FLEX PLATE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the transaxle (Refer to 21 - TRANS-
MISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 41TE -
REMOVAL).
(2) Remove flex plate attaching bolts.
(3) Remove the flex plate (Fig. 85).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position flex plate with backing plate on the
crankshaft (Fig. 85).
(2) Apply MopartLock & Seal Adhesive to the flex
plate bolts.
(3) Install flex plate bolts (Fig. 85). Tighten bolts
to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the transaxle (Refer to 21 - TRANSMIS-
SION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 41TE - INSTAL-
LATION).
ENGINE MOUNTING
DESCRIPTION
The engine mounting system consist of four
mounts; right and a left side support the powertrain,
and a front and a rear mount control powertrain
torque. The right side mount is a hydro-type (Fig.
86), all others are of molded rubber material.
FRONT MOUNT
REMOVAL
(1) Support the engine and transmission assembly
with a floor jack so it will not rotate.
(2) Remove the front engine mount through bolt
from the insulator and front crossmember mounting
bracket (Fig. 87).
(3) Remove six screws from air dam to allow
access to the front mount screws.
(4) Remove the front engine mount screws and
remove the insulator assembly (Fig. 87).
(5) Remove the front mounting bracket, if neces-
sary (Fig. 87).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the front mounting bracket, if removed
(Fig. 87).
(2) Install the front engine mount through bolt
from the insulator and front crossmember mounting
bracket (Fig. 87).
(3) Install the insulator assembly and mounting
screws (Fig. 87).
Fig. 85 FLEX PLATE
1 - FLEX PLATE
2 - BOLT (QTY. 8)
3 - BACKING PLATE
Fig. 86 Engine Hydro-type Mount - Right Side
1 - BOLT
2 - BOLT
3 - FRAME RAIL
4 - RIGHT MOUNT - 2.4L ENGINE
5 - RIGHT MOUNT - 3.3/3.8L ENGINE
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 131
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(7) Lower vehicle and install oil dipstick.
(8) Connect negative cable to battery.
(9) Fill crankcase with oil to proper level.
OIL PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(2) Drill a 3.175 mm (1/8 in.) hole in the center of
the retainer cap (Fig. 103). Insert a self-threading
sheet metal screw into the cap.
(3) Using suitable pliers, remove cap and discard.
(4) Remove spring and relief valve (Fig. 103).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean relief valve, spring and bore.
NOTE: Lubricate relief valve with clean engine oil
before installing.
(2) Install relief valve and spring into housing.
(3) Install new retainer cap until flush with seal-
ing surface.
(4) Install oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION).
(5) Fill crankcase with proper oil to correct level.
OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The engine oil pressure switch is located on the
lower left front side of the engine. It screws into the
oil filter adapter. The normally closed switch provides
an input through a single wire to the low pressure
indicator light on the instrument cluster.
OPERATION
The oil pressure switch provides a ground for the
instrument cluster low oil pressure indicator light.
The switch receives oil pressure input from the
engine main oil gallery. When engine oil pressure is
greater than 27.5 Kpa (4 psi), the switch contacts
open, providing a open circuit to the low pressure
indicator light. For wiring circuits and diagnostic
information, (Refer to Appropriate Wiring/Diagnostic
Information).
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Disconnect electrical connector from switch.
(3) Remove oil pressure switch (Fig. 104).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install oil pressure switch. Torque oil pressure
switch to 23 N´m (200 in. lbs.) (Fig. 104).
(2) Connect electrical connector to switch.
(3) Lower the vehicle.
(4) Start engine and check for leaks.
(5) Check engine oil level. Adjust as necessary.
Fig. 102 Oil Pan Sealing
1 - SEALER LOCATIONS
Fig. 103 Oil Pressure Relief Valve
1 - RELIEF VALVE
2 - SPRING
3 - RETAINER CAP
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 141
OIL PAN (Continued)
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(3) Install cover and tighten screws to 12 N´m (105
in. lbs.).
(4) If removed, install the oil pressure relief valve.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PRES-
SURE RELIEF VALVE - INSTALLATION)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install oil pump. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PUMP - ASSEMBLY)
(2) Install timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION) and oil pan (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
INTAKE MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION
The intake system is made up of an upper and
lower intake manifold. The upper intake manifold is
made of a composite for both the 3.3L engine and for
the 3.8L engine (Fig. 117). The lower intake manifold
is common between the two engines (Fig. 121). It also
provides coolant crossover between cylinder heads
and houses the coolant thermostat (Fig. 121).
