²Step 2: Bolts1±8to88N´m(65ft.lbs.)
²Step 3: Bolts1±8(again) to 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.)
²Step 4: Bolts1±8turn an additional 1/4 Turn.
(Do not use a torque wrench for this step.)
NOTE: Bolt torque after 1/4 turn should be over 122
N´m (90 ft. lbs.). If not, replace the bolt.
(6) Inspect push rods and replace worn or bent
rods.
(7) Install the push rods.
(8) Install the rocker arm and shaft assemblies.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER
ARMS - INSTALLATION)
(9) Install the cylinder head covers. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(10) Install the exhaust manifolds. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/EXHAUST MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION)
(11) Install new O-ring on dipstick tube. Install
dipstick tube assembly (Fig. 18).
(12) Install the spark plugs.
(13) Install upper and lower intake manifolds.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - INSTALLATION)
(14) Fill the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(15) Connect negative cable to battery.
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
DESCRIPTION
The cylinder head covers are made of stamped
steel. The covers are sealed with steel reinforced sil-
icon rubber gaskets. The cylinder head cover uses
rubber isolators at each fastener location (Fig. 23).
NOTE: Due to the tight packaging near the cylinder
head covers, which makes spill clean-up difficult, a
spill during an engine oil change may be misinter-
preted as an oil leak. When investigating an oil leak
in the location of the cylinder head covers and
intake manifold, follow the procedure found in Oil
Leak Diagnosis (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSISAND TESTING) for determining the source of a
leak.
CYLINDER HEAD COVER -
RIGHT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove the wiper module. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER MODULE -
REMOVAL)
(3) Disconnect spark plug wires from plugs.
(4) Disconnect power steering pump supply hose
support clip from cylinder head cover (Fig. 24).
(5) Disconnect PCV hose from cylinder head cover
(Fig. 25).
(6) Remove cylinder head cover bolts.
(7) Remove cylinder head cover and gasket (Fig.
23).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean cylinder head and cover mating surfaces.
Inspect cylinder head cover surface for flatness.
Replace gasket as necessary.
(2) Inspect seal on the cover bolt for wear or dam-
age (Fig. 26). Replace bolt assembly as necessary.
NOTE: The cylinder head cover bolts contain a
torque limiter sleeve and a seal (Fig. 26). The seal
and torque sleeve is replaced with the bolt.
Fig. 22 CYLINDER HEAD TIGHTENING SEQUENCE
Fig. 23 Cylinder Head Cover
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER
2 - BOLT
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 103
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(4) Remove camshaft thrust plate (Fig. 47).
(5) Install a long bolt into front of camshaft to
facilitate removal of the camshaft.
(6) Remove the camshaft (Fig. 47), being careful
not to damage cam bearings with the cam lobes.
NOTE: The camshaft bearings are serviced with the
engine block.
INSPECTION
(1) Check the cam lobes and bearing surfaces for
abnormal wear and damage (Fig. 49). Replace cam-
shaft as required.
NOTE: If camshaft is replaced due to lobe wear or
damage, always replace the lifters.
(2) Measure the lobe actual wear (unworn area -
wear zone = actual wear) (Fig. 49) and replace cam-
shaft if out of limit. Standard value is 0.0254 mm
(0.001 in.), wearlimitis 0.254 mm (0.010 in.).
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate camshaft lobes and camshaft bearing
journals with engine oil.
(2) Install a long bolt into the camshaft to assist in
the installation of the camshaft.
(3) Carefully install the camshaft in engine block.
(4) Install camshaft thrust plate and bolts (Fig.
47). Tighten to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Measure camshaft end play. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS) If not within specifi-
cations, replace thrust plate.(6) Install the timing chain and sprockets. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/
CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION)
NOTE: When camshaft is replaced, all of the
hydraulic lifters must be replaced also.
(7) Install the hydraulic lifters (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/HYDRAULIC LIFTERS
(CAM IN BLOCK) - INSTALLATION). Each lifter
reused must be installed in the same position from
which it was removed.
