ROCKER ARMS
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 spark plugs.
(3) Rotate engine until the camshaft lobe, on the
follower being removed, is positioned on its base cir-
cle (heel). Also, the piston should be a minimum of
6.3 mm (0.25 in) below TDC position.
CAUTION: If cam follower assemblies are to be
reused, always mark position for reassembly in
their original positions.
(4) Using Special Tools 8215A and 8436 slowly
depress valve assembly until rocker arm can be
removed (Fig. 38).
(5) Repeat removal procedure for each rocker arm.
INSPECTION
Inspect the rocker arm for wear or damage (Fig.
39). Replace as necessary.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate rocker arm with clean engine oil.
(2) Using Special Tools 8215A and 8436 slowly
depress valve assembly until rocker arm can be
installed on the hydraulic lifter and valve stem (Fig.
38).
(3) Repeat installation procedure for each rocker
arm.
(4) Install spark plugs.
(5) Install cylinder head cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
ENGINE BLOCK
DESCRIPTION
The cast iron cylinder block is a two-piece assem-
bly, consisting of the cylinder block and bedplate (Fig.
40). The bedplate incorporates the main bearing caps
and bolts to the cylinder block. This design offers a
much stronger lower end and increased cylinder
block rigidity. The rear oil seal retainer is integral
with the block. The bedplate and block are serviced
as an assembly.
Fig. 38 Rocker Arm - Removal/Installation
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8215A
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8436
3 - 3/89DRIVE RACHET
Fig. 39 Rocker Arm
1 - TIP
2 - LASH ADJUSTER POCKET
3 - ROLLER
RSENGINE 2.4L9-35
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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 9
- ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE
CORE AND OIL GALLERY PLUGS).
(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.
44) (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. 44). 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 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE
CONNECTING ROD - FITTING
(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 then alternately
torque each bolt to assemble the cap properly.
Fig. 43 Cylinder Bore Cross-Hatch Pattern
1 - CROSS-HATCH PATTERN
2 - 40ɱ60É
Fig. 44 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
RSENGINE 2.4L9-37
ENGINE BLOCK (Continued)
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(21) Install the timing belt front covers. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(22) Install engine mount support bracket.
(23) Install the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION)
(24) Install the oil filter.
(25) Install crankshaft rear oil seal. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - REAR - INSTALLATION)
(26) Install flex plate. Apply MopartLock & Seal
Adhesive to bolt threads and tighten to 95 N´m (70
ft. lbs.).
(27) Attach transaxle to engine. Tighten attaching
bolts to 101 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(28) Install the engine assembly. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - INSTALLATION)
CRANKSHAFT MAIN
BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MAIN BEARING -
FITTING
For crankshaft specifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE
- SPECIFICATIONS).
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS
The crankshaft is supported in five main bearings.
All upper and lower bearing shells in the crankcase
have oil grooves. Crankshaft end play is controlled by
a flanged bearing on the number three main bearing
journal (Fig. 53).
Upper and lower Number 3 bearing halves are
flanged to carry the crankshaft thrust loads and are
NOT interchangeable with any other bearing halves
in the engine (Fig. 53). All bearing cap bolts removed
during service procedures are to be cleaned and oiled
before installation. Bearing shells are available in
standard and the following undersized: 0.025 mm
(0.001 in.) and 0.250 mm (0.010 in.). Never install an
undersize bearing that will reduce clearance below
specifications. Replace or machine the crankshaft as
necessary to obtain proper bearing clearances.
MAIN BEARING INSTALLATION
(1) Install the main bearing shells with the lubri-
cation groove in the cylinder block (Fig. 54).
(2) Make certain oil holes in block line up with oil
holes in bearings. Bearing tabs must seat in the
block tab slots.
CAUTION: Do not get oil on the bedplate mating
surface. It will may effect the sealer ability to seal
the bedplate to cylinder block.(3) Oil the bearings and journals and install
crankshaft.
CAUTION: Use only the specified anaerobic sealer
on the bedplate or damage may occur to the
engine. Ensure that both cylinder block and bed-
plate surfaces are clean.
(4) Apply 1.5 to 2.0 mm (0.059 to 0.078 in.) bead
of anaerobic sealer MopartBed Plate Sealant to cyl-
inder block as shown in (Fig. 55).
(5) Install lower main bearings into main bearing
cap/bedplate. Make certain the bearing tabs are
seated into the bedplate slots.