The intake manifold utilizes a compact design with
very low restriction and outstanding flow balance.
This design allows the engine to perform with a wide
torque curve while increasing higher rpm horse-
power.
If, for some reason, the molded-in vacuum ports
break, the composite manifold can be salvaged. The
vacuum ports are designed to break at the shoulder,
if overloaded. Additional material in the shoulder
area provides sufficient stock to repair. For more
information and procedure, (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD - STANDARD
PROCEDURE). Also, if the special screws that attach
the MAP sensor, power steering reservoir, throttle
cable bracket, and the EGR tube become stripped, an
oversized screw is available to repair the stripped-out
condition. For more information and procedure,
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
Fig. 110 Measuring Clearance Between Rotors
1 - FEELER GAUGE
2 - INNER ROTOR
3 - OUTER ROTOR
Fig. 111 Measuring Clearance Over Rotors
1 - FEELER GAUGE
2 - STRAIGHT EDGE
Fig. 112 Oil Pressure Relief Valve
1 - RELIEF VALVE
2 - SPRING
3 - RETAINER CAP
9 - 144 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
OIL PUMP (Continued)
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INTAKE
MANIFOLD LEAKS
An intake manifold air leak is characterized by
lower than normal manifold vacuum. Also, one or
more cylinders may not be functioning.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR THE FAN.
DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(1) Start the engine.
(2) Spray a small stream of water (Spray Bottle) at
the suspected leak area.
(3) If engine RPM'S change, the area of the sus-
pected leak has been found.
(4) Repair as required.
INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MANIFOLD
STRIPPED THREAD REPAIR
The composite upper intake manifold thread
bosses, if stripped out, can be repaired by utilizing a
repair screw available through Mopartparts. Repair
screws are available for the following manifold
attached components:
²MAP sensor
²Power steering reservoir
²EGR tube
²Throttle cable bracket
The repair screws require a unique tightening
torque specification from the original screw. Refer to
the following chart for specification.
DESCRIPTION TORQUE*
STRIP-OUT REPAIR SCREWS ONLY
MAP Sensor Repair
Screw4 N´m (35 in. lbs.)
Power Steering Reservoir
Repair Screw9 N´m (80 in. lbs.)
EGR Tube Attaching
Repair Screw9 N´m (80 in. lbs.)
Throttle Cable Bracket
Repair Screw9 N´m (80 in. lbs.)
*Install Slowly Using Hand Tools Only
STANDARD PROCEDURE - INTAKE MANIFOLD
VACUUM PORT REPAIR
The composite intake manifold vacuum ports can
be repaired. Although, if the manifold plenum cham-
ber is damaged or cracked, the manifold must be
replaced.
To repair a broken or damaged vacuum nipple
(port) on the composite intake manifold, perform the
following procedure:
PARTS REQUIRED TOOLS REQUIRED
´ Brass Nipple ± 1/49
O.D. x 1/89pipe thread
(LDP/Speed Control Port)´ Pipe Tap ± 1/89-18
NPT
´ Drill Bit ± 11/329
´ File/Sandpaper
´ Brass Nipple ± 1/29
O.D. x 1/49pipe thread
(Brake Booster Port)´ Pipe Tap ± 1/49-18
NPT
´ Drill Bit ± 7/169
´ File/Sandpaper
NOTE: While performing this procedure, avoid get-
ting the manifold material residue into the plenum
chamber.
(1) File or sand the remaining port back until a
flat surface is obtained (plane normal to nipple (port)
axis).
(2) Drill out the nipple (port) base using a 7/16º
(brake booster port) or 11/32º (LDP/speed control port
) drill bit (Fig. 113).
(3) Using a 1/4º±18 NPT (brake booster port) or
1/8º±18 NPT (LDP/speed control port ) pipe tap, cut
internal threads (Fig. 113). Use caution to start tap
in a axis same as original nipple.
(4) Apply MopartThread Sealant to threads of
repair nipple(s).
(5) Install repair nipple(s). Do not over torque
repair nipple(s).
REMOVAL - UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Disconnect inlet air temperature (IAT) sensor
electrical connector.
(3) Remove air inlet resonator to throttle body
hose assembly.
