2002 JEEP LIBERTY service

INSPECTION
ENGINE BLOCK
(1) Clean cylinder block thoroughly and check all
core hole plugs for evidence of leaking.
(2) If new core plugs are to be installed, (Refer to 9
- ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE
CORE AND OIL GALLERY PLUGS).
(3) Examine block and cylinder bores for cracks or
fractures.
(4) Check block deck surfaces for flatness. Deck
surface must be within service limit of 0.1 mm (0.004
in.).
CYLINDER BORE
NOTE: The cylinder bores should be measured at
normal room temperature, 21ÉC (70ÉF).
The cylinder walls should be checked for out-of-
round and taper with Tool C119 or equivalent (Fig.
37) (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS). If
the cylinder walls are badly scuffed or scored, the
cylinder block should be replaced, and new pistons
and rings fitted.
Measure the cylinder bore at three levels in direc-
tions A and B (Fig. 37). Top measurement should be
10 mm (3/8 in.) down and bottom measurement
should be 10 mm (3/8 in.) up from bottom of bore.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE
CONNECTING ROD - FITTING
(1) For measuring connecting rod bearing clear-
ance procedure and use of Plastigage(Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE). For bearing
clearance refer to Engine Specifications. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS)
NOTE: The rod bearing bolts should not be reused.
(2) Before installing theNEWbolts the threads
should be oiled with clean engine oil.
(3) Install each bolt finger tight then alternately
torque each bolt to assemble the cap properly.
(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. 38). 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. 39). 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.
Fig. 37 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
Fig. 38 Connecting Rod Side Clearance
9s - 32 ENGINEKJ
ENGINE BLOCK (Continued)

(6) Before installing the bolts the threads should
be oiled with clean engine oil, wipe off any excess oil.
(7) Install main bearing bedplate to engine block
bolts 11, 17, and 20 finger tight. Tighten these bolts
down together until the bedplate contacts the cylin-
der block.
(8) To ensure correct thrust bearing alignment,
perform the following steps:
²Step 1: Rotate crankshaft until number 4 piston
is at TDC.
²Step 2: Move crankshaft rearward to limits of
travel.
²Step 3: Then, move crankshaft forward to limits
of travel.
²Step 4: Wedge an appropriate tool between the
rear of the cylinder block(NOT BED PLATE)and
the rear crankshaft counterweight. This will hold the
crankshaft in it's furthest forward position.
²Step 5: Install and tighten bolts (1±10) in
sequence shown in (Fig. 45) to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
²Step 6: Remove wedge tool used to hold crank-
shaft.
(9) Tighten bolts (1±10) again to 41 N´m (30 ft.
lbs.) +1/4 turn in sequence shown in (Fig. 45).
(10) Install main bearing bedplate to engine block
bolts (11±20), and torque each bolt to 28 N´m (20 ft.
lbs.) in sequence shown in (Fig. 45).
(11) After the main bearing bedplate is installed,
check the crankshaft turning torque. The turning
torque should not exceed 5.6 N´m (50 in. lbs.).
(12) Install balance shafts and housing assembly.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/BALANCE
SHAFT - INSTALLATION)
(13) Install the oil pump and pickup tube. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP -
INSTALLATION)
(14) Install the timing belt rear cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(15) Install the timing belt. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION)
(16) Install the timing belt front covers. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(17) Install engine support bracket.
(18) Install the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION)
(19) Install the oil filter.
(20) Install crankshaft rear oil seal. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - REAR - INSTALLATION)
(21) Install flex plate. Apply MopartLock & Seal
Adhesive to bolt threads and tighten to 95 N´m (70
ft. lbs.).(22) Install the engine assembly. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - INSTALLATION)
CRANKSHAFT MAIN
BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MAIN BEARING -
FITTING
For crankshaft specifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE
- SPECIFICATIONS).
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS
The crankshaft is supported in five main bearings.
All upper and lower bearing shells in the crankcase
have oil grooves. Crankshaft end play is controlled by
a flanged bearing on the number three main bearing
journal (Fig. 46).
Upper and lower Number 3 bearing halves are
flanged to carry the crankshaft thrust loads and are
NOT interchangeable with any other bearing halves
in the engine (Fig. 46). All bearing cap bolts removed
during service procedures are to be cleaned and oiled
before installation. Bearing shells are available in
standard and the following undersized: 0.025 mm
(0.001 in.) and 0.250 mm (0.010 in.). Never install an
undersize bearing that will reduce clearance below
specifications. Replace or machine the crankshaft as
necessary to obtain proper bearing clearances.
MAIN BEARING INSTALLATION
(1) Install the main bearing shells with the lubri-
cation groove in the cylinder block (Fig. 47).
Fig. 46 Main Bearing Identification
1 - OIL GROOVE
2 - MAIN BEARINGS
3 - OIL HOLE
KJENGINE9s-35
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)

