ENGINE BLOCK
DESCRIPTION
The cylinder block is made of cast iron. The block
is a closed deck design with the left bank forward. To
provide high rigidity and improved NVH an
enhanced compacted graphite bedplate (Fig. 31) is
bolted to the block. The block design allows coolant
flow between the cylinders bores, and an internal
coolant bypass to a single poppet inlet thermostat is
included in the cast aluminum front cover.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CYLINDER BORE
HONING
Before honing, stuff plenty of clean shop towels
under the bores and over the crankshaft to keep
abrasive materials from entering the crankshaft
area.
(1) Used carefully, the Cylinder Bore Sizing Hone
C-823, equipped with 220 grit stones, is the best tool
for this job. In addition to deglazing, it will reduce
taper and out-of-round, as well as removing light
scuffing, scoring and scratches. Usually, a few strokes
will clean up a bore and maintain the required lim-
its.
CAUTION: DO NOT use rigid type hones to remove
cylinder wall glaze.
(2) Deglazing of the cylinder walls may be done if
the cylinder bore is straight and round. Use a cylin-
der surfacing hone, Honing Tool C-3501, equipped
with 280 grit stones (C-3501-3810). about 20-60
strokes, depending on the bore condition, will be suf-
ficient to provide a satisfactory surface. Using honingoil C-3501-3880, or a light honing oil, available from
major oil distributors.
CAUTION: DO NOT use engine or transmission oil,
mineral spirits, or kerosene.
(3) Honing should be done by moving the hone up
and down fast enough to get a crosshatch pattern.
The hone marks should INTERSECT at 50É to 60É
for proper seating of rings (Fig. 32).
(4) A controlled hone motor speed between 200 and
300 RPM is necessary to obtain the proper cross-
hatch angle. The number of up and down strokes per
minute can be regulated to get the desired 50É to 60É
angle. Faster up and down strokes increase the cross-
hatch angle.
(5) After honing, it is necessary that the block be
cleaned to remove all traces of abrasive. Use a brush
to wash parts with a solution of hot water and deter-
gent. Dry parts thoroughly. Use a clean, white, lint-
free cloth to check that the bore is clean. Oil the
bores after cleaning to prevent rusting.
CLEANING
Thoroughly clean the oil pan and engine block gas-
ket surfaces.
Use compressed air to clean out:
²The galley at the oil filter adaptor hole.
²The front and rear oil galley holes.
²The feed holes for the crankshaft main bearings.
Fig. 31 CYLINDER BLOCK BEDPLATE
1 - Cylinder Block Bedplate
2 - Crankshaft Position Sensor
3 - Crankshaft Main Bearing Caps
Fig. 32 Cylinder Bore Crosshatch Pattern
1 - CROSSHATCH PATTERN
2 - INTERSECT ANGLE
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 39
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)
CRANKSHAFT MAIN
BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE
MAIN BEARING - FITTING
SELECT FIT IDENTIFICATION
The main bearings are ªselect fitº to achieve proper
oil clearances. For main bearing selection, the crank-
shaft position sensor target wheel has grade identifi-
cation marks stamped into it (Fig. 44). These marks
are read from left to right, corresponding with jour-
nal number 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The crankshaft position
sensor target wheel is mounted to the number 8
counter weight on the crankshaft.
INSPECTION
Wipe the inserts clean and inspect for abnormal
wear patterns and for metal or other foreign material
imbedded in the lining. Normal main bearing insert
wear patterns are illustrated.
Inspect the back of the inserts for fractures, scrap-
ings or irregular wear patterns.
Inspect the upper insert locking tabs for damage.Replace all damaged or worn bearing inserts.
Fig. 43 BEDPLATE TIGHTENING SEQUENCE
Fig. 44 Main Bearing Markings on Target Wheel
-Typical
1 - REARMOST CRANKSHAFT COUNTER WEIGHT
2 - TARGET WHEEL
3 - MAIN BEARING SELECT FIT MARKINGS
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 45
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
MAIN BEARING JOURNAL DIAMETER
(CRANKSHAFT REMOVED)
Remove the crankshaft from the cylinder block.
Refer to CRANKSHAFT.
Clean the oil off the main bearing journal.
