2002 JEEP LIBERTY Connecting rod

(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)

DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
PISTONS
Material Aluminum Alloy
Diameter 92.975 mm (3.6605 in.)
Weight 367.5 grams (12.96 oz)
Ring Groove Diameter
No. 1 83.73 - 83.97 mm
(3.296 - 3.269 in.)
No. 2 82.833 - 83.033 mm
(3.261 - 3.310 in.)
No. 3 83.88 - 84.08 mm
(3.302 - 3.310 in.)
PISTON PINS
Type Floating
Clearance In Piston 0.010 - 0.019 mm
(0.0004 - 0.0008 in.)
Diameter 24.013 - 24.016 mm
(0.9454 - 0.9456 in.)
PISTON RINGS
Ring Gap
Top Compression Ring 0.37 - 0.63 mm
(0.0146 - 0.0249 in.)
Second Compression
Ring0.37 - 0.63 mm
(0.0146 - 0.0249 in.)
Oil Control (Steel Rails) 0.25 - 0.76 mm
(0.0099 - 0.30 in.)
Side Clearance
Top Compression Ring .051 - .094 mm
(0.0020 - 0.0037 in.)
Second Compression
Ring0.040 - 0.080 mm
(0.0016 - 0.0031 in.)
Oil Ring (Steel Ring) .019 - .229 mm
(.0007 - .0091 in.)
Ring Width
Top Compression Ring 1.472 - 1.490 mm
(0.057 - 0.058 in.)
Second Compression
Ring1.472 - 1.490 mm
(0.057 - 0.058 in.)
Oil Ring (Steel Rails) 0.445 - 0.470 mm
(0.017 - 0.018 in.)DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
CONNECTING RODS
Bearing Clearance 0.010 - 0.048 mm
(0.0004 - 0.0019 in.)
Side Clearance 0.10 - 0.35 mm
(0.004 - 0.0138 in.)
Piston Pin Clearance .015 - .028 mm
(0.0006 - 0.0011 in.)
Bearing Bore Out of
Round0.004 mm
(MAX) (0.0002 in.)
Total Weight (Less
Bearing)612 grams (21.588
ounces)
CRANKSHAFT
Main BearingJournal
Diameter 63.488 - 63.512 mm
(2.4996 - 2.5005 in.)
Bearing Clearance 0.002 - 0.034 mm
Out of Round (MAX) 0.005 mm (0.0002 in.)
Taper (MAX) 0.006 mm (0.0004 in.)
End Play 0.052 - 0.282 mm
(0.0021 - 0.0112 in.)
End Play (MAX) 0.282 mm (0.0112 in)
Connecting Rod
Journal
Diameter 57.904 - 57.896 mm
Bearing Clearance 0.010 - 0.048 mm
Out of Round (MAX) 0.005 mm (0.0002 in.)
Taper (MAX) 0.006 mm (0.0002 in.)
CAMSHAFT
Bore Diameter 26.02 - 26.04 mm
(1.0245 - 1.0252 in.)
Bearing Journal Diameter 25.975 - 25.995 mm
(1.0227 - 1.0235 in.)
Bearing Clearance 0.025 - 0.065 mm
(0.001 - 0.0026 in.)
Bearing Clearance (MAX) 0.065 mm (0.0026 in.)
End Play .075 - .200 mm
(0.003 - 0.0079 in.)
End Play (MAX) .200 mm (0.0079 in.)
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 13
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

Rear Crankshaft Seal Installer 8349
Rear Crankshaft Seal Remover 8506
Connecting Rod Guides 8507
Crankshaft Damper Installer 8512
Puller 1026
Crankshaft Damper Removal Insert 8513
Chain Tensioner Wedge 8379
Chain Tensioner Pins 8514
9 - 16 ENGINE - 3.7LKJ
ENGINE - 3.7L (Continued)