(4) Install flex plate. Apply MopartLock & Seal
Adhesive to bolt threads and tighten bolts to 95 N´m
(70 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the transmission.
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION
The pistons are made of a cast aluminum alloy.
The pistons have pressed-in pins attached to forged
powdered metal connecting rods. The pistons pin is
offset 1 mm (0.0394 in.) towards the thrust side of
the piston. The connecting rods are a cracked cap
design and are not repairable. Hex head cap screws
are used to provide alignment and durability in the
assembly. The pistons and connecting rods are ser-
viced as an assembly.
OPERATION
The piston and connecting rod is the link between
the combustion force to the crankshaft.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Cylinder Head must be removed before Pis-
tons and Rods. Refer to Cylinder Head Removal in
this section.
(1) Remove top ridge of cylinder bores with a reli-
able ridge reamer before removing pistons from cyl-
inder block.Be sure to keep tops of pistons
covered during this operation. Mark piston with
matching cylinder number (Fig. 60).
(2) Remove oil pan. Scribe the cylinder number on
the side of the rod and cap (Fig. 61) for identification.
(3) Pistons have a directional stamping in the
front half of the piston facing towards thefrontof
engine.
(4) Pistons and connecting rods must be removed
from top of cylinder block. Rotate crankshaft so that
each connecting rod is centered in cylinder bore.
(5) Remove Balance Shaft Assembly. Refer to Bal-
ance Shaft Removal in this section.
(6) Remove connecting rod cap bolts. Push each
piston and rod assembly out of cylinder bore.
NOTE: Be careful not to nick crankshaft journals.
(7) After removal, install bearing cap on the mat-
ing rod.
(8) Piston and Rods are serviced as an assembly.
Fig. 59 Rear Crankshaft SealÐInstallation
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6926±2 INSTALLER
Fig. 60 Piston Markings
1 - DIRECTIONAL ARROW WILL BE IMPRINTED IN THIS AREA
9s - 40 ENGINEKJ
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR (Continued)

REMOVAL
BALANCE SHAFTS
(1) Drain engine oil.
(2) Remove the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove chain cover, guide and tensioner (Fig.
107). Also see Carrier Assembly Removal for service
procedures requiring only temporary relocation of
assembly.
(4) Remove gear cover retaining stud (double
ended to also retain chain guide). Remove cover and
balance shaft gears (Fig. 107).
(5) Remove balance shaft gear, chain sprocket
retaining screws, and crankshaft chain sprocket.
Remove chain and sprocket assembly (Fig. 108).
Using two wide pry bars, work the sprocket back and
forth until it is off the shaft.(6) Remove carrier gear cover and balance shafts
(Fig. 109).
(7) 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. 110).
(1) Remove chain cover and driven balance shaft
chain sprocket screw.
(2) Loosen tensioner pivot and adjusting screws,
move driven balance shaft inboard through driven
chain sprocket. Sprocket will hang in lower chain
loop.
(3) Remove carrier to crankcase attaching bolts to
remove carrier.
Fig. 106 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
9s - 60 ENGINEKJ
BALANCE SHAFT (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
EXHAUST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHART
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE EXHAUST NOISE OR
LEAKING EXHAUST GASES1. Leaks at pipe joints. 1. Tighten clamps/bolts to specified
torque at leaking joints.
2. Rusted or blown out muffler. 2. Replace muffler. Inspect exhaust
system.
3. Broken or rusted out exhaust
pipe.3. Replace exhaust pipe.
4. Exhaust pipe leaking at manifold
flange.4. Tighten/replace flange attaching
nuts/bolts.
5. Exhaust manifold cracked or
broken.5. Replace exhaust manifold.
6. Leak between exhaust manifold
and cylinder head.6. Tighten exhaust manifold to
cylinder head bolts.
7. Catalytic converter rusted or
blown out.7. Replace catalytic converter assy.
8. Restriction in exhaust system. 8. Remove restriction, if possible.
Replace restricted part if necessary.
CAUTION:
When servicing and replacing exhaust system components, disconnect the oxygen sensor connector(s). Allowing
the exhaust to hang by the oxygen sensor wires will damage the harness and/or sensor.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION - CATALYTIC CONVERTER
WARNING: THE NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERA-
TURE OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS VERY HIGH.
THEREFORE, NEVER WORK AROUND OR ATTEMPT
TO SERVICE ANY PART OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM
UNTIL IT IS COOLED. SPECIAL CARE SHOULD BE
TAKEN WHEN WORKING NEAR THE CATALYTIC
CONVERTER. THE TEMPERATURE OF THE CON-
VERTER RISES TO A HIGH LEVEL AFTER A SHORT
PERIOD OF ENGINE OPERATION TIME.
CAUTION: DO NOT remove spark plug wires from
plugs or by any other means short out cylinders.
Failure of the catalytic converter can occur due to a
temperature increase caused by unburned fuel
passing through the converter.
The stainless steel catalytic converter body is
designed to last the life of the vehicle. Excessive heat
can result in bulging or other distortion, but exces-
sive heat will not be the fault of the converter. If
unburned fuel enters the converter, overheating may
occur. If a converter is heat-damaged, correct thecause of the damage at the same time the converter
is replaced. Also, inspect all other components of the
exhaust system for heat damage.
Unleaded gasoline must be used to avoid con-
taminating the catalyst core.
50 State emission vehicles incorporate two mini
catalytic converters located after the exhaust mani-
folds and before the inline catalytic converter.
REMOVAL
WARNING: IF TORCHES ARE USED WHEN WORK-
ING ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, DO NOT ALLOW
THE FLAME NEAR THE FUEL LINES.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Saturate the bolts and nuts with heat valve
lubricant. Allow 5 minutes for penetration.
(3) Remove the bolts from the crossover pipe to the
catalytic converter connection.
(4) Disconnect oxygen sensor wiring.
(5) Loosen the nuts from the clamp that hold the
catalytic converter to the exhaust pipe flange connec-
tion.
11 - 2 EXHAUST SYSTEMKJ
EXHAUST SYSTEM (Continued)