Determine the maximum diameter of the journal
with a micrometer. Measure at two locations 90É
apart at each end of the journal.
The maximum allowable taper is 0.008mm (0.0004
inch.) and maximum out of round is 0.005mm (0.002
inch). Compare the measured diameter with the jour-
nal diameter specification (Main Bearing Fitting
Chart). Select inserts required to obtain the specified
bearing-to-journal clearance.
Install the crankshaft into the cylinder block. Refer
to CRANKSHAFT.
Check crankshaft end play. Refer to CHECKING
CRANKSHAFT END PLAY.
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARING SELECTION
(1) Service main bearings are available in three
grades. The chart below identifies the three service
grades available.
Crankshaft JOURNAL SIZE
SIZE mm (in.)
MARKING
9R9Size 63.488 - 63.496 mm
(2.4995 - 2.4998 in.)
9S9Size
63.496 - 63.500 mm (2.4998 - 2.4999 in.
9T9Size63.500 - 63.504 mm (2.4999 - 2.501 in.)
Bearing size and application
Bearing
CodeSIze Application
Upper Bearing
A.2.443 - 2.447
mmUse with
Cankshaft size9R9
(.0961 - .0963 in.)
B2.439 - 2.443 mm Use with
crankshaft9S, T9
(0.960 -.o961 in.)
C2.435 - 2.439 mm Use with
carnkshaft9U9
(.0958 - .0960 in.)
Lower Bearing Main919and949
9192.441 - 2.447 mm Use with
carnkshaft9R, S9
(.0961 -.0963 in.)
9292.435 - 2.441 mm Use with
crankshaft9T, U9
(.0958 - .0962 in.)
Crankshaft JOURNAL SIZE
SIZE mm (in.)
MARKING
Lower Main Bearing929and939
9392.429 - 2.435 mm Use with
crankshaft9R, S9
(.0956 - .0958 in.)
9492.423 - 2.429 mm Use with
crankshaft9T, U9
(.0953 - .0956 in.)
Bearing Clearances
Main91, 49
Crankshaft
9R9.004 - .034 mm ( .00015 - .0013 in.)
Crankshaft
9S9.004 - .030 mm ( .00015 - .0011 in.)
Crankshaft
9T9.006 - .032 mm (.0002 - .0012 in.)
Crankshaft
9U9.002 - .032 mm (.00007 -. 0012 in.)
Main92, 39
Crankshaft
9R9.016 - .064 mm (.0 062 - .0025 in.)
Crankshaft
9S9.016 - .042 mm (.00062 - .016 in.)
Crankshaft
9T9.018 - .044 mm (.0007 - .0017 in.)
Crankshaft
9U9.014 - .044 mm (.0005 - .0017 in.)
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL -
FRONT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove A/C compressor mouning fasteners and
set aside.
(4) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(5) Remove upper radiator hose.
(6) Disconnect electrical connector for fan mounted
inside radiator shroud.
(7) Remove radiator shroud attaching fasteners.
(8) Remove radiator cooling fan and shroud (Refer
to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN -
REMOVAL).
(9) Remove crankshaft damper bolt.
9 - 46 ENGINE - 3.7LKJ
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS (Continued)
OPERATION
Oil from the oil pan is pumped by a gerotor type oil
pump directly mounted to the crankshaft nose. Oil
pressure is controlled by a relief valve mounted
inside the oil pump housing. For lubrication flow
refer to (Fig. 69)
The camshaft exhaust valve lobes and rocker arms
are lubricated through a small hole in the rocker
arm; oil flows through the lash adjuster then through
the rocker arm and onto the camshaft lobe. Due to
the orentation of the rocker arm, the camshaft intakelobes are not lubed in the same manner as the
exhaust lobes. The intake lobes are lubed through
internal passages in the camshaft. Oil flows through
a bore in the number 3 camshaft bearing bore, and
as the camshaft turns, a hole in the camshaft aligns
with the hole in the camshaft bore allowing engine
oil to enter the camshaft tube. The oil then exits
through 1.6mm (0.063 in.) holes drilled into the
intake lobes, lubricating the lobes and the rocker
arms.