Once the block has been completely cleaned, apply
Loctite PST pipe sealant with Teflon 592 to the
threads of the front and rear oil galley plugs. Tighten
the plugs to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
INSPECTION
(1) It is mandatory to use a dial bore gauge to
measure each cylinder bore diameter. To correctly
select the proper size piston, a cylinder bore gauge,
capable of reading in 0.003 mm (.0001 in.) INCRE-
MENTS is required. If a bore gauge is not available,
do not use an inside micrometer (Fig. 33).
(2) Measure the inside diameter of the cylinder
bore at three levels below top of bore. Start perpen-
dicular (across or at 90 degrees) to the axis of the
crankshaft and then take two additional reading.
(3) Measure the cylinder bore diameter crosswise
to the cylinder block near the top of the bore. Repeat
the measurement near the middle of the bore, then
repeat the measurement near the bottom of the bore.
(4) Determine taper by subtracting the smaller
diameter from the larger diameter.
(5) Rotate measuring device 90É and repeat steps
above.(6) Determine out-of-roundness by comparing the
difference between each measurement.
(7) If cylinder bore taper does not exceed 0.025
mm (0.001 inch) and out-of-roundness does not
exceed 0.025 mm (0.001 inch), the cylinder bore can
be honed. If the cylinder bore taper or out- of-round
condition exceeds these maximum limits, the cylinder
block must be replaced. A slight amount of taper
always exists in the cylinder bore after the engine
has been in use for a period of time.
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CONNECTING ROD
BEARING - FITTING
Inspect the connecting rod bearings for scoring and
bent alignment tabs (Fig. 34) (Fig. 35). Check the
bearings for normal wear patterns, scoring, grooving,
fatigue and pitting (Fig. 36). Replace any bearing
that shows abnormal wear.
Inspect the connecting rod journals for signs of
scoring, nicks and burrs.
Fig. 33 Bore GaugeÐTypical
1 - FRONT
2 - BORE GAUGE
3 - CYLINDER BORE
4 - 38 MM (1.5 in)
Fig. 34 Connecting Rod Bearing Inspection
1 - UPPER BEARING HALF
2 - MATING EDGES
3 - GROOVES CAUSED BY ROD BOLTS SCRATCHING
JOURNAL DURING INSTALLATION
4 - WEAR PATTERN Ð ALWAYS GREATER ON UPPER
BEARING
5 - LOWER BEARING HALF
9 - 40 ENGINE - 3.7LKJ
ENGINE BLOCK (Continued)

Misaligned or bent connecting rods can cause
abnormal wear on pistons, piston rings, cylinder
walls, connecting rod bearings and crankshaft con-
necting rod journals. If wear patterns or damage to
any of these components indicate the probability of a
misaligned connecting rod, inspect it for correct rod
alignment. Replace misaligned, bent or twisted con-
necting rods.
(1) Wipe the oil from the connecting rod journal.
(2) Lubricate the upper bearing insert and install
in connecting rod.
(3) Use piston ring compressor and Guide Pins
Special Tool 8507 (Fig. 37) to install the rod and pis-
ton assemblies. The oil slinger slots in the rods must
face front of the engine. The ªFº's near the piston
wrist pin bore should point to the front of the engine.
(4) Install the lower bearing insert in the bearing
cap. The lower insert must be dry. Place strip of Plas-
tigage across full width of the lower insert at the cen-
ter of bearing cap. Plastigage must not crumble in
use. If brittle, obtain fresh stock.
(5) Install bearing cap and connecting rod on the
journal and tighten bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) plus a
90É turn. DO NOT rotate crankshaft. Plastigage will
smear, resulting in inaccurate indication.(6) Remove the bearing cap and determine amount
of bearing-to-journal clearance by measuring the
width of compressed Plastigage (Fig. 38). Refer to
Engine Specifications for the proper clearance.Plas-
tigage should indicate the same clearance
across the entire width of the insert. If the
clearance varies, it may be caused by either a
tapered journal, bent connecting rod or foreign
material trapped between the insert and cap or
rod.
(7) If the correct clearance is indicated, replace-
ment of the bearing inserts is not necessary. Remove
the Plastigage from crankshaft journal and bearing
insert. Proceed with installation.
(8) If bearing-to-journal clearance exceeds the
specification, determin which services bearing set to
use the bearing sizes are as follows:
Fig. 35 Locking Tab Inspection
1 - ABNORMAL CONTACT AREA CAUSED BY LOCKING TABS
NOT FULLY SEATED OR BEING BENT
Fig. 36 Scoring Caused by Insufficient Lubrication
or Damaged Crankshaft Journal
Fig. 37 Piston and Connecting Rod -Installation -
Typical
1 - ªFº TOWARD FRONT OF ENGINE
2 - OIL SLINGER SLOT
3 - RING COMPRESSOR
4 - SPECIAL TOOL 8507
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 41
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS (Continued)

