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) Perform fuel system pressure release procedure
before attempting any repairs.(Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - SPECIFICA-
TIONS)
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(3) Drain cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(4) Remove air filter housing and inlet tube.
(5) Remove upper intake manifold. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL)
(6) Remove heater tube support bracket from cyl-
inder head.
(7) Disconnect radiator upper and heater supply
hoses from intake manifold water outlet connections.
(8) Remove accessory drive belts. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(9) Raise vehicle and remove exhaust pipe from
manifold.
(10) Remove power steering pump reservoir and
line support bracket from lower intake manifold and
set aside. Do not disconnect lines.
(11) Remove ignition coil and wires from engine.
(12) Disconnect cam sensor and fuel injector wir-
ing connectors.
Fig. 13 Cylinder Head and Camshafts
1 - CAMSHAFT BEARING CAPS
2 - PLUG
3 - CAMSHAFT
4 - CYLINDER HEAD
5 - CAMSHAFT OIL SEAL
RSENGINE 2.4L9-25
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)
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²Second All to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
²Third All to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for the fol-
lowing step.
²Fourth Turn an additional 1/4 Turn,
(5) Install rocker arms. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER ARMS - INSTALLA-
TION)
(6) Install camshafts. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYL-
INDER HEAD/CAMSHAFT(S) - INSTALLATION).
(7) Install cylinder head cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(8) Install timing belt rear cover and timing belt
idler pulley. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/
TIMING BELT / CHAIN COVER(S) - INSTALLA-
TION)
(9) Install timing belt and camshaft sprockets.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING
BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION)
(10) Connect cam sensor and fuel injectors wiring
connectors.
(11) Install ignition coil and wires. Connect igni-
tion coil wiring connector.
(12) Install power steering pump reservoir and
line support bracket to cylinder head.
(13) Raise vehicle and install the exhaust pipe to
the manifold.
(14) Install accessory drive belts. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION)
(15) Install heater tube support bracket to cylinder
head.
(16) Connect radiator upper and heater hoses to
intake manifold water outlet connections.
(17) Install upper intake manifold. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION)
(18) Using new gaskets, install EGR tube and
tighten fasteners to 11 N´m (95 in. lbs.).
Fig. 16 Valve Guide Height
1 - VALVE GUIDE
2 - 13.25 - 13.75 MM
(.521 - .541 IN.)
3 - SPRING SEAT
Fig. 17 Checking Bolts for Stretching (Necking)
1 - STRETCHED BOLT
2 - THREADS ARE NOT STRAIGHT ON LINE
3 - THREADS ARE STRAIGHT ON LINE
4 - UNSTRETCHED BOLT
Fig. 18 Cylinder Head Gasket Positioning
1 - PART NUMBER FACES UP
2 - NO. 1 CYLINDER
Fig. 19 Cylinder Head Tightening Sequence
RSENGINE 2.4L9-27
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
CAMSHAFT(S)
DESCRIPTION
Both camshafts have six bearing journal surfaces
and two cam lobes per cylinder (Fig. 23). Flanges at
the rear journals control camshaft end play. Provision
for a cam position sensor is located on the intake
camshaft on the rear of the cylinder head. A hydro-
dynamic oil seal is used for oil control at the front of
the camshaft.
OPERATION
The camshaft is driven by the crankshaft via drive
sprockets and belt. The camshaft has precisely
machined lobes to provide accurate valve timing and
duration.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
CAMSHAFT END PLAY
(1) Oil camshaft journals and install camshaft
WITHOUTrocker arms. Install rear cam caps and
tighten screws to specified torque.
(2) Using a suitable tool, move camshaft as far
rearward as it will go.
(3) Zero dial indicator (Fig. 24).
(4) Move camshaft as far forward as it will go.(5) Record reading on dial indicator. For end play
specification, (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICA-
TIONS).
(6) If end play is excessive, check cylinder head
and camshaft for wear; replace as necessary.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove camshaft position sensor and camshaft
target magnet (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IGNITION
CONTROL/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove timing belt (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT AND SPROCKETS -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove camshaft sprockets and timing belt
rear cover (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/
TIMING BELT COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(5) Bearing caps are identified for location.
Remove the outside bearing caps first (Fig. 25).
(6) Loosen the camshaft bearing cap attaching
fasteners in sequence shown (Fig. 26) one camshaft
at a time.
CAUTION: Camshafts are not interchangeable. The
intake cam number 6 thrust bearing face spacing is
wider.
(7) Identify the camshafts before removing from
the head. The camshafts are not interchangeable.
(8) Remove camshafts from cylinder head.
NOTE: If removing rocker arms, identify for reinstal-
lation in the original position.
CLEANING
Clean camshaft with a suitable solvent.
