DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - LUBRICATION
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OIL LEAKS 1. Gaskets and O-Rings. 1.
(a) Misaligned or damaged. (a) Replace as necessary.
(b) Loose fasteners, broken or
porous metal parts.(b) Tighten fasteners, Repair or
replace metal parts.
2. Crankshaft rear seal 2. Replace as necessary (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR -
REMOVAL).
3. Crankshaft seal flange.
Scratched, nicked or grooved.3. Polish or replace crankshaft.
4. Oil pan flange cracked. 4. Replace oil pan (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN -
REMOVAL).
5. Timing chain cover seal
damaged.5. Re-seal timing cover.
6. Scratched or damaged vibration
damper hub.6. Polish or replace damper.
OIL PRESSURE DROP 1. Low oil level. 1. Check and correct oil level.
2. Faulty oil pressure sending unit. 2. Replace sending unit (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL
PRESSURE SENSOR/SWITCH -
REMOVAL).
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check oil pump and bearing
clearance.
4. Clogged oil filter. 4. Replace oil filter (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL FILTER
- REMOVAL).
5. Worn oil pump. 5. Replace oil pump (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP
- REMOVAL).
6. Thin or diluted oil. 6. Change oil and filter.
7. Excessive bearing clearance. 7. Replace as necessary.
8. Oil pump relief valve stuck. 8. Replace oil pump (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP
- REMOVAL).
9. Oil pump suction tube loose,
damaged or clogged.9. Replace as necessary.
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 7
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OIL PUMPING AT RINGS; SPARK
PLUGS FOULING1. Worn or damaged rings. 1. Hone cylinder bores and replace
rings.
2. Carbon in oil ring slots. 2. Replace rings (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON
RINGS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
3. Incorrect ring size installed. 3. Replace rings (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON
RINGS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
4. Worn valve guides. 4. Ream guides and replace valves
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER
HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES
& SEATS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
5. Leaking valve guide seals. 5. Replace valve guide seals.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER
COMPRESSION PRESSURE
The results of a cylinder compression pressure test
can be utilized to diagnose several engine malfunc-
tions.
Ensure the battery is completely charged and the
engine starter motor is in good operating condition.
Otherwise the indicated compression pressures may
not be valid for diagnosis purposes.
(1) Clean the spark plug recesses with compressed
air.
(2) Remove the spark plugs.
(3) Secure the throttle in the wide-open position.
(4) Disable the fuel system (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - DESCRIPTION).
(5) Remove the ASD relay (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/IGNITION CONTROL/AUTO SHUT DOWN
RELAY - REMOVAL).
(6) Insert a compression pressure gauge and rotate
the engine with the engine starter motor for three
revolutions.
(7) Record the compression pressure on the 3rd
revolution. Continue the test for the remaining cylin-
ders.
(8) (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS) for
the correct engine compression pressures.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER
COMBUSTION PRESSURE LEAKAGE
The combustion pressure leakage test provides an
accurate means for determining engine condition.
Combustion pressure leakage testing will detect:
²Exhaust and intake valve leaks (improper seat-
ing).²Leaks between adjacent cylinders or into water
jacket.
²Any causes for combustion/compression pressure
loss.
(1) Check the coolant level and fill as required. DO
NOT install the radiator cap.
(2) Start and operate the engine until it attains
normal operating temperature, then turn the engine
OFF.
(3) Remove the spark plugs.
(4) Remove the oil filler cap.
(5) Remove the air cleaner.
(6) Calibrate the tester according to the manufac-
turer's instructions. The shop air source for testing
should maintain 483 kPa (70 psi) minimum, 1,379
kPa (200 psi) maximum and 552 kPa (80 psi) recom-
mended.
(7) Perform the test procedures on each cylinder
according to the tester manufacturer's instructions.
Set piston of cylinder to be tested at TDC compres-
sion,While testing, listen for pressurized air escaping
through the throttle body, tailpipe and oil filler cap
opening. Check for bubbles in the radiator coolant.