Bearing
MarkSIZE USED WITH
JOURNAL SIZE
.025 US.025 mm 50.983-50.967 mm
(.001 in.) (2.0073-2.0066 in.)
Std.STANDARD 50.992-51.008 mm
(2.0076-2.0082 in.)
.250 US.250 mm 50.758-50.742 mm
(.010 in.) (1.9984-1.9978 in.)
(9) Repeat the Plastigage measurement to verify
your bearing selection prior to final assembly.
(10) Once you have selected the proper insert,
install the insert and cap. Tighten the connecting rod
bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) plus a 90É turn.
Slide snug-fitting feeler gauge between the con-
necting rod and crankshaft journal flange (Fig. 39).
Refer to Engine Specifications for the proper clear-
ance. Replace the connecting rod if the side clearance
is not within specification.
CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION
The crankshaft (Fig. 40) is constructed of nodular
cast iron. The crankshaft is a three throw split pin
design with six counterweights for balancing pur-
poses. The crankshaft is supported by four select fit
main bearings with the number two serving as the
thrust washer location. The main journals of the
crankshaft are cross drilled to improve rod bearinglubrication. The number six counterweight has provi-
sions for crankshaft position sensor target wheel
mounting. The select fit main bearing markings are
located on the rear side of the target wheel. The
crankshaft oil seals are one piece design. The front
oil seal is retained in the timing chain cover, and the
rear seal is pressed in to a bore formed by the cylin-
der block and the bedplate assembly.
Fig. 38 Measuring Bearing Clearance with
Plastigage
1 - PLASTIGAGE SCALE
2 - COMPRESSED PLASTIGAGE
Fig. 39 Checking Connecting Rod Side Clearance -
Typical
Fig. 40 CRANKSHAFT AND TARGET RING
1 - CRANKSHAFT
2 - CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR TARGET RING
9 - 42 ENGINE - 3.7LKJ
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS (Continued)