Fig. 23 Camshafts
1 - CAMSHAFT BEARING CAPS
2 - PLUG
3 - CAMSHAFT
4 - CYLINDER HEAD
5 - CAMSHAFT OIL SEAL
Fig. 24 Camshaft End Play - Typical
RSENGINE 2.4L9-29
ProCarManuals.com
(7) Install cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER - INSTALLATION).
(8) Install timing belt rear cover and camshaft
sprockets (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/
TIMING BELT COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(9) Install timing belt (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT AND SPROCKETS -
INSTALLATION).
CYLINDER HEAD COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove upper intake manifold. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL)
(2) Remove upper manifold support bracket.
(3) Remove ignition coil and spark plug wires.
(4) Disconnect PCV and make-up air hoses from
cylinder head cover.
(5) Remove cylinder head cover bolts.
(6) Remove cylinder head cover from cylinder
head.
CLEANING
Clean cylinder head and cover mating surfaces
using a suitable solvent.
INSPECTION
Inspect cover rails for flatness.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Replace spark plug well seals and bolt
assemblies when installing a new cylinder head
cover gasket.(1) Install new cylinder head cover gaskets and
spark plug well seals (Fig. 30).
(2) Replace cylinder head cover bolt assemblies.
CAUTION: Do not allow oil or solvents to contact
the timing belt as they can deteriorate the rubber
and cause tooth skipping.
(3) Apply MopartEngine RTV GEN II at the
camshaft cap corners and at the top edges of the 1/2
round seal (Fig. 31).
(4) Install cylinder head cover assembly to cylin-
der head. Install all bolts, ensuring the single (1)
stud used to attach the upper intake manifold sup-
port bracket is located in the #8 location as shown in
torque sequence diagram (Fig. 32). Tighten bolts in
sequence shown in (Fig. 32). Using a 3 step torque
method as follows:
(a) Tighten all bolts to 4.5 N´m (40 in. lbs.).
(b) Tighten all bolts to 9.0 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
(c) Tighten all bolts to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(5) Install ignition coil and spark plug wires.
Tighten fasteners to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(6) If the PCV valve was removed, apply Mopart
Thread Sealant with Teflon to threads and install
valve to cylinder head cover. Tighten PCV valve to 8
N´m (70 in. lbs.).
(7) Connect PCV and make-up air hoses to cylin-
der head cover.
(8) Install upper intake manifold. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION)
Fig. 29 Camshaft Bearing Cap Sealing
1 - 1.5 mm (.060 in.) DIAMETER BEAD OF MOPAR GASKET
MAKER
Fig. 30 Spark Plug Well Seals
RSENGINE 2.4L9-31
CAMSHAFT(S) (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - PERFORMANCE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL NOT START 1. Weak battery. 1. Test battery. Charge or replace
as necessary. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
2. Corroded or loose battery
connections.2. Clean and tighten battery
connections. Apply a coat of light
mineral grease to terminals.
3. Faulty starter. 3. Test starting system. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/STARTING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
4. Faulty coil(s) or control unit. 4. Test and replace as needed.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
5. Incorrect spark plug gap. 5. Set gap. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL
- SPECIFICATIONS)
6. Contamination in fuel system. 6. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
7. Faulty fuel pump. 7. Test fuel pump and replace as
needed. (Refer to Appropriate
Diagnostic Information)
8. Incorrect engine timing. 8. Check for a skipped timing
belt/chain.
ENGINE STALLS OR IDLES
ROUGH1. Idle speed too low. 1. Test minimum air flow. (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information)
2. Incorrect fuel mixture. 2. (Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
3. Intake manifold leakage. 3. Inspect intake manifold, manifold
gasket, and vacuum hoses.
4. Faulty ignition coil(s). 4. Test and replace as necessary.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
9 - 78 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
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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)
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REMOVAL - ENGINE ASSEMBLY
(1) Perform fuel pressure release procedure (Refer
to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(2) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(3) Remove air cleaner and hoses.
(4) Disconnect the fuel line from fuel rail (Refer to
14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/QUICK
CONNECT FITTING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) Remove the wiper module (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER MODULE -
REMOVAL).
(6) Block off heater hoses to the rear heater sys-
tem using pinch-off pliers (if equipped).
(7) Drain the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(8) Disconnect the heater hoses.
(9) Remove the radiator upper support crossmem-
ber (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE OPEN-
ING REINFORCEMENT - REMOVAL).
(10) Remove the radiator fans (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL).
(11) Disconnect the throttle cables from the throt-
tle body.
(12) Disconnect the MAP, IAC, and TPS electrical
connectors.
(13) Disconnect the EGR transducer electrical con-
nector (if equipped).
(14) Disconnect the vacuum hoses from throttle
body.
(15) Disconnect the brake booster and speed con-
trol vacuum hoses.
