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 - CYLINDER HEAD
(1) Drain the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(3) Remove upper and lower intake manifolds.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - REMOVAL)
WARNING: INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IS MADE
OF VERY THIN METAL AND MAY CAUSE PER-
SONAL INJURY, HANDLE WITH CARE.
(4) Remove the cylinder head covers. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the spark plugs from cylinder head.(6) Remove the dipstick and tube (Fig. 18).
(7) Remove exhaust manifold(s). (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/EXHAUST MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL)
(8) Remove rocker arm and shaft assemblies.(Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER ARMS -
REMOVAL) Remove push rods andmark positions
to ensure installation in original locations.
(9) Remove the eight head bolts from each cylinder
head and remove cylinder heads (Fig. 22).
CLEANING
To ensure engine gasket sealing, proper surface
preparation must be performed, especially with the
use of aluminum engine components and multi-layer
steel cylinder head gaskets.
NOTE: Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets require
a scratch free sealing surface.
Remove all gasket material from cylinder head and
block (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCE-
Fig. 17 Cylinder Head and Components
1 - VALVE LOCKS 5 - SPRING SEATS
2 - RETAINERS 6 - CYLINDER HEAD
3 - VALVE SPRINGS 7 - VALVE - EXHAUST
4 - VALVE STEM SEALS 8 - VALVE - INTAKE
9 - 100 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
NOTE: Bolt torque after 1/4 turn should be over 122
N´m (90 ft. lbs.). If not, replace the bolt.
(6) Inspect push rods and replace worn or bent
rods.
(7) Install the push rods.
(8) Install the rocker arm and shaft assemblies.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER
ARMS - INSTALLATION)
(9) Install the cylinder head covers. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(10) Install the exhaust manifolds. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/EXHAUST MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION)
(11) Install new O-ring on dipstick tube. Install
dipstick tube assembly (Fig. 18).
(12) Install the spark plugs.
(13) Install upper and lower intake manifolds.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - INSTALLATION)
(14) Fill the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(15) Connect negative cable to battery.
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
DESCRIPTION
The cylinder head covers are made of stamped
steel. The covers are sealed with steel reinforced sil-
icon rubber gaskets. The cylinder head cover uses
rubber isolators at each fastener location (Fig. 23).
NOTE: Due to the tight packaging near the cylinder
head covers, which makes spill clean-up difficult, a
spill during an engine oil change may be misinter-
preted as an oil leak. When investigating an oil leak
in the location of the cylinder head covers and
intake manifold, follow the procedure found in Oil
Leak Diagnosis (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) for determining the source of a leak.
CYLINDER HEAD COVER -
RIGHT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove the wiper module. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER MODULE -
REMOVAL)
(3) Disconnect spark plug wires from plugs.
(4) Disconnect PCV hose from cylinder head cover
(Fig. 24).
(5) Remove cylinder head cover bolts.
(6) Remove cylinder head cover and gasket (Fig.
23).
Fig. 21 Checking Bolts for Stretching (Necking)
1 - STRETCHED BOLT
2 - THREADS ARE NOT STRAIGHT ON LINE
3 - THREADS ARE STRAIGHT ON LINE
4 - UNSTRETCHED BOLT
Fig. 22 CYLINDER HEAD TIGHTENING SEQUENCE
Fig. 23 Cylinder Head Cover
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER
2 - BOLT
9 - 102 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)
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INSTALLATION
(1) Clean cylinder head and cover mating surfaces.
Inspect cylinder head cover surface for flatness.
Replace gasket as necessary.
(2) Inspect seal on the cover bolt for wear or dam-
age (Fig. 25). Replace bolt assembly as necessary.
NOTE: The cylinder head cover bolts contain a
torque limiter sleeve and a seal (Fig. 25). The seal
and torque sleeve is replaced with the bolt.
(3) Assemble gasket to cylinder cover by inserting
the bolt assemblies through each bolt hole on the
cover and gasket (Fig. 25).
(4) Install cylinder head cover and bolts (Fig. 26).
(5) Tighten cylinder head cover bolts to 12 N´m
(105 in. lbs.) (Fig. 26).
(6) Connect PCV hose to cylinder head cover.
(7) Connect spark plug wires to spark plugs.
(8) Install wiper module. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER MODULE -
INSTALLATION)
(9) Connect negative cable to battery.
CYLINDER HEAD COVER -
LEFT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect spark plug wires from spark plugs.
(2) Disconnect crankcase vent hose from cylinder
head cover.
(3) Remove cylinder head cover bolts.
(4) Remove cylinder head cover and gasket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean cylinder head and cover mating surfaces.
Inspect cylinder head cover surface for flatness.
Replace gasket as necessary.
Fig. 24 PCV Hose
1 - HOSE - PCV
2 - P C V VA LV E
Fig. 25 CYLINDER HEAD COVER GASKET
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER
2 - BOLT
3 - SEAL (SERVICED WITH BOLT)
4 - GASKET
Fig. 26 Cylinder Head Cover
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER
2 - BOLT
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 103
CYLINDER HEAD COVER - RIGHT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
NOTE: Replace cylinder head if stem-to-guide clear-
ance exceeds specifications, or if guide is loose in
cylinder head.
INSTALLATION
(1) Coat valve stems with clean engine oil and
insert them in cylinder head.
(2) Install valve spring seat on head (Fig. 35).