All gauge pressure indications should be equal,
with no more than 25% leakage.
FOR EXAMPLE:At 552 kPa (80 psi) input pres-
sure, a minimum of 414 kPa (60 psi) should be main-
tained in the cylinder.
Refer to CYLINDER COMBUSTION PRESSURE
LEAKAGE DIAGNOSIS CHART .
9 - 8 ENGINE - 3.7LKJ
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)
NOTE: Recheck bolt torque for engine lift plate
before removing engine.
(30) Secure the left and right engine wiring har-
nesses away from engine.
(31) Raise vehicle.
(32) Disconnect oxygen sensor wiring.
(33) Disconnect crankshaft postion sensor.
(34) Disconnect the engine block heater power
cable, if equipped.
(35) Disconnect the front propshaft at the front
differential and secure out of way.
NOTE: It is necessary to disconnect the front prop-
shaft for access to the starter and left side exhaust
flange.
(36) Remove the starter.
(37) Remove the ground straps from the left and
right side of the block.
(38) Disconnect the right and left exhaust pipes at
the manifolds and from the crossover, and remove
from the vehicle.
NOTE: The exhaust clamps at the manifolds cannot
be reused. New clamps must be used or leaks may
occur.
NOTE: For manual transmission vehicles, the trans-
mission must be removed from the vehicle, before
the engine can be removed. The manual transmis-
sion will contact the floorpan before the engine
clears the motor mounts, so it must be removed.
(39) Remove the structural cover.
(40) Remove torque convertor bolts, and mark
location for reassembly.
(41) Remove transmission bellhousing to engine
bolts.
(42) Loosen left and right engine mount thru bolts.
NOTE: It is not necessary to completely remove
engine mount thru bolts, for engine removal.
(43) Lower the vehicle.
(44) Support the transmission with a suitable jack.
(45) Connect a suitable engine hoist to the engine
lift plate.
(46) Remove engine from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the engine in the vehicle.
(2) Install both left and right side engine mounts
onto engine.
(3) Raise the vehicle.(4) Install the transmission bellhousing to engine
mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to 41 N´m (30ft.
lbs.).
(5) Tighten the engine mount thru bolts.
(6) Install the torque convertor bolts.
(7) Connect the ground straps on the left and right
side of the engine.
(8) Install the starter.
(9) Connect the crankshaft position sensor.
(10) Install the engine block heater power cable, if
equipped.
CAUTION: The structural cover requires a specific
torque sequence. Failure to follow this sequence
may cause severe damage to the cover.
(11) Install the structural cover.
NOTE: New clamps must be used on exhaust man-
ifold flanges. Failure to use new clamps may result
in exhaust leaks.
(12) Install the left and right exhaust pipes.
(13) Connect the left and right oxygen sensors.
(14) Lower vehicle.
(15) Remove the engine lift plate.
(16) Connect the knock sensors.
(17) Connect the engine to body ground straps at
the left side of the cowl.
(18) Install the intake manifold.
(19) Install the engine oil dipstick tube.
(20) Install the power brake booster vacuum hose.
(21) Install the breather hoses.
(22) Install the PCV hose.
(23) Install the fuel rail.
(24) Install the coil over plugs.
(25) Connect the engine wiring harness at the fol-
lowing points:
²Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor
²Fuel Injectors
²Throttle Position (TPS) Switch
²Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor
²Engine Oil Pressure Switch
²Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
²Manifold Absolute Pressure MAP) Sensor
²Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
²Coil Over Plugs
²Crankshaft Position Sensor
(26) Connect lower radiator hose.
(27) Connect upper radiator hose.
(28) Connect throttle and speed control cables.
(29) Install the heater hose assembly.
(30) Install coolant recovery bottle.
(31) Install the power steering pump.
(32) Install the generator.
(33) Install the A/C compressor.
(34) Install the drive belt.
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 11
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)
(35) Install the mechanical cooling fan.