NOTE: Do not remove nut from T-Bolt. Only remove
nut far enough, so that the T end can be removed
from the clamp.
(6) Remove the T bolt end of the fastener, from the
clamp.
(7) Spread the clamp, and remove the catalytic
converter from the vehicle.
(8) Discard the clamp (Fig. 1).
NOTE: The catalytic converter to exhaust manifold
clamp is not reusable. Always use a new clamp
when reinstalling the catalytic converter.
INSPECTION
Look at the stainless steel body of the converter,
inspect for bulging or other distortion that could be a
result of overheating. If the converter has a heat
shield attached make sure it is not bent or loose.
If you suspect internal damage to the catalyst, tap-
ping the bottom of the catalyst with a rubber mallet
may indicate a damaged core.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the catalytic converter onto the
exhaust pipe flange connection. Tighten the nuts to
28 N´m (250 in. lbs.) torque.(2) Install the muffler onto the catalytic converter
until the alignment tab is inserted into the align-
ment slot.
(3) Install the exhaust clamp at the muffler and
catalytic converter connection. Tighten the clamp
nuts to 47 N´m (35 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Connect oxygen sensor wiring.
(5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Start the engine and inspect for exhaust leaks
and exhaust system contact with the body panels.
Adjust the alignment, if needed.
CROSS-OVER PIPE
REMOVAL
WARNING: IF TORCHES ARE USED WHEN WORK-
ING ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, DO NOT ALLOW
THE FLAME NEAR THE FUEL LINES.
WARNING: THE NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERA-
TURE OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS VERY HIGH.
THEREFORE, NEVER WORK AROUND OR ATTEMPT
TO SERVICE ANY PART OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM
UNTIL IT IS COOLED. SPECIAL CARE SHOULD BE
TAKEN WHEN WORKING NEAR THE CATALYTIC
CONVERTER. THE TEMPERATURE OF THE CON-
VERTER RISES TO A HIGH LEVEL AFTER A SHORT
PERIOD OF ENGINE OPERATION TIME.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Saturate the bolts and nuts with lubricant.
Allow 5 minutes for penetration.
(3) Remove the retaining fasteners holding cross-
over pipe to exhaust pipe.
(4) Remove the fasteners from the crossover pipe
to the catalytic converter connection.
(5) Remove the crossove pipe from the hanger
insulator (Fig. 2).
INSTALLATION
WARNING: IF TORCHES ARE USED WHEN WORK-
ING ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, DO NOT ALLOW
THE FLAME NEAR THE FUEL LINES.
Fig. 1 Catalyst Removal
1 - V-Clamp
2 - Catalytic Converter
3 - Flange
4 - Crossover Pipe
5 - T-Bolt
KJEXHAUST SYSTEM 11 - 3
CATALYTIC CONVERTER (Continued)

