(4) Tighten the bolts to 27 N´m PLUS 1/4 turn (20
ft. lbs. PLUS 1/4 turn)Do not use a torque
wrench for last step.
(5) Using a feeler gauge, check connecting rod side
clearance (Fig. 45). Refer to clearance specifications
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).
CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION
The crankshaft is made of nodular cast iron and
includes five main bearing journals and four connect-
ing rod journals (Fig. 46). The number three journal
is the location for the thrust bearing. The mains and
connecting rod journals have undercut fillet radiuses
that are rolled for added strength. To optimize bear-
ing loading, eight counterweights are used.
OPERATION
The crankshaft transfers force generated by com-
bustion within the cylinder to the flywheel or flex-
plate.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CRANKSHAFT END
PLAY
(1) Using Dial Indicator C-3339 and Mounting
Post L-4438, attach to front of engine, locating probe
perpendicular on nose of crankshaft (Fig. 47).
(2) Move crankshaft all the way to the rear of its
travel.
(3) Zero the dial indicator.
(4) Move crankshaft all the way to the front and
read the dial indicator. Refer to Engine Specifica-
tions.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Crankshaft can not be removed when engine
is in vehicle.(1) Remove engine assembly from vehicle. (Refer to
9 - ENGINE - REMOVAL)
(2) Separate engine from transaxle.
(3) Remove flex plate and crankshaft rear oil seal.
(4) Mount engine on a repair stand.
(5) Drain engine oil and remove oil filter.
(6) Remove the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove engine mount support bracket.
(8) Remove the crankshaft damper and timing belt
covers. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIM-
ING BELT / CHAIN COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(9) Remove the timing belt. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
Fig. 45 Connecting Rod Side Clearance
Fig. 46 Crankshaft - Typical
1 - MAIN BEARING JOURNALS
2 - COUNTER BALANCE WEIGHTS
Fig. 47 CHECKING CRANKSHAFT END PLAY
9 - 38 ENGINE 2.4LRS
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and check filter mounting surface. The
surface must be smooth, flat and free of debris or
pieces of gasket.
(2) Lubricate new oil filter gasket with clean
engine oil.
(3) Screw oil filter (Fig. 88) on until the gasket
contacts base. Tighten to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
OIL PAN
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist and drain engine oil.
(2) Remove structural collar. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/STRUCTURAL COVER -
REMOVAL)
(3) Remove air conditioning compressor bracket to
oil pan bolt.
(4) Remove bolts attaching oil pan.
(5) Remove oil pan.
(6) Clean oil pan and all gasket surfaces.
INSTALLATION
(1) Apply MopartEngine RTV GEN II at the oil
pump to engine block parting line (Fig. 89).
(2) Install the oil pan gasket to the block.
(3) Install pan and tighten the screws to 12 N´m
(105 in. lbs.).
(4) Install air conditioning compressor bracket to
oil pan bolt.
(5) Install structural collar. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
ENGINE BLOCK/STRUCTURAL COVER - INSTAL-
LATION)
(6) Lower vehicle and fill engine crankcase with
proper oil to correct level.
OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Position oil collecting container under pressure
switch location.
(3) Disconnect oil pressure switch electrical con-
nector and remove switch (Fig. 90).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install oil pressure switch. Torque switch to 21
N´m (190 in. lbs.) (Fig. 90).
(2) Connect electrical connector
(3) Lower vehicle.
(4) Start engine and allow to run a minimum of 2
minutes.
(5) Shut engine off and check engine oil level.
Adjust level as necessary.
OIL PUMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove timing belt (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT AND SPROCKETS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove timing belt rear cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT COVER(S)
- REMOVAL).
(4) Remove oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove crankshaft sprocket using Special
Tools 6793 and C-4685-C2 (Fig. 91).
(6) Remove crankshaft key (Fig. 92).
(7) Remove oil pick-up tube.
(8) Remove oil pump (Fig. 93) and front crankshaft
seal.
Fig. 89 Oil Pan Sealing - Typical
1 - SEALER LOCATIONS
Fig. 90 Engine Oil Pressure Switch
RSENGINE 2.4L9-55
OIL FILTER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(12) Remove engine oil dipstick from tube.
(13) Remove upper intake manifold bolts (Fig.
108). Remove upper intake manifold.
CAUTION: Cover intake manifold to prevent foreign
material from entering engine.
INSPECTION
(1) Check manifold surfaces for flatness with
straight edge. Surface must be flat within 0.15 mm
per 300 mm (0.006 in. per foot) of manifold length.
(2) Inspect manifold for cracks or distortion.
Replace manifold if necessary.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean manifold sealing surfaces.