(36) Install the fan shroud with the electric fan
assembly.
(37) Install the radiator core support bracket.
(38) Install the air cleaner assembly.
(39) Refill the engine cooling system.
(40) Install the hood.
(41) Check and fill engine oil.
(42) Connect the battery negative cable.
(43) Start the engine and check for leaks.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. In.
Lbs. Lbs.
Camshaft
Non - Oiled Sprocket Bolt 122 90 Ð
Bearing Cap Bolts 11 Ð 100
Timing Chain CoverÐBolts 54 40 Ð
Connecting Rod CapÐBolts 27 20 Ð
PLUS 90É TURN
Bed PlateÐBolts Refer to Procedure
Crankshaft DamperÐBolt 175 130 Ð
Cylinder HeadÐBolts
M11 Bolts Refer ToProcedure
M8 Bolts - - -
Cylinder Head CoverÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Exhaust ManifoldÐBolts 25 18 Ð
Exhaust Manifold Heat
ShieldÐNuts8Ð72
Then loosen 45É
FlexplateÐBolts 60 45 Ð
Engine Mount Bracket to
BlockÐBolts61 45 Ð
Rear Mount to
TransmissionÐBolts46 34 Ð
Generator MountingÐBolts
M10 Bolts 54 40 Ð
M8 Bolts 28 Ð 250
Intake ManifoldÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Refer to Procedure
for
Tightening Sequence
Oil PanÐBolts 15 Ð 130
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. In.
Lbs. Lbs.
Oil PanÐDrain Plug 34 25 Ð
Oil PumpÐBolts 28 Ð 250
Oil Pump CoverÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Oil Pickup TubeÐBolt and
Nut28 Ð 250
Oil Dipstick Tube to Engine
BlockÐBolt 15 Ð 130
Oil Fill TubeÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Timing Chain GuideÐBolts 28 Ð 250
Timing Chain Tensioner
ArmÐSpecial
Pin Bolt 17 Ð 150
Hydraulic TensionerÐBolts 28 Ð 250
Timing Chain Primary
TensionerÐBolts28 Ð 250
Timing Drive Idler SprocketÐ
Bolt34 25 Ð
Thermostat HousingÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Water PumpÐBolts 54 40 Ð
3.7L ENGINE
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Engine Type 90É SOHC V-6 12-Valve
Displacement 3.7 Liters / 3700 cc
( Cubic Inches)
Bore 93.0 mm (3.66 in.)
Stroke 90.8 mm (3.40 in.)
Compression Ratio 9.1:1
Horsepower 210 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Torque 225 LB-FT @ 4200 RPM
Lead Cylinder #1 Left Bank
Firing Order 1-6-5-4-3-2
CYLINDER BLOCK
Cylinder Block Cast Iron
Bore Diameter 93.0 .0075 mm
(3.6619 0.0003 in.)
Out of Round (MAX) 0.076 mm (0.003 in.)
Taper (MAX) 0.051 mm (0.002 in.)
9 - 12 ENGINE - 3.7LKJ
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)
AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
REMOVAL - 3.7L
Housing removal is not necessary for element (fil-
ter) replacement.
(1) Pry up 2 spring clips (Fig. 3) from front of
housing cover (spring clips retain cover to housing).
(2) Release housing cover from 4 locating tabs
located on rear of housing, and remove cover.
(3) Remove air cleaner element (filter) from hous-
ing.
(4) Clean inside of housing before replacing ele-
ment.
INSTALLATION - 3.7L
(1) Install element into housing.
(2) Position housing cover into housing locating
tabs.
(3) Pry up spring clips and lock cover to housing.
If any air filter, air resonator, air intake tubes or
air filter housing clamps had been loosened or
removed, tighten them to 5 N´m (40 in. lbs.) torque.
