HEAD
DESCRIPTION
The aluminum cylinder heads (Fig. 17) are
designed to create high flow combustion chambers to
improve performance, while minimizing the change
to the burn rate in the chamber. The cylinder head
incorporates the combustion chamber. Two valves
per-cylinder are used with inserted valve seats and
guides. A multi-layer steel (MLS) type gasket is used
between the cylinder head and engine block.
OPERATION
The cylinder head closes the combustion chamber,
allowing the pistons to compress the fuel/air mixture
for ignition. The valves are actuated by the lobe pro-
files on the camshaft to open and close at specified
duration to either allow clean air in the combustion
chamber or the exhaust gases out; depending on the
stroke of the engine.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐCYLINDER HEAD
GASKET
A cylinder head gasket leak can be located between
adjacent cylinders or between a cylinder and the
adjacent water jacket.
Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between adjacent cylinders are:
²Loss of engine power
²Engine misfiring
²Poor fuel economy
Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between a cylinder and an adjacent water
jacket are:
²Engine overheating
²Loss of coolant
²Excessive steam (white smoke) emitting from
exhaust
²Coolant foaming
CYLINDER-TO-CYLINDER LEAKAGE TEST
To determine if an engine cylinder head gasket is
leaking between adjacent cylinders, follow the proce-
dures in Cylinder Compression Pressure Test (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). An
engine cylinder head gasket leaking between adja-
cent cylinders will result in approximately a 50±70%
reduction in compression pressure.
CYLINDER-TO-WATER JACKET LEAKAGE TEST
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING WITH COOLANT PRES-
SURE CAP REMOVED.
VISUAL TEST METHOD
With the engine cool, remove the coolant pressure
cap. Start the engine and allow it to warm up until
thermostat opens.
If a large combustion/compression pressure leak
exists, bubbles will be visible in the coolant.
COOLING SYSTEM TESTER METHOD
WARNING: WITH COOLING SYSTEM TESTER IN
PLACE, PRESSURE WILL BUILD UP FAST. EXCES-
SIVE PRESSURE BUILT UP, BY CONTINUOUS
ENGINE OPERATION, MUST BE RELEASED TO A
SAFE PRESSURE POINT. NEVER PERMIT PRES-
SURE TO EXCEED 138 kPa (20 psi).
Install Cooling System Tester 7700 or equivalent to
pressure cap neck. Start the engine and observe the
tester's pressure gauge. If gauge pulsates with every
power stroke of a cylinder a combustion pressure
leak is evident.
CHEMICAL TEST METHOD
Combustion leaks into the cooling system can also
be checked by using Bloc-Chek Kit C-3685-A or
equivalent. Perform test following the procedures
supplied with the tool kit.
REMOVAL - CYLINDER HEAD
(1) Drain the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(3) Remove upper and lower intake manifolds.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - REMOVAL)
WARNING: INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IS MADE
OF VERY THIN METAL AND MAY CAUSE PER-
SONAL INJURY, HANDLE WITH CARE.
9 - 100 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
AIR CLEANER HOUSING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
the plunger and the lifter body causing the plunger
to stick in the down position. This heavy click will be
accompanied by excessive clearance between the
valve stem and rocker arm as valve closes. In either
case, lifter assembly should be removed for inspec-
tion.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the cylinder head(s). (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the yoke retainer and aligning yokes
(Fig. 73).
(3) Remove the hydraulic lifters. If necessary use
Special Tool C-4129, or equivalent to remove lifters
from bores. If lifters are to be reused, identify each
lifter to ensure installation in original location.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate the lifters with engine oil.
NOTE: Position the lifter in bore with the lubrication
hole facing upward (Fig. 72).
(2) Install the hydraulic lifters with the lubrication
hole facing upward towards middle of block (Fig. 72).
Install lifters in original positions, if reused.
(3) Install lifter aligning yokes (Fig. 73).
(4) Install yoke retainer and torque screws to 12
N´m (105 in. lbs.) (Fig. 73).
(5) Install the cylinder heads. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLATION)
(6) Start and operate engine. Warm up to normal
operating temperature.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to valve mechanism,
engine must not be run above fast idle until allhydraulic lifters have filled with oil and have
become quiet.
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION
The pistons are made of cast aluminum alloy and
are a strutless, short skirt design. The piston rings
consist of two compression rings and a three piece oil
ring. Piston pins connect the piston to the forged
steel connecting rods. The piston pins are a press fit
into the connecting rod.
OPERATION
The piston and connecting rod is the link between
the combustion force to the crankshaft.
Fig. 72 LIFTER LUBRICATION HOLE
Fig. 73 Lifter Aligning Yoke and Retainer
1 - YOKE RETAINER
2 - BOLT - YOKE RETAINER
3 - ALIGNING YOKE
4 - HYDRAULIC LIFTER
9 - 126 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS (CAM IN BLOCK) (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(5) Inspect connecting rods and connecting rod
caps for cylinder identification. Identify them, if nec-
essary (Fig. 78).
(6) Remove connecting rod cap. Install connecting
rod bolt protectors on connecting rod bolts (Fig. 79).
(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.
INSTALLATION
(1) Before installing pistons and connecting rod
assemblies into the bore, ensure that compression
ring gaps are staggered so that neither is in line with
oil ring rail gap (Fig. 80).(2) Before installing the ring compressor, ensure
the oil ring expander ends are butted and the rail
gaps located as shown in (Fig. 80).
(3) Lubricate the piston and rings with clean
engine oil. Position a ring compressor over the piston
and rings, and tighten the compressor (Fig. 81).Be
sure position of rings does not change during
this operation.
(4) Position upper bearing onto connecting rod.
Lubricate bearing with oil.
(5) Install connecting rod bolt protectors (rubber
hose or equivalent) on the connecting rod bolts (Fig.
81).
Fig. 77 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
Fig. 78 Identify Connecting Rod to Cylinder
1 - CYLINDER NUMBER
Fig. 79 Connecting Rod Protectors
1 - COVER ROD BOLTS WITH A SUITABLE COVERING WHEN
REMOVING OR INSTALLING PISTON ASSEMBLY
Fig. 80 Piston Ring End Gap Position
1 - SIDE RAIL UPPER
2 - NO. 1 RING GAP
3 - PISTON PIN
4 - SIDE RAIL LOWER
5 - NO. 2 RING GAP AND SPACER EXPANDER GAP
9 - 128 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(3) Position heat shield on manifold (Fig. 136).
(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. 136).
(6) Connect battery negative cable.
VALVE TIMING
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - 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.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
TIMING CHAIN WEAR
NOTE: This procedure must be performed with the
timing chain cover removed (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING CHAIN COVER - REMOVAL).
(1) Position a scale next to timing chain so that
any movement of chain may be measured (Fig. 138).
(2) Position a torque wrench and socket on the
camshaft sprocket attaching bolt. Apply force in the
direction of crankshaft rotation to take up slack to
the following torque:
²41 N´m (30 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads installed
²20 N´m (15 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads removedNOTE: With torque applied to the camshaft
sprocket bolt, crankshaft should not be permitted to
move. It may be necessary to block crankshaft to
prevent rotation.
(3) Holding a measuring scale along edge of chain
links (Fig. 138).
(4) Apply force in the reverse direction to the fol-
lowing torque:
²41 N´m (30 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads installed
²20 N´m (15 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads removed
(5) Measure amount of sprocket/chain movement.
(6) Install a new timing chain and sprockets if
movement exceeds 3.175 mm (1/8 in.).
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. 139).
(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.
Fig. 138 Measuring Timing Chain Wear
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 155
EXHAUST MANIFOLD - LEFT (Continued)
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