REMOVAL
NOTE: To remove the crankshaft from the engine,
the engine must be removed from the vehicle.
(1) Remove the engine. Refer to Engine Assembly
in this section for procedure.
(2) Remove the engine oil pump. Refer to Oil
Pump in this section for procedure.
CAUTION: DO NOT pry on the oil pan gasket when
removing the oil pan, The oil pan gasket is mounted
to the cylinder block in three locations and will
remain attached to block when removing oil pan.
Gasket can not be removed with oil pan.
(3) Remove oil pan bolts and oil pan.
(4) Remove the oil pump pickup tube and oil pan
gasket /windage tray.
(5) Remove the bedplate mounting bolts. Note the
location of the two stud bolts for installation.
(6) Remove the connecting rods from the crank-
shaft.
CAUTION: The bedplate to cylinder block mating
surface is a critical sealing surface. Do not pry on
or damage this surface in anyway.
NOTE: The bedplate contains the lower main bear-
ing halves. Use care when handling bedplate as not
to drop or damage bearing halves. Installing main
bearing halves in the wrong position will cause
sever damage to the crankshaft.
NOTE: The bedplate has pry points cast into it. Use
these points only. The pry points are shown below.
(7) Carefully pry on the pry points (Fig. 41) to
loosen the bedplate then remove the bedplate.
CAUTION: When removing the crankshaft, use care
not to damage bearing surfaces on the crankshaft.
(8) Remove the crankshaft.
(9) Remove the crankshaft tone wheel.
INSPECTION
NOTE: Thoroughly inspect the connecting rod bear-
ing bores and main bearing bores for scoring, blue-
ing or severe scratches. Further disassembly may
be required.
If connecting rod bearing bores show damage, the
cylinder heads must be removed to service the piston
and rod assemblies. If the bedplate or the cylinderblock main bearing bores show damage the engine
must be replaced.
(1) If required, remove the main bearing halves
from the cylinder block and bedplate.
(2) Thoroughly clean the bedplate to cylinder block
sealing surfaces and main bearing bores. Remove all
oil and sealant residue.
(3) Inspect the bedplate main bearing bores for
cracks, scoring or severe blueing. If either condition
exists the engine must be replaced.
(4) Inspect the crankshaft thrust washer for scor-
ing, scratches or blueing. If either condition exist
replace the thrust washer.
(5) Inspect the oil pan gasket/windage tray for
splits, tears or cracks in the gasket sealing surfaces.
Replace gasket as necessary.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Main bearings are select fit. Refer to
Crankshaft Main Bearings in this section for proper
bearing selections.
CAUTION: When installing crankshaft, use care not
to damage bearing surfaces on the crankshaft.
NOTE: Apply sealant to the tone wheel retaining
screws prior to installation.
(1) Lubricate upper main bearing halves with
clean engine oil.
(2) Install the crankshaft tone wheel. Torque the
mounting screws to 22 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Position crankshaft in cylinder block.
(4) Install the thrust washers (Fig. 42).
CAUTION: The bedplate to cylinder block mating
surface must be coated with MoparTEngine RTV
sealant prior to installation. Failure to do so will
cause severe oil leaks.
NOTE: Make sure that the bedplate and cylinder
block sealing surfaces are clean and free of oil or
other contaminants. Contaminants on the sealing
surfaces may cause main bearing distortion and/or
oil leaks.
(5) Apply a 2.5mm (0.100 inch) bead of Mopart
Engine RTV sealant to the cylinder block-to-bedplate
mating surface as shown.
(6) Coat the crankshaft main bearing journals
with clean engine oil and position the bedplate onto
the cylinder block.
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 43
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)

NOTE: Lubricate the bedplate retaining bolts with
clean engine oil prior to installation.(7) Install the bedplate retaining bolts, making
sure to place the stud bolts in the correct location,
Torque the bolts in the sequence shown (Fig. 43).
²Hand tighten bolts1D,1G and 1Funtil the bed-
plate contacts the block.
²Tighten bolts1±8to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.)
²Tighten bolts1A±1Jto 20 N´m (15 ft. lbs.)
²Tighten boltsA±E8 N´m ( 6 ft. lbs.).
²Turn bolts1±8an additional 66É.
²Turn bolts1D,1G, and 1Fan additional 42É.
²Turn bolts1A,1B,1C,1E,1H,1I,and 1Jan addi-
tional 36É.
²Turn boltsA±Ean additional 32É.
(8) Measure crankshaft end play. Refer to Crank-
shaft Main Bearings in this section for procedure.
(9) Install the connecting rods and measure side
clearance. Refer to Connecting Rod Bearings in this
section for procedure.
(10) Position the oil pan gasket/windage tray,
using a new o-ring, install the oil pickup tube.
Torque the bolt to 28N´n (20 ft. lbs.) torque the nuts
to 28N´m (20 ft. lbs.).
(11) Install the oil pan. Torque the retaining bolts
to 15 N´m (11 ft. lbs.) in the sequence shown.
(12) Install the engine.
Fig. 41 BEDPLATE PRY POINT LOCATION
Fig. 42 Crankshaft Thrust Washer Installation
1 - CRANKSHAFT THRUST WASHER
9 - 44 ENGINE - 3.7LKJ
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)