Fig. 53 Main Bearing Identification
1 - OIL GROOVE
2 - MAIN BEARINGS
3 - OIL HOLE
Fig. 54 Installing Main Bearing Upper Shell
1 - LUBRICATION GROOVES
2 - OIL HOLES
RSENGINE 2.4L9-41
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
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(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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OPERATION
The balance shafts are driven by the crankshaft
via a roller chain and sprockets. The balance shafts
are connected by helical gears. The dual counter
rotating shafts decrease second order vertical shak-
ing forces caused by component movement.
REMOVAL
BALANCE SHAFTS/CHAIN/SPROCKETS
NOTE: For service procedures requiring only tem-
porary relocation of carrier assembly refer to BAL-
ANCE SHAFT CARRIER procedure below.
(1) Drain engine oil.
(2) Remove the oil pan and pick-up tube (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(3) If replacing crankshaft sprocket, remove oil
pump (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL
PUMP - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove chain cover, guide and tensioner (Fig.
128).(5) Remove screw retaining balance shaft drive
sprocket (Fig. 129). Remove chain and sprocket.
(6) Using two wide pry bars, work the crankshaft
sprocket back and forth until it is off the crankshaft-
shaft.
(7) Remove gear cover retaining stud (double
ended to also retain chain guide). Remove cover and
balance shaft gears (Fig. 130).
(8) Remove rear cover and balance shafts (Fig.
131).
(9) Remove four carrier to crankcase attaching
bolts to separate carrier from engine bedplate.
BALANCE SHAFT CARRIER
The following components will remain intact dur-
ing carrier removal: Gear cover, gears, balance shafts
and the rear cover (Fig. 127).
(1) Drain engine oil.
(2) Remove the oil pan and pick-up tube (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove chain cover, guide and tensioner (Fig.
128).
Fig. 127 Balance Shafts and Carrier Assembly
1 - SPROCKET 7 - GEARS
2 - TENSIONER 8 - GEAR COVER
3 - PLUG 9 - CHAIN COVER
4 - CARRIER 10 - SPROCKET
5 - REAR COVER 11 - GUIDE
6 - BALANCE SHAFTS 12 - CHAIN
9 - 70 ENGINE 2.4LRS
BALANCE SHAFTS AND CARRIER ASSEMBLY (Continued)
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - INTRODUCTION
Engine diagnosis is helpful in determining the
causes of malfunctions not detected and remedied by
routine maintenance.
These malfunctions may be classified as either
mechanical (e.g., a strange noise), or performance
(e.g., engine idles rough and stalls).
Refer to the Engine Mechanical and the Engine
Performance diagnostic charts, for possible causes
and corrections of malfunctions (Refer to 9 - ENGINE
- DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MECHANICAL)
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
- PERFORMANCE).
For fuel system diagnosis, (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
Additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be
necessary for specific engine malfunctions that can-
not be isolated with the Service Diagnosis charts.
Information concerning additional tests and diagno-
sis is provided within the following:
²Cylinder Compression Pressure Test
²Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test
²Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis
²Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis
²Hydraulic Lash Adjuster Noise Diagnosis
²Engine Oil Leak Inspection
Fig. 1 3.3/3.8L V-6 Engines
Fig. 2 Engine Identification
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-77
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OIL CONSUMPTION OR SPARK
PLUGS FOULED1. PCV system malfunction. 1. Check system and repair as
necessary. (Refer to 25 -
EMISSIONS CONTROL/
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS/PCV
VALVE - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
2. Worn, scuffed or broken rings. 2. Hone cylinder bores. Install new
rings.
3. Carbon in oil ring slots. 3. Install new rings.
4. Rings fitted too tightly in grooves. 4. Remove rings and check
grooves. If groove is not proper
width, replace piston.
5. Worn valve guide(s). 5. Replace cylinder head assembly.
6. Valve stem seal(s) worn or
damaged.6. Replace seal(s).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE OIL LEAK
INSPECTION
Begin with a thorough visual inspection of the
engine, particularly at the area of the suspected leak.
If an oil leak source is not readily identifiable, the
following steps should be followed:
(1) Do not clean or degrease the engine at this
time because some solvents may cause rubber to
swell, temporarily stopping the leak.
(2) Add an oil soluble dye (use as recommended by
manufacturer). Start the engine and let idle for
approximately 15 minutes. Check the oil dipstick to
make sure the dye is thoroughly mixed as indicated
with a bright yellow color under a black light.
(3) Using a black light, inspect the entire engine
for fluorescent dye, particularly at the suspected area
of oil leak. If the oil leak is found and identified,
repair as necessary.
(4) If dye is not observed, drive the vehicle at var-
ious speeds for approximately 24 km (15 miles), and
repeat inspection.
(5)If the oil leak source is not positively
identified at this time, proceed with the air leak
detection test method as follows:
²Disconnect the fresh air hose (make-up air) at
the cylinder head cover and plug or cap the nipple on
the cover.