ENGINE LUBRICATION FLOW CHART - BLOCK: TABLE 1
FROM TO
Oil Pickup Tube Oil Pump
Oil Pump Oil Filter
Oil Filter Block Main Oil Gallery
Block Main Oil Gallery 1. Crankshaft Main Journal
2. Left Cylinder Head*
3. Right Cylinder Head*
4. Counterbalance Shaft Rear Journal
Crankshaft Main Journals Crankshaft Rod Journals
Crankshaft Number One Main Journal 1. Front Timing Chain Idler Shaft
2. Counterbalance Shaft - Front Journal
3. Both Secondary Chain Tensioners
Left Cylinder Head Refer to Engine Lubrication Flow Chart - Cylinder
Heads: Table 2
Right Cylinder Head Refer to Engine Lubrication Flow Chart - Cylinder
Heads: Table 2
* The cylinder head gaskets have an oil restricter to control oil flow to the cylinder heads
ENGINE LUBRICATION FLOW CHART - CYLINDER HEADS: TABLE 2
FROM TO
Cylinder Head Oil Port (in bolt hole) Diagonal Cross Drilling to Main Oil Gallery
Main Oil Gallery (drilled through head from rear to
front)1. Base of Camshaft Towers
2. Lash Adjuster Towers
Base of Camshaft Towers Vertical Drilling Through Tower to Camshaft Bearings**
Lash Adjuster Towers Diagonal Drillings to Hydraulic Lash Adjuster Pockets
** The number three camshaft bearing journal feeds oil into the hollow camshaft tubes. Oil is routed to the intake
lobes, which have oil passages drilled into them to lubricate the rocker arms.
9 - 58 ENGINE - 3.7LKJ
LUBRICATION (Continued)
CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION.........................32
OPERATION...........................33
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CRANKSHAFT
ENDPLAY ...........................33
REMOVAL.............................33
INSPECTION..........................34
INSTALLATION.........................34
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MAIN BEARING -
FITTING.............................35
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - FRONT
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................37
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR
REMOVAL.............................38
INSTALLATION.........................39
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION.........................40
OPERATION...........................40
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................41
PISTON RINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE
PISTON RING - FITTING................42
VIBRATION DAMPER
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................43
STRUCTURAL COLLAR
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................44
ENGINE MOUNTING
DESCRIPTION.........................44
FRONT MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................44
REAR MOUNT
REMOVAL.............................45
INSTALLATION.........................45
LUBRICATION
DESCRIPTION.........................46
OPERATION...........................46
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE CHECKING.................46
OIL
STANDARD PROCEDURE
ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK.............47
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL
AND FILTER CHANGE..................47
OIL FILTER
DESCRIPTION.........................47
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47
OIL PAN
REMOVAL.............................48INSTALLATION.........................48
OIL PRESSURE SENSOR/SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................48
OPERATION...........................48
OIL PUMP
REMOVAL.............................49
DISASSEMBLY.........................49
CLEANING............................49
INSPECTION..........................50
ASSEMBLY............................50
INSTALLATION.........................50
INTAKE MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION.........................51
OPERATION...........................51
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INTAKE
MANIFOLD LEAKS.....................51
REMOVAL.............................52
INSPECTION..........................52
INSTALLATION.........................52
EXHAUST MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION.........................53
OPERATION...........................53
REMOVAL.............................53
CLEANING............................53
INSPECTION..........................53
INSTALLATION.........................53
TIMING BELT COVER(S)
REMOVAL.............................53
INSTALLATION.........................53
TIMING BELT AND SPROCKET(S)
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - TIMING BELT...............55
REMOVAL - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET....55
CLEANING............................55
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET . 56
INSTALLATION - TIMING BELT...........56
TIMING BELT TENSIONER & PULLEY
REMOVAL.............................59
INSTALLATION.........................59
BALANCE SHAFT
DESCRIPTION.........................59
OPERATION...........................59
REMOVAL.............................60
INSTALLATION
BALANCE SHAFT TIMING...............61
BALANCE SHAFT CARRIER
REMOVAL.............................64
INSTALLATION.........................64
BALANCE SHAFT CHAIN
REMOVAL.............................64
INSTALLATION.........................64
9s - 2 ENGINEKJ