CYLINDER HEAD - LEFT
DESCRIPTION - VALVE GUIDES
The valve guides are made of powered metal and
are pressed into the cylinder head. The guides are
not replaceable or serviceable, and valve guide ream-
ing is not recommended. If the guides are worn
beyond acceptable limits, replace the cylinder heads.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC LASH
ADJUSTER
A tappet-like noise may be produced from several
items. Check the following items.
(1) Engine oil level too high or too low. This may
cause aerated oil to enter the adjusters and cause
them to be spongy.
(2) Insufficient running time after rebuilding cylin-
der head. Low speed running up to 1 hour may be
required.
(3) Turn engine off and let set for a few minutes
before restarting. Repeat this several times after
engine has reached normal operating temperature.
(4) Low oil pressure.
(5) The oil restrictor in cylinder head gasket or the
oil passage to the cylinder head is plugged with
debris.
(6) Air ingested into oil due to broken or cracked
oil pump pick up.
(7) Worn valve guides.
(8) Rocker arm ears contacting valve spring
retainer.
(9) Rocker arm loose, adjuster stuck or at maxi-
mum extension and still leaves lash in the system.
(10) Oil leak or excessive cam bore wear in cylin-
der head.
(11) Faulty lash adjuster.
²Check lash adjusters for sponginess while
installed in cylinder head and cam on camshaft at
base circle. Depress part of rocker arm over adjuster.
Normal adjusters should feel very firm. Spongy
adjusters can be bottomed out easily.
²Remove suspected lash adjusters, and replace.
²Before installation, make sure adjusters are at
least partially full of oil. This can be verified by little
or no plunger travel when lash adjuster is depressed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER HEAD
GASKET
A cylinder head gasket leak can be located between
adjacent cylinders or between a cylinder and the
adjacent water jacket.
Fig. 3 AIR CLEANER ELEMENT - 3.7L
1 - AIR INTAKE HOSE
2 - HOSE CLAMP
3 - COVER
4 - CLIPS (2)
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 19
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
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
(3) Disconnect the exhaust pipe at the left side
exhaust manifold.
(4) Drain the engine coolant. Refer to COOLING
SYSTEM.
(5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Remove the intake manifold. Refer to proce-
dure in this section.
(7) Remove the cylinder head cover. Refer to proce-
dure in this section.
(8) Remove the fan shroud and fan blade assembly.
Refer to COOLING SYSTEM.
(9) Remove accessory drive belt. Refer to COOL-
ING SYSTEM.
(10) Remove the power steering pump and set
aside.
(11) Rotate the crankshaft until the damper timing
mark is aligned with TDC indicator mark (Fig. 4).
(12) Verify the V6 mark on the camshaft sprocket
is at the 12 o'clock position (Fig. 5). Rotate the crank-
shaft one turn if necessary.
(13) Remove the crankshaft damper. Refer to Pro-
cedure.
(14) Remove the timing chain cover. Refer to pro-
cedure.
Fig. 4 Engine Top Dead Center
1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - CRANKSHAFT TIMING MARKS
9 - 20 ENGINE - 3.7LKJ
CYLINDER HEAD - LEFT (Continued)
(21) Remove the cylinder head retaining bolts.
(22) Remove the cylinder head and gasket. Discard
the gasket.
CAUTION: Do not lay the cylinder head on its gas-
ket sealing surface, due to the design of the cylin-
der head gasket any distortion to the cylinder head
sealing surface may prevent the gasket from prop-
erly sealing resulting in leaks.
CLEANING
To ensure engine gasket sealing, proper surface
preparation must be performed, especially with the
use of aluminum engine components (Fig. 8). (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The cylinder head bolts are tightened using
a torque plus angle procedure. The bolts must be
examined BEFORE reuse. If the threads are necked
down the bolts should be replaced. The M8 head
bolts, should not be reused. Use new M8 bolts.
Necking can be checked by holding a straight edge
against the threads. If all the threads do not contact
the scale, the bolt should be replaced (Fig. 9).
CAUTION: When cleaning cylinder head and cylin-
der block surfaces, DO NOT use a metal scraper
because the surfaces could be cut or ground. Use
only a wooden or plastic scraper.