²Remove the PCV valve hose from the cylinder
head cover. Cap or plug the PCV valve nipple on the
cover.
²Attach an air hose with pressure gauge and reg-
ulator to the dipstick tube.
CAUTION: Do not subject the engine assembly to
more than 20.6 kpa (3 PSI) of test pressure.²Gradually apply air pressure from 1 psi to 2.5
psi maximum while applying soapy water at the sus-
pected source. Adjust the regulator to the suitable
test pressure that provides the best bubbles which
will pinpoint the leak source. If the oil leak is
detected and identified, repair per service manual
procedures.
²If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil
seal area, refer to the section, Inspection for Rear
Seal Area Leak.
(6) If no leaks are detected, turn off the air supply.
Remove the air hose, all plugs, and caps. Install the
PCV valve and fresh air hose (make-up air). Proceed
to next step.
(7) Clean the oil off the suspect oil leak area using
a suitable solvent. Drive the vehicle at various
speeds approximately 24 km (15 miles). Inspect the
engine for signs of an oil leak by using a black light.
NOTE: If oil leakage is observed at the dipstick tube
to block location; remove the tube, clean and reseal
using MoparTStud & Bearing Mount (press fit tube
applications only), and for O-ring style tubes,
remove tube and replace the O-ring seal.
INSPECTION FOR REAR SEAL AREA LEAKS
Since it is sometimes difficult to determine the
source of an oil leak in the rear seal area of the
engine, a more involved inspection is necessary. The
following steps should be followed to help pinpoint
the source of the leak.
If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil seal
area:
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle.
9 - 82 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
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STANDARD PROCEDURE - HYDROSTATIC
LOCKED ENGINE
When an engine is suspected to be hydrostatically
locked, regardless of what caused the problem, the
following steps should be used.
CAUTION: DO NOT use starter motor to rotate the
engine, severe damage may occur.
(1) Inspect air cleaner, induction system and
intake manifold to insure system is dry and clear of
foreign material.
(2) Remove negative battery cable.
(3) Place a shop towel around the spark plugs
when removing them from the engine. This will catch
any fluid that may possibly be in the cylinder under
pressure.
(4) With all spark plugs removed, rotate engine
crankshaft using a breaker bar and socket.
(5) Identify the fluid in the cylinder(s) (i.e., cool-
ant, fuel, oil or other).
(6) Make sure all fluid has been removed from the
cylinders. Inspect engine for damage (i.e., connecting
rods, pistons, valves, etc.)
(7) Repair engine or components as necessary to
prevent this problem from re-occurring.
CAUTION: Squirt approximately one teaspoon of oil
into the cylinders, rotate engine to lubricate the cyl-
inder walls to prevent damage on restart.
(8) Install new spark plugs.
(9) Drain engine oil and remove oil filter.
(10) Install a new oil filter.
(11) Fill engine with specified amount of approved
oil.
(12) Connect negative battery cable.
(13) Start engine and check for any leaks.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REPAIR OF
DAMAGED OR WORN THREADS
Damaged or worn threads (excluding spark plug
and camshaft bearing cap attaching threads) can be
repaired. Essentially, this repair consists of drilling
out worn or damaged threads, tapping the hole with
a special Heli-Coil Tap, (or equivalent) and installing
an insert into the tapped hole. This brings the hole
back to its original thread size.CAUTION: Be sure that the tapped holes maintain
the original center line.
Heli-Coil tools and inserts are readily available
from automotive parts jobbers.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE CORE AND
OIL GALLERY PLUGS
Using a blunt tool such as a drift and a hammer,
strike the bottom edge of the cup plug. With the cup
plug rotated, grasp firmly with pliers or other suit-
able tool and remove plug (Fig. 5).
CAUTION: Do not drive cup plug into the casting as
restricted cooling can result and cause serious
engine problems.
Thoroughly clean inside of cup plug hole in cylin-
der block or head. Be sure to remove old sealer.
Lightly coat inside of cup plug hole with Mopart
Stud and Bearing Mount. Make certain the new plug
is cleaned of all oil or grease. Using proper drive
plug, drive plug into hole so that the sharp edge of
the plug is at least 0.5 mm (0.020 in.) inside the
lead-in chamfer.
It is not necessary to wait for curing of the sealant.
The cooling system can be refilled and the vehicle
placed in service immediately.
Fig. 5 Core Hole Plug Removal
1 - CYLINDER BLOCK
2 - REMOVE PLUG WITH PLIERS
3 - STRIKE HERE WITH HAMMER
4 - DRIFT PUNCH
5 - CUP PLUG
9 - 86 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
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