(8) Install the timing chain cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(9) Install the cylinder heads. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLATION)
(10) Install the cylinder head covers. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(11) Install the lower and upper intake manifolds.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - INSTALLATION)
(12) Install the engine assembly. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - INSTALLATION)
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
CONNECTING ROD BEARING CLEARANCE
The bearing caps are not interchangeable and
should be marked at removal to ensure correct
assembly. 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. Fit all rods on one bank until com-
plete. Connecting rod bearings are available in the
standard size and the following undersizes: 0.025
mm (0.001 in.) and 0.250 mm (0.010 in.).
CAUTION: Install the bearings in pairs. Do not use a
new bearing half with an old bearing half. Do not
file the rods or bearing caps.
Measure connecting rod journal for taper and out-
of-round. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/
CRANKSHAFT - INSPECTION)
The connecting rod bearing clearances can be
determined by use of Plastigage or the equivalent.
The following is the recommended procedure for the
use of Plastigage:
(1) Rotate the crankshaft until the connecting rod
to be checked is at the bottom of its stroke.
(2) Remove oil film from surface to be checked.
Plastigage is soluble in oil.
Fig. 49 Checking Camshaft for Wear (Typical)
1 - UNWORN AREA
2 - ACTUAL WEAR
3 - BEARING JOURNAL
4 - LOBE
5 - WEAR ZONE
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 115
CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN BLOCK) (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(11) Install the timing chain cover.
(12) Install the oil pick-up tube and oil pan. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTAL-
LATION)
(13) Install the transaxle to the engine.
(14) Install the engine assembly. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - INSTALLATION)
CRANKSHAFT MAIN
BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MAIN BEARING
FITTING
Bearing caps are not interchangeable and should
be marked at removal to insure correct assembly
(Fig. 58). Upper and lower bearing halves are NOT
interchangeable. Lower main bearing halves of 1, 3
and 4 are interchangeable. Upper main bearing
halves of 1, 3 and 4 are interchangeable.
Fig. 56 CRANKSHAFT AND BLOCK - 3.3L
1 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 4
2 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 3
3 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 2
4 - MAIN BEARING CAP BOLT (QTY. 2 PER CAP)
5 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 1
6 - LOWER MAIN BEARING - THRUST
7 - UPPER MAIN BEARING - THRUST
8 - ENGINE BLOCK
9 - UPPER MAIN BEARINGS
10 - CRANKSHAFT
11 - LOWER MAIN BEARINGS
Fig. 57 CRANKSHAFT AND BLOCK - 3.8L
1 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 4
2 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 3
3 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 2
4 - MAIN BEARING CAP BOLT
5 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 1
6 - THRUST MAIN BEARING - LOWER
7 - THRUST MAIN BEARING - UPPER
8 - MAIN BEARING CAP CROSS BOLT
9 - ENGINE BLOCK
10 - MAIN BEARING - UPPER
11 - CRANKSHAFT
12 - MAIN BEARING - LOWER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 119
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
Upper and lower number 2 bearing halves are
flanged to carry the crankshaft thrust loads and are
NOT interchangeable with any other bearing halves
in the engine (Fig. 59). All bearing cap bolts removed
during service procedures are to be cleaned and
lubricated with engine oil before installation. Bearing
shells are available in standard and the following
undersizes: 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) and 0.254 mm
(0.010 in). Never install an undersize bearing that
will reduce clearance below specifications.
CRANKSHAFT BEARING OIL CLEARANCE
Inspect the crankshaft bearing journals. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT -
INSPECTION)
Engine crankshaft bearing clearances can be deter-
mined by use of Plastigage or the equivalent. The fol-lowing is the recommended procedures for the use of
Plastigage with the engine in the vehicle or engine
on a repair stand.
PLASTIGAGE METHODÐENGINE IN-VEHICLE
NOTE: The total clearance of the main bearings can
only be determined with the engine in the vehicle
by removing the weight of the crankshaft. This can
be accomplished by either of two following meth-
ods:
(1) Preferred method:
a. Shim the bearings adjacent to the bearing to be
checked in order to remove the clearance between
upper bearing shell and the crankshaft. This can be
accomplished by placing a minimum of 0.254 mm
(0.010 in.) shim (e. g. cardboard, matchbook cover,
etc.) between the bearing shell and the bearing cap
on the adjacent bearings and tightening bolts to
14±20 N´m (10±15 ft. lbs.).