(2) Apply a 1.5 mm (0.060 in.) bead MopartGas-
ket Maker to the perimeter of the lower intake man-
ifold runner openings.
(3) Install upper intake manifold and tighten fas-
teners to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.) in sequence shown in
(Fig. 108). Repeat this procedures until all fasteners
are at specified torque.
(4) Install engine oil dipstick.
(5) Install upper bolt in intake manifold to front
support bracket (Fig. 107). Torque to 28 N´m (250 in.
lbs.).
(6) Install EGR tube. (Refer to 25 - EMISSIONS
CONTROL/EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION/
TUBE - INSTALLATION)
(7) Install throttle cables in bracket.
(8) Connect throttle, speed control, (if equipped),
transaxle control (31TH equipped only) cables to
throttle lever.
(9) Connect vacuum lines for power brake booster,
LDP, EGR transducer, and speed control vacuum res-
ervoir (if equipped) at upper intake manifold fittings.
(10) Connect vacuum lines for purge solenoid and
PCV valve.(11) Connect electrical connectors for MAP sensor,
throttle position sensor (TPS), and idle air control
(IAC) motor.
(12) Install air cleaner upper housing and air
intake tube to throttle body.
(13) Connect inlet air temperature sensor connec-
tor (Fig. 104).
(14) Connect negative cable to battery.
INTAKE MANIFOLD - LOWER
REMOVAL
(1) Perform fuel system pressure release proce-
durebefore attempting any repairs.(Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
(2) Remove upper intake manifold. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL)
CAUTION: Cover intake manifold openings to pre-
vent foreign material from entering engine.
(3) Disconnect fuel line. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYS-
TEM/FUEL DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FIT-
TING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(4) Drain the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(5) Remove heater supply and radiator upper
hoses at intake manifold.
(6) Disconnect coolant temperature sensor/fuel
injector wire harness connector.
(7) Remove lower intake manifold support bracket
upper bolts (Fig. 109).
(8) Loosen the lower intake manfold support
bracket lower bolt (Fig. 109).
(9) Disconnect fuel injector harness.
(10) Remove the bolts attaching the power steering
reservoir to manifold. Set reservoir aside.Do not
disconnect line from reservoir.
(11) Remove lower intake manifold fasteners (Fig.
110). Remove the manifold from engine.
(12) Inspect the manifold. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD - INSPECTION)
INSPECTION
(1) Check manifold surfaces for flatness with
straight edge. Surface must be flat within 0.15 mm
per 300 mm (0.006 in. per foot) of manifold length.
(2) Inspect manifold for cracks or distortion.
Replace manifold if necessary.
INSTALLATION
If the following items were removed, install and
torque to specifications:
²Fuel rail bolts - 22 N´m (200 in. lbs.)
Fig. 108 Upper Intake Manifold Tightening Sequence
- 2.4L
RSENGINE 2.4L9-61
INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
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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DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Exhaust (Standard) 6.906±6.924 mm
(0.2718±0.2725 in.)
Valve Stem to Guide Clearance
Intake 0.025±0.065 mm
(0.001±0.0025 in.)
Max. Allowable (Rocking
Method)0.247 mm
(0.010 in.)
Exhaust 0.059±0.094 mm
(0.002±0.0037 in.)
Max. Allowable (Rocking
Method)0.414 mm
(0.016 in.)
Push Rods
Length 135.438 mm
(5.33 in.)
Valve Springs
Free Length (Approx.) 51.4 mm
(2.02 in.)
Wire Diameter 3.95±4.77 mm
(0.15±0.19 in.)
Number of Coils 7.52
Spring Tension (Valve
Closed)376.4±424.4 N @ 41.9
mm
(84.6±95.6 lbs. @ 1.65
in.)
Installed Height 41.1±42.7 mm
(1.61±1.68 in.)
Oil Pump
Clearance Over
RotorsÐInner and Outer
(Max.)0.10 mm
(0.004 in.)
Cover Out-of-Flat (Max.) 0.025 mm
(0.001 in.)
Inner Rotor Thickness
(Min.)7.64 mm
(0.301 in.)
Outer Rotor Thickness
(Min.)7.64 mm
(0.301 in.)
Outer Rotor Clearance
(Max.)0.039 mm
(0.015 in.)
Outer Rotor Diameter
(Min.)79.95 mmDESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
(3.148 in.)
Tip Clearance Between
Rotors (Max.)0.20 mm
(0.008 in.)
