STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - 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. 74).
(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. 75). Refer to Engine Specifications
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FITTING PISTONS
The piston and cylinder wall must be clean and dry.
Piston diameter should be measured 90 degrees to pis-
ton pin at size location shown in (Fig. 76). Cylinder
bores should be measured halfway down the cylinder
bore and transverse to the engine crankshaft center line
shown in (Fig. 77). Refer to Engine Specifications (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).Pistons and cyl-
inder 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.
Fig. 74 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. 75 Checking Connecting Rod Side Clearance
Fig. 76 Piston Measurement Locations
1 - 39.8 mm (1.56 in. ) 3.3L ENGINE
2 - 33.0 mm (1.29 in.) 3.8L ENGINE
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 127
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (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
(6) The pistons are marked with a ªFº located near
the piston pin. Install piston with this mark posi-
tioned to front of engine on both cylinder banks. The
connecting rod oil squirt hole faces the major thrust
(right) side of the engine block (Fig. 82).
(7) Rotate crankshaft until the connecting rod
journal is located in the center of the cylinder bore.
Insert connecting rod and piston into cylinder bore.
Carefully guide connecting rod over the crankshaft
journal (Fig. 81).(8) Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a
hammer handle. At the same time, guide connecting
rod into position on connecting rod journal.
(9) Install lower bearing shell and connecting rod
cap (Fig. 81). Install nuts on cleaned and oiled rod
bolts and tighten to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.) PLUS
1¤4
turn.
(10) Repeat procedure for each piston and connect-
ing rod installation.
Fig. 81 PISTON AND CONNECTING ROD INSTALLATION
1 - RING - OIL CONTROL 7 - CAP - CONNECTING ROD
2 - RING - NO. 2 COMPRESSION 8 - BEARING - CONNECTING ROD LOWER
3 - RING - NO. 1 COMPRESSION 9 - CRANKSHAFT JOURNAL PROTECTOR (RUBBER HOSE)
4 - RING - SIDE RAIL UPPER & LOWER 10 - BEARING - CONNECTING ROD UPPER
5 - PISTON RING COMPRESSOR 11 - PISTON AND CONNECTING ROD ASSEMBLY
6 - NUT - CONNECTING ROD 12 - PISTON LOCATION MARK (F = FRONT)
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 129
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(11) Install the cylinder heads. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLATION)
(12) Install the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION)
(13) Fill engine crankcase with proper oil to cor-
rect level.
(14) Connect negative cable to battery.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.
83). For clearance specification (Refer to 9 - ENGINE
- SPECIFICATIONS).
(2) Check piston ring to groove side clearance (Fig.
84). For clearance specification (Refer to 9 - ENGINE
- SPECIFICATIONS)
Fig. 82 Piston and Connecting Rod Positioning (Front View of Engine)
1 - MAJOR THRUST SIDE OF PISTON 2 - OIL SQUIRT HOLE
9 - 130 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
REMOVAL
(1) Remove piston and connecting rod. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON & CONNECT-
ING ROD - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove No. 1 and No.2 piston rings from pis-
ton using a ring expander tool (Fig. 87).
(3) Remove upper oil ring side rail (Fig. 86).
(4) Remove lower oil ring side rail (Fig. 86).
(5) Remove oil ring expander (Fig. 86).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install rings with manufacturers I.D. mark (if
present) facing up, to the top of the piston (Fig. 85).CAUTION: Install piston rings in the following
order:
a. Oil ring expander.
b. Upper oil ring side rail.
c. Lower oil ring side rail.
d. No. 2 Intermediate piston ring.
e. No. 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. 86).
(3) Install upper side rail first and then the lower
side rail.
Fig. 83 Piston Ring Gap
1 - FEELER GAUGE
Fig. 84 Piston Ring Side Clearance
1 - FEELER GAUGE
Fig. 85 Piston Ring Installation
1 - NO. 1 PISTON RING
2 - NO. 2 PISTON RING
3 - SIDE RAIL
4 - OIL RING
5 - SPACER EXPANDER
Fig. 86 Oil Ring Side Rail
1 - SIDE RAIL END
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 131
PISTON RINGS (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(4) Install No. 2 piston ring and then No. 1 piston
ring (Fig. 87).