(4) Disconnect throttle and speed control cables
from throttle body (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/
FUEL INJECTION/THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE -
REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect make-up air hose support clip from
throttle cable bracket.
(6) Disconnect the automatic idle speed (AIS)
motor and throttle position sensor (TPS) wiring con-
nectors from throttle body.
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 145
INTAKE MANIFOLD (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
²Mounting surface distortion by using a straight-
edge and thickness gauge.
INSTALLATION - UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD
(1) If the following components were removed from
manifold, install and tighten to specifications:
CAUTION: The special screws used for the compos-
ite manifold attached components must be installed
slowly using hand tools only. This requirement is to
prevent the melting of material that causes stripped
threads. If threads become stripped, an oversize
repair screw is available. For more information and
procedure (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/IN-
TAKE MANIFOLD - STANDARD PROCEDURE - MAN-
IFOLD STRIPPED THREAD REPAIR).
²MAP sensor - 1.7 N´m (15 in. lbs.)
²Throttle cable bracket - 5.6 N´m (50 in. lbs.)
(2) Remove covering on lower intake manifold and
clean surfaces.
(3) Inspect manifold gasket condition. Gaskets can
be re-used, if not damaged. To replace, remove gasket
from upper manifold (Fig. 117). Position new gasket
in seal channel and press lightly in-place. Repeat
procedure for each gasket position.
(4) Position upper manifold on lower manifold (Fig.
117). Apply MopartLock & Seal Adhesive (Medium
Strength Threadlocker) to each upper intake mani-
fold bolt. Install and tighten bolts to 12 N´m (105 in.
lbs.) following torque sequence in (Fig. 118).
(5) Connect the MAP sensor electrical connector.(6) Connect the brake booster and LDP vacuum
hose to intake manifold (Fig. 116).
Fig. 116 BRAKE BOOSTER & LDP VACUUM HOSES
1 - LDP & SPEED CONTROL VACUUM HOSE
2 - BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE
3 - MAP SENSOR
Fig. 117 INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER
1 - BOLT
2 - MAP SENSOR
3 - SCREW
4 - MANIFOLD - UPPER
5 - WIRE HARNESS
6 - GASKET (3 PER CYL. BANK)
Fig. 118 UPPER MANIFOLD TIGHTENING
SEQUENCE
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 147
INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
²Check for cylinder head mounting surface distor-
tion using a straightedge and thickness gauge. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSPECTION)
INSTALLATION - LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD
(1) Place a bead (approximately 1/4 in. diameter)
of MopartEngine RTV GEN II onto each of thefour
manifold to cylinder head gasket corners (Fig. 122).
(2) Carefully install the new intake manifold gas-
ket (Fig. 121). Tighten end seal retainer screws to 12
N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(3) Install lower intake manifold (Fig. 121). Install
the bolts and torque to 1 N´m (10 in. lbs.). Then
torque bolts to 22 N´m (200 in. lbs.) in sequence
shown in (Fig. 123). Then torque again to 22 N´m
(200 in. lbs.). After intake manifold is in place,
inspect to make sure seals are in place.
(4) Install the fuel injectors and rail assembly.
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/
FUEL RAIL - INSTALLATION)
(5) Connect fuel injector electrical harness.
(6) Connect the engine coolant temperature sensor
(Fig. 120).
(7) Connect the heater supply (Fig. 120) and radi-
ator upper hoses to manifold.
(8) Connect the fuel line. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYS-
TEM/FUEL DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FIT-
TING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)(9) Install the upper intake manifold. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION)
(10) Connect negative battery cable.
Fig. 120 ECT SENSOR & HEATER SUPPLY
1 - ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
2 - CONNECTOR - ENGINE COOLANT SENSOR
3 - FITTING - HEATER SUPPLY
Fig. 121 INTAKE MANIFOLD - LOWER
1 - INTAKE MANIFOLD - LOWER
2 - BOLT - GASKET END SEAL RETAINER
3 - GASKET
4 - BOLT - LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD
Fig. 122 Intake Manifold Gasket Sealing
1 - SEALER LOCATIONS
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 149
INTAKE MANIFOLD - LOWER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
VALVE TIMING
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VALVE TIMING
VERIFICATION
(1) Remove front cylinder head cover and all 6
spark plugs.
(2) Rotate engine until the #2 piston is at TDC of
the compression stroke.
(3) Install a degree wheel on the crankshaft pulley.