²When checking #1 main bearing shim #2 main
bearing.
²When checking #2 main bearing shim #1 & #3
main bearing.
²When checking #3 main bearing shim #2 & #4
main bearing.
²When checking #4 main bearing shim #3 main
bearing.
NOTE: Remove all shims before reassembling
engine.
(2) Alternative Method:
a. Support the weight of the crankshaft with a
jack under the counterweight adjacent to the bearing
being checked.
(3) Remove oil film from surface to be checked.
Plastigage is soluble in oil.
(4) Place a piece of Plastigage across the entire
width of the bearing shell in the cap approximately
6.35 mm (1/4 in.) off center and away from the oil
holes (Fig. 60). (In addition, suspected areas can be
checked by placing the Plastigage in the suspected
area). Torque the bearing cap bolts of the bearing
being checked to the proper specifications.
(5) Remove the bearing cap and compare the width
of the flattened Plastigage (Fig. 61) with the scale
provided on the package. Locate the band closest to
the same width. This band shows the amount of
clearance in thousandths. Differences in readings
between the ends indicate the amount of taper
present. Record all readings taken. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS)Plastigage gener-
ally is accompanied by two scales. One scale is
in inches, the other is a metric scale.
Fig. 58 Main Bearing Cap Identification
Fig. 59 Main Bearing Identification
1 - OIL GROOVES
2 - OIL HOLES
3 - UPPER BEARINGS
4 - LOWER BEARINGS
9 - 120 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
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
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
(11) If oil pressure is low and pump is within spec-
ifications, inspect for worn engine bearings or other
reasons for oil pressure loss.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Assemble pump, using new parts as required.
Install the inner rotor with chamfer facing the
cast iron oil pump cover.
(2) Prime oil pump before installation by filling
rotor cavity with engine oil.
(3) Install cover and tighten screws to 12 N´m (105
in. lbs.).
(4) If removed, install the oil pressure relief valve.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PRES-
SURE RELIEF VALVE - INSTALLATION)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install oil pump. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PUMP - ASSEMBLY)
(2) Install timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION) and oil pan (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
INTAKE MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION
The intake system is made up of an upper and
lower intake manifold. The upper intake manifold is
made of a composite for both the 3.3L engine and for
the 3.8L engine (Fig. 123). The lower intake manifold
is common between the two engines (Fig. 127). It alsoprovides coolant crossover between cylinder heads
and houses the coolant thermostat (Fig. 127).
The intake manifold utilizes a compact design with
very low restriction and outstanding flow balance.
This design allows the engine to perform with a wide
torque curve while increasing higher rpm horse-
power.
If, for some reason, the molded-in vacuum ports
break, the composite manifold can be salvaged. The
vacuum ports are designed to break at the shoulder,
if overloaded. Additional material in the shoulder
area provides sufficient stock to repair. For more
information and procedure, (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD - STANDARD
PROCEDURE). Also, if the special screws that attach
the MAP sensor, power steering reservoir, throttle
cable bracket, and the EGR tube become stripped, an
oversized screw is available to repair the stripped-out
condition. For more information and procedure,
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
OPERATION
The intake manifold delivers air to the combustion
chambers. This air allows the fuel delivered by the
fuel injectors to ignite when the spark plugs fire.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INTAKE
MANIFOLD LEAKS
An intake manifold air leak is characterized by
lower than normal manifold vacuum. Also, one or
more cylinders may not be functioning.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR THE FAN.
DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(1) Start the engine.
(2) Spray a small stream of water (Spray Bottle) at
the suspected leak area.
(3) If engine RPM'S change, the area of the sus-
pected leak has been found.
(4) Repair as required.
INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MANIFOLD
STRIPPED THREAD REPAIR
The composite upper intake manifold thread
bosses, if stripped out, can be repaired by utilizing a
Fig. 118 Oil Pressure Relief Valve
1 - RELIEF VALVE
2 - SPRING
3 - RETAINER CAP
9 - 146 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
OIL PUMP (Continued)
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