(1) Clean the cylinder head and cylinder block
mating surfaces (Fig. 10).(2) Position the new cylinder head gasket on the
locating dowels.
CAUTION: When installing cylinder head, use care
not damage the tensioner arm or the guide arm.
(3) Position the cylinder head onto the cylinder
block. Make sure the cylinder head seats fully over
the locating dowels.
NOTE: The four smaller cylinder head mounting
bolts require sealant to be added to them before
installing. Failure to do so may cause leaks.
Fig. 7 Cylinder Head Access Plugs
1 - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD ACCESS PLUG
2 - LEFT CYLINDER HEAD ACCESS PLUG
Fig. 8 Proper Tool Usage For Surface Preparation
1 - PLASTIC/WOOD SCRAPER
Fig. 9 Checking Cylinder Head Bolts for Stretching
(Necking)
1 - STRETCHED BOLT
2 - THREADS ARE NOT STRAIGHT ON LINE
3 - THREADS ARE STRAIGHT ON LINE
4 - UNSTRETCHED BOLT
9 - 22 ENGINE - 3.7LKJ
CYLINDER HEAD - LEFT (Continued)
(4) Lubricate the cylinder head bolt threads with
clean engine oil and install the eight M11 bolts.
(5) Coat the four M8 cylinder head bolts with
MopartLock and Seal Adhesivethen install the
bolts.
NOTE: The cylinder head bolts are tightened using
an angle torque procedure, however, the bolts are
not a torque-to-yield design.
(6) Tighten the bolts in sequence using the follow-
ing steps and torque values:
²Step 1: Tighten bolts 1±10, 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.).
²Step 2: Verify that bolts 1±10, all reached 27
N´m (20 ft. lbs.), by repeating step-1 without loosen-
ing the bolts. Tighten bolts 11 thru 14 to 14 N´m (10
ft. lbs.).
²Step 3: Tighten bolts 1±10, 90 degrees (Fig. 11).
²Step 4: Tighten bolts 1±10, 90 degrees, again.
Tighten bolts 11±14, 26 N´m (19 ft. lbs.)
(7) Position the secondary chain onto the camshaft
drive gear, making sure one marked chain link is on
either side of the V6 mark on the gear then using
Special Tool 8428 Camshaft Wrench, position the
gear onto the camshaft.
CAUTION: Remove excess oil from camshaft
sprocket retaining bolt before reinstalling bolt. Fail-
ure to do so may cause over-torqueing of bolt
resulting in bolt failure.
(8) Install the camshaft drive gear retaining bolt.
(9) Install the left side secondary chain guide.(10) Install the cylinder head access plug.
(11) Re-set and Install the left side secondary
chain tensioner.
(12) Remove Special Tool 8429.
(13) Install the timing chain cover.
(14) Install the crankshaft damper. Tighten
damper bolt 175 N´m (130 Ft. Lbs.).
(15) Install the power steering pump.
(16) Install the fan blade assembly and fan
shroud.
(17) Install the cylinder head cover.
(18) Install the intake manifold.
(19) Refill the cooling system
(20) Raise the vehicle.
(21) Install the exhaust pipe onto the left exhaust
manifold.
(22) Lower the vehicle.
(23) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(24) Start the engine and check for leaks.
CAMSHAFT(S)
DESCRIPTION
The camshafts consist of powdered metal steel
lobes which are sinter-bonded to a steel tube. Four
bearing journals are machined into the camshaft.
Camshaft end play is controlled by two thrust walls
that border the nose piece journal. Engine oil enters
the hollow camshafts at the third journal and lubri-
cates every intake lobe rocker through a drilled pas-
sage in the intake lobe.
Fig. 10 Proper Tool Usage For Surface Preparation
1 - PLASTIC/WOOD SCRAPERFig. 11 CYLINDER HEAD TIGHTENING SEQUENCE
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 23
CYLINDER HEAD - LEFT (Continued)