(4) With proper adaptor, install a dial indicator
into #2 spark plug hole. Using the indicator find TDC
on the compression stroke.
(5) Position the degree wheel to zero.
(6) Remove dial indicator from spark plug hole.
(7) Place a 5.08 mm (0.200 in.) spacer between the
valve stem tip of #2 intake valve and rocker arm pad.
Allow tappet to bleed down to give a solid tappet
effect.
(8) Install a dial indicator so plunger contacts the
#2 intake valve spring retainer as nearly perpendic-
ular as possible. Zero the indicator.
(9) Rotate the engine clockwise until the intake
valve has lifted .254 mm (0.010 in.).
CAUTION: Do not turn crankshaft any further clock-
wise as intake valve might bottom and result in
serious damage.
(10) Degree wheel should read 6 degrees BTDC to
6 degrees ATDC.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
TIMING CHAIN WEAR
NOTE: This procedure must be performed with the
timing chain cover removed (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING CHAIN COVER - REMOVAL).
(1) Position a scale next to timing chain so that
any movement of chain may be measured (Fig. 132).
(2) Position a torque wrench and socket on the
camshaft sprocket attaching bolt. Apply force in the
direction of crankshaft rotation to take up slack to
the following torque:
²41 N´m (30 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads installed
²20 N´m (15 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads removed
NOTE: With torque applied to the camshaft
sprocket bolt, crankshaft should not be permitted to
move. It may be necessary to block crankshaft to
prevent rotation.
(3) Holding a measuring scale along edge of chain
links (Fig. 132).(4) Apply force in the reverse direction to the fol-
lowing torque:
²41 N´m (30 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads installed
²20 N´m (15 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads removed
(5) Measure amount of sprocket/chain movement.
(6) Install a new timing chain and sprockets if
movement exceeds 3.175 mm (1/8 in.).
TIMING CHAIN COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(3) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(4) Drain engine oil.
(5) Remove right wheel and inner splash shield.
(6) Remove oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove oil pick-up tube (Fig. 133).
(8) Remove accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(9) Remove A/C compressor and set aside.
(10) Remove crankshaft vibration damper. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION
DAMPER - REMOVAL)
(11) Remove radiator lower hose.
(12) Remove heater hose from timing chain cover
housing (Fig. 134) or water pump inlet tube (if
engine oil cooler equipped) (Fig. 135).
(13) Remove the right side engine mount. (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/ENGINE MOUNTING/RIGHT MOUNT
- REMOVAL)
(14) Remove idler pulley from engine bracket (Fig.
136).
(15) Remove the engine mount bracket (Fig. 136).
Fig. 132 Measuring Timing Chain Wear
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 153
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EXHAUST SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
EXHAUST SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION..........................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EXCESSIVE
EXHAUST SYSTEM NOISE...............2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EXHAUST
SYSTEM RESTRICTION CHECK...........2
INSPECTION...........................3
ADJUSTMENTS.........................3
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE.............................3
SPECIAL TOOLS
EXHAUST SYSTEM.....................4
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION..........................4
OPERATION............................4
REMOVAL.............................5INSPECTION...........................5
INSTALLATION..........................6
CROSS-OVER PIPE - 3.3/3.8L
REMOVAL.............................6
INSTALLATION..........................6
HEAT SHIELDS
DESCRIPTION..........................6
OPERATION............................7
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
MUFFLER
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
RESONATOR
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
EXHAUST SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The exhaust system consists of a catalytic con-
verter, muffler, and a resonator with connecting pipes
in-between (Fig. 1). The system is serviced in two
sections; the catalytic converter and pipe, and the
muffler and resonator with connecting pipe. A band
clamp is used to connect the joint between the twocomponents. Three support hanger rods with rubber
isolators are used to support and isolate the exhaust
system. A flexible joint, integral to the catalytic con-
verter, allows for engine movement. On vehicles
equipped with AWD, an additional heat shield is
mounted to the catalytic converter. The exhaust sys-
tem is tuned for each vehicle/powertrain combination.
Fig. 1 Exhaust System - Typical (All Vehicles)
1 - CATALYTIC CONVERTER 4 - SUPPORT - RESONATOR
2 - BAND CLAMP 5 - RESONATOR
3 - SUPPORTS - MUFFLER 6 - MUFFLER
RSEXHAUST SYSTEM11-1
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