WARNING: THE NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERA-
TURE OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS VERY HIGH.
THEREFORE, NEVER WORK AROUND OR ATTEMPT
TO SERVICE ANY PART OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM
UNTIL IT IS COOLED. SPECIAL CARE SHOULD BE
TAKEN WHEN WORKING NEAR THE CATALYTIC
CONVERTER. THE TEMPERATURE OF THE CON-
VERTER RISES TO A HIGH LEVEL AFTER A SHORT
PERIOD OF ENGINE OPERATION TIME.
(1) Install the crossove pipe into the hanger insu-
lator.
(2) Install and torque the fasteners in the cross-
over pipe to the left and right catalytic converter con-
nection.
(3) Install and torque the retaining fasteners hold-
ing the crossover pipe to exhaust pipe.
(4) Lower vehicle..
(5) Start engine and check for leaks.
HEAT SHIELDS
DESCRIPTION
Heat shields are needed to protect both the vehicle
and the environment from the high temperatures
developed by the catalytic converter. The catalytic
converter releases additional heat into the exhaustsystem. Under severe operating conditions, the tem-
perature increases in the area of the converter. Such
conditions can exist when the engine misfires or oth-
erwise does not operate at peak efficiency (Fig. 3).
MUFFLER
DESCRIPTION
The 3.7L engine uses a galvanized steel muffler
(Fig. 4) to control exhaust noise levels and exhaust
back pressure.
Fig. 2 Crossover Pipe
1 - Crossover-toCatalytic Converter flange
2 - Crossover Pipe
3 - Crossover Pipe to Tail Pipe Flange
4 - Hanger Bracket
Fig. 3 Front and Rear Floor Pan Heat Shields
Typical
1 - REAR FLOOR PAN HEAT SHIELD
2 - HEAT SHIELD RETAINING NUTS
3 - FRONT FLOOR PAN HEAT SHIELD
Fig. 4 Muffler - Typical
1 - MUFFLER
11 - 4 EXHAUST SYSTEMKJ
CROSS-OVER PIPE (Continued)

REMOVAL
All original equipment exhaust systems are manu-
factured with the exhaust tailpipe welded to the muf-
fler. Service replacement mufflers and exhaust
tailpipes are either clamped together or welded
together.
WARNING: IF TORCHES ARE USED WHEN WORK-
ING ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, DO NOT ALLOW
THE FLAME NEAR THE FUEL LINE.
CAUTION: When servicing exhaust system compo-
nents, disconnect the oxygen sensor connector.
Allowing the exhaust system to hang by the oxygen
sensor harness will damage the wiring and/or sen-
sor.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Disconnect front tailpipe hanger from the insu-
lator (Fig. 5).
(3) Remove the mounting nuts from the muffler to
catalytic converter flange (Fig. 5).
(4) Remove the tailpipe from the rear tailpipe
hanger (Fig. 5).
(5) Remove the muffler and tailpipe assembly from
the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
All original equipment exhaust systems are manu-
factured with the exhaust tailpipe welded to the muf-fler. Service replacement mufflers and exhaust
tailpipes are either clamped together or welded
together.
WARNING: IF TORCHES ARE USED WHEN WORK-
ING ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, DO NOT ALLOW
THE FLAME NEAR THE FUEL LINE.
CAUTION: When servicing exhaust system compo-
nents, disconnect the oxygen sensor connector.
Allowing the exhaust system to hang by the oxygen
sensor harness will damage the wiring and/or sen-
sor.
(1) Position muffler and tailpipe assembly into
vehicle.
(2) Install clamp retaining tailpipe to the rear
tailpipe hanger (Fig. 5).DO NOTtighten clamp at
this time.
(3) Install mounting nuts onto the muffler to cata-
lytic converter flange studs (Fig. 5).DO NOTtighten
nuts at this time.
(4) Make sure the exhaust system is in proper
alignment. There should be at least 25mm (1 inch)
clearance between the exhaust components and any
surrounding components.
(5) Tighten muffler to catalytic converter flange
mounting nuts to 28.5 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(6) Tighten tailpipe clamp to 48 N´m (35 ft. lbs.).
KJEXHAUST SYSTEM 11 - 5
MUFFLER (Continued)