(5) Position piston ring end gaps as shown in (Fig.
88).
(6) Position oil ring expander gap at least 45É
from the side rail gaps butnoton the piston pin cen-
ter or on the thrust direction. Staggering ring gap is
important for oil control.VIBRATION DAMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(3) Remove the right front wheel and inner splash
shield.
(4) Remove the accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(5) Remove vibration damper bolt.
(6) Insert Special Tool 8450 into crankshaft nose
(Fig. 89).
(7) Position 3-jaw puller Special Tool 1026 on
damper as shown in (Fig. 89). Turn puller forcing
screw until damper releases from crankshaft.
(8) Remove the crankshaft vibration damper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install crankshaft vibration damper using the
forcing screw, nut, and thrust bearing/washer from
Special Tool 8452 (Fig. 90).
NOTE: To minimize friction and prolong tool life,
lubricate the threads on the forcing screw of Spe-
cial Tool 8452.
(2) Position vibration damper on crankshaft.
(3) Screw Special Tool 8452 into crankshaft until
the bolt seats. Turn the nut to install damper until it
seats fully.
(4) Remove Special Tool 8452.
(5) Install vibration damper bolt. Torque bolt to 54
N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 87 Piston Ring Installation
Fig. 88 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. 89 Vibration Damper - Removal
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8450 - INSERT
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 1026-3JAWPULLER
9 - 132 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
PISTON RINGS (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
RIGHT MOUNT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove air cleaner housing lid and clean air
hose from throttle body.
(2) Remove air cleaner element and housing.
(3) Disconnect make-up air hose from cylinder
head cover.
(4) Remove the load on the right engine mount by
carefully supporting the engine assembly with a floor
jack.
(5) Disconnect electrical harness support clips from
engine mount bracket.
(6) Remove the bolts attaching the engine mount
to the frame rail (Fig. 99).
(7) Remove the three bolts attaching the engine
mount to the engine bracket (Fig. 99).
(8) Remove the right engine mount (Fig. 99).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install engine bracket (if removed). Tighten
bolts to 33 N´m (24 ft. lbs.).
(2) Position right engine mount and install frame
rail to mount bolts (Fig. 99). Tighten bolts to 68 N´m
(50 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the mount to engine bracket bolts and
tighten to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.). (Fig. 99)
(4) Connect electrical harness support clips to
engine mount bracket.
(5) Remove jack from under engine.
(6) Connect make-up air hose to cylinder head
cover.
(7) Install air cleaner housing and element.
(8) Install air cleaner housing lid and clean air
tube to throttle body.
LUBRICATION
DESCRIPTION
The lubrication system is a full flow filtration pres-
sure feed type. The oil pump is mounted in the tim-
ing chain cover and is driven by the crankshaft
OPERATION
Oil from the oil pan is pumped by a internal gear
type oil pump directly coupled to the crankshaft. The
pressure is regulated by a relief valve located in the
timing chain cover. The oil is pumped through an oil
filter and feeds a main oil gallery. This oil gallery
feeds oil under pressure to the main and rod bear-
ings, camshaft bearings. Passages in the cylinder
block feed oil to the hydraulic lifters and rocker shaft
brackets which feeds the rocker arm pivots (Fig.
100).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - 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. For Special Tool identification, (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - SPECIAL TOOLS).
(3) Start engine and record oil pressure. Refer to
Oil Pressure in Engine Specifications for the correct
pressure (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).
Fig. 99 Right Engine Mount
1 - RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT
2 - BOLT - MOUNT TO FRAME RAIL
3 - BOLT - MOUNT TO ENGINE
4 - ENGINE MOUNT BRACKET
5 - RIGHT FRAME RAIL
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 137
ProCarManuals.com
OIL
STANDARD PROCEDURE
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.
Run engine until achieving normal operating tem-
perature.
(1) Position the vehicle on a level surface and turn
engine off.
(2) Open hood, remove oil fill cap.
(3) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
Refer to Hoisting and Jacking Recommendations.
(Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOIST-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(4) Place a suitable drain pan under crankcase
drain (Fig. 101).
(5) Remove drain plug from crankcase (Fig. 101)
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)
Fig. 100 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
9 - 138 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
LUBRICATION (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com