Oil Pressure
At Curb Idle Speed*
(Minimum with engine at
operating temerature)34.47 kPa
(5 psi)
At 3000 rpm 205±551 kPa
(30±80 psi)
Oil Filter By-pas Valve
Setting62±103 kPa
(9±15 psi)
Oil Pressure Switch
Actuating Pressure14±28 kPa
(2±4 psi)
caution:
*If pressure is ZERO at curb idle, DO NOT run engine
at 3000 rpm.
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Camshaft SprocketÐBolt 54 40 Ð
Camshaft Thrust
PlateÐBolts12 Ð 105
Connecting Rod
CapÐBolts54 +
1¤4
turn40
+1¤4
turnÐ
Crankshaft Main Bearing
CapÐBolts41 +
1¤4
turn30
+1¤4
turnÐ
Crankshaft Main Bearing
Cap Cross Bolts (3.8L)61 45 Ð
Crankshaft Oil Seal
Retainer RearÐBolts12 Ð 105
Crankshaft DamperÐBolt 54 40 Ð
Cylinder Block Drain
Plugs20 15 Ð
Cylinder HeadÐBolts (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD -
INSTALLATION)
Cylinder Head CoverÐ
Bolts12 Ð 105
Flex Plate to Crankshaft 95 70 Ð
Engine Mounting (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
ENGINE MOUNTING)
Exhaust ManifoldÐBolts 23 Ð 200
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-95
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Exhaust Crossover
PipeÐBolts54 40 Ð
Intake Manifold -
LowerÐBolts23 Ð 200
Intake Manifold - Lower
Gasket RetainerÐBolts12 Ð 105
Intake Manifold
UpperÐBolts12 Ð 105
Lifter Yoke RetainerÐ
Bolts12 Ð 105
Oil Filter Attaching Fitting 54 40 Ð
Oil Cooler Attaching
Fitting27 20 Ð
Oil Filter 20 15 Ð
Oil Filter AdapterÐBolts 28 Ð 250
Oil Gallery Plug 27 20 Ð
Oil PanÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Oil Pan DrainÐPlug 27 20 Ð
Oil Pressure Switch 23 Ð 200
Oil Pump Cover
PlateÐScrews12 Ð 105
Oil Pump Pick-up
TubeÐBolt28 Ð 250
Oil Dipstick HousingÐ
Bolts48 35 Ð
Rocker Arm ShaftÐBolts 23 Ð 200
Spark Plug 16 12 Ð
Timing Chain Case Cover
ÐM8 Bolt 27 20 Ð
ÐM10 Bolt 54 40 Ð
Water PumpÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Water Pump PulleyÐ
Bolts28 Ð 250SPECIAL TOOLS
3.3/3.8L ENGINE
Dolly 6135
Cradle 6710A
Adapter 6909A
Adapter 8444
9 - 96 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
OIL FILTER ADAPTER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove the oil filter.
(3) Disconnect oil pressure switch electrical con-
nector.
(4) Remove oil filter adapter attaching bolts (Fig.
105).
(5) Remove oil filter adapter and seal (Fig. 105).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean oil filter adapter and install new seal.
(2) Position adapter on engine block and install
bolts (Fig. 105).
(3) Tighten adapter bolts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(4) Connect oil pressure switch electrical connector
(Fig. 105).
(5) Install the oil filter.
(6) Lower vehicle on hoist.
(7) Start engine and allow to run approximately 2
minutes.(8) Turn off engine and check oil level. Adjust oil
level as necessary.
OIL PAN
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery and
remove engine oil dipstick.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist and drain engine oil.
(3) Remove drive belt splash shield.
(4) Remove strut to transaxle attaching bolt (Fig.
106). Loosen strut to engine block attaching bolts.
(5) Remove transaxle case cover (Fig. 106).
(6) Remove oil pan fasteners (Fig. 107).
(7) Remove the oil pan and gasket (Fig. 107).
CLEANING
(1) Clean oil pan with solvent and wipe dry with a
clean cloth.
(2) Clean all gasket material from mounting sur-
faces of pan and block.
Fig. 105 OIL FILTER ADAPTER
1 - SEAL
2 - OIL FILTER ADAPTER
3 - OIL FILTER
4 - BOLT
5 - OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
6 - BOLTFig. 106 Powertrain Struts and Transaxle Case
Cover
1 - BRACKET - ENGINE REAR MOUNT
2 - BOLT - TRANSAXLE CASE COVER
3 - STRUT - TRANSAXLE TO ENGINE HORIZONTAL
4 - BOLT - HORIZONTAL STRUT
5 - BOLT - STRUT TO TRANSAXLE
6 - COVER - TRANSAXLE CASE LOWER
7 - STRUT - TRANSAXLE TO ENGINE
8 - BOLT - STRUT TO ENGINE
9 - BOLT - ENGINE REAR MOUNT BRACKET
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 141
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