(16) Disengage wire harness clip from the right
side engine mount.
(17) Remove the power steering reservoir from
mounting position and set aside.Do notdisconnect
hose.
(18) Disconnect ground strap from rear of cylinder
head.
(19) Disconnect engine coolant temperature (ECT)
sensor and ignition coil electrical connectors.
(20) Disconnect the fuel injector electrical harness
connector and disengage clip from support bracket.
(21) Disconnect camshaft and crankshaft position
sensor electrical connectors.
(22) Evacuate air conditioning system. Refer to 24
- HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING.
(23) Disconnect A/C compressor electrical connec-
tor.(24) Disconnect the A/C lines from compressor.
Cover and seal all openings of hoses and compressor.
(25) Remove the radiator upper hose.
(26) Disengage electrical harness clip at transaxle
dipstick tube.
(27) Remove transaxle dipstick tube. Seal opening
using a suitable plug.
NOTE: When the transaxle cooler lines are removed
from the rolled-groove type fittings at the transaxle,
damage to the inner wall of the hose will occur. To
prevent prevent potential leakage, the cooler hoses
must be cut off flush at the transaxle fitting, and a
service cooler hose splice kit must be installed
upon reassembly.
(28) Using a blade or suitable hose cutter, cut
transaxle oil cooler lines off flush with fittings. Plug
cooler lines and fittings to prevent debris from enter-
ing transaxle or cooler circuit. A service splice kit will
be installed upon reassembly.
(29) Disconnect transaxle shift linkage and electri-
cal connectors.
(30) Raise vehicle on hoist and drain the engine
oil.
(31) Remove the axle shafts. (Refer to 3 - DIFFER-
ENTIAL & DRIVELINE/HALF SHAFT - REMOVAL)
(32) Remove crossmember cradle plate (Fig. 6).
Fig. 6 Crossmember Cradle Plate
1 - CRADLE PLATE
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-87
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
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(20) Install the powertrain struts (Fig. 8).
(21) Install the engine rear mount bracket.
(22) Install the engine front mount and bracket
assembly.
(23)AWD equipped;Install the power transfer
unit (PTU) (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/POWER TRANSFER UNIT - INSTALLA-
TION).
(24) Install the axle shafts (Refer to 3 - DIFFER-
ENTIAL & DRIVELINE/HALF SHAFT - INSTALLA-
TION).(25) Connect exhaust pipe to manifold (Fig. 7).
(26) Install crossmember cradle plate (Fig. 6).
(27) Lower vehicle.
(28) Connect transaxle shift linkage.
(29) Connect transaxle electrical connectors.
(30) Remove plugs from transmission cooler hoses
and install transaxle oil cooler line service splice kit.
Refer to instructions included with kit.
(31) Install transaxle dipstick tube and attach
electrical harness clip.
(32) Connect the A/C lines to compressor.
(33)
Connect the A/C compressor electrical connector.
(34) Evacuate and recharge A/C system.
(35) Connect crankshaft and camshaft position
sensors.
(36) Connect the fuel injector electrical harness
connector and engage clip to support bracket.
(37) Connect engine coolant temperature (ECT)
sensor and ignition coil electrical connectors.
(38) Connect the ground strap to rear of cylinder
head.
(39) Install power steering reservoir.
(40) Engage wire harness clip to engine right side
mount.
(41) Connect the brake booster and speed control
vacuum hoses.
(42) Connect the vacuum hoses to the throttle
body.
(43) Connect the EGR transducer electrical connec-
tor (if equipped).
(44) Connect the TPS, IAC, and MAP sensor elec-
trical connectors.
(45) Connect throttle cables to throttle body.
(46) Install the radiator fans (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLATION).
(47) Connect the radiator upper hose.
(48) Connect the heater hoses. Remove pinch-off
pliers from the rear heater hoses (if equipped).
(49) Install the radiator upper support crossmem-
ber (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE OPEN-
ING REINFORCEMENT - INSTALLATION).
(50) Install the wiper module (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER MODULE -
INSTALLATION).
(51) Connect the fuel line to fuel rail (Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/FUEL LINES -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(52) Install the air cleaner and hoses.
(53) Install new oil filter. Fill engine crankcase
with proper oil to correct level.
(54) Connect negative cable to battery.
(55) Fill the cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(56) Start engine and run until operating temper-
ature is reached.
(57) Adjust transmission linkage, if necessary.
Fig. 13 Right Mount to Engine
1 - BOLT
2 - MOUNT BRACKET
3 - ENGINE RIGHT MOUNT ASSEMBLY
Fig. 14 LEFT MOUNT TO FRAME BRACKET
1 - FRAME BRACKET
2 - FRAME RAIL - LEFT
3 - BOLT
4 - TRANSAXLE MOUNT
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-91
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
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