(3) Install new seals on all valve stems and over
valve guides (Fig. 35). Install valve springs and valve
retainers (Fig. 35).
(4) Install the valve springs. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE SPRINGS -
INSTALLATION)
VALVE SPRINGS
DESCRIPTION
The valve springs are a bee-hive shaped design
(Fig. 34). The springs are seated on a steel washer on
the cylinder head with retainers and locks retaining
the springs (Fig. 35). The springs are installed with
the smaller diameter against spring retainer (Fig.
34).
OPERATION
The valve spring returns the valve against its seat
for a positive seal of the combustion chamber.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - CYLINDER HEAD OFF
(1) With the cylinder head on a bench, position
Special Tool C-3422-D with 8464 Adapter on the
valve and spring retainer (Fig. 36).
(2) Compress the spring only enough to remove the
valve retainer locks.
(3) Slowly release the spring tension and remove
the valve spring and retainer.
(4) For removal of the valve stem seal (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE STEM SEALS -
REMOVAL).
REMOVAL - CYLINDER HEAD ON
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove spark plug wires and all spark plugs.
Fig. 32 Intake and Exhaust Valves
1 - MARGIN
2-FACE
3 - STEM
4 - VALVE SPRING RETAINER LOCK GROOVES
Fig. 33 Measuring Valve Guide Wear - Typical
Fig. 34 Valve Spring
1 - VALVE SPRING (TOP - SMALLER DIAMETER)
9 - 106 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES & SEATS (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(11) Repeat procedure for each cylinder requiring
valve spring removal.
INSPECTION
Whenever valves have been removed for inspection,
reconditioning or replacement, valve springs should
be tested (Fig. 38).As an example;the compression
length of a spring to be tested is 38.00 mm (1.496
in.). Turn the table of Tool C-647 until surface is in
line with the 38.00 mm (1.496 in.) mark on the
threaded stud and the zero mark on the front. Place
spring over stud on the table and lift compressing
lever to set tone device. Pull on torque wrench until
ping is heard. Take reading on torque wrench at this
instant. Multiply this reading by two. This will give
the spring load at test length. Fractional measure-
ments are indicated on the table for finer adjust-
ments. Refer to Engine Specifications to obtain
specified height and allowable tensions (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS). Replace any springs
that do not meet specifications.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - CYLINDER HEAD OFF
(1) If removed, install a new valve stem seal (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE STEM
SEALS - INSTALLATION).
(2) Position valve spring and retainer on spring
seat.(3) Using Special Tool C-3422-D with 8464 Adapter
(Fig. 36), compress the spring only enough to install
the valve retainer locks. Install valve retainer locks.
(4) Slowly release the spring tension. Ensure the
retainer locks are seated properly.
INSTALLATION - CYLINDER HEAD ON
(1) The intake valve stem seals should be pushed
firmly and squarely over the valve guide using the
valve stem as guide.Do Not Forceseal against top
of guide. When installing the valve retainer locks,
compress the springonly enoughto install the
locks.
CAUTION: Do not pinch seal between retainer and
top of valve guide.
(2) Follow the same procedure on the remaining 5
cylinders using the firing sequence 1-2-3-4-5-6.Make
sure piston in cylinder is at TDC on the valve
spring that is being covered.
(3) Remove spark plug adapter tool.
(4) Install rocker arms and shaft assembly. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER ARMS -
INSTALLATION)
(5) Install cylinder head covers. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(6) Install spark plugs and connect wires.
(7) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 37 VALVE SPRING - REMOVE/INSTALL (HEAD
ON)
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8453
2 - BOLTS - SPECIAL TOOL ATTACHING
3 - AIR SUPPLY HOSE ADAPTER
Fig. 38 TESTING VALVE SPRING
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-647
9 - 108 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
VALVE SPRINGS (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(1) Before installing the nuts the threads should
be oiled with engine oil.
(2) Install nuts finger tight on each bolt then alter-
nately torque each nut to assemble the cap properly.
(3) Tighten the nuts to 54 N´m PLUS 1/4 turn (40
ft. lbs. PLUS 1/4 turn).
(4) Using a feeler gauge, check connecting rod side
clearance (Fig. 52). Refer to Engine Specifications
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FITTING PISTONS
The piston and cylinder wall must be clean and
dry. Piston diameter should be measured 90 degrees
to piston pin at size location shown in (Fig. 53). Cyl-
inder bores should be measured halfway down the
cylinder bore and transverse to the engine crankshaft
center line shown in (Fig. 54). Refer to Engine Spec-
ifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICA-
TIONS).Pistons and cylinder bores should be
measured at normal room temperature, 21ÉC
(70ÉF).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove the cylinder heads. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the top ridge of cylinder bores with a
reliable ridge reamer, if necessary, before removing
pistons from cylinder block.Be sure to keep tops
of pistons covered during this operation. Pis-
tons and connecting rods must be removed
from top of cylinder block. When removing pis-
ton and connecting rod assemblies from the
engine, rotate crankshaft so that each connect-
ing rod is centered in cylinder bore.
(5) Inspect connecting rods and connecting rod
caps for cylinder identification. Identify them, if nec-
essary (Fig. 55).Fig. 52 Checking Connecting Rod Side Clearance
Fig. 53 Piston Measurement Locations
1 - 39.8 mm (1.56 in. ) 3.3L ENGINE
2 - 33.0 mm (1.29 in.) 3.8L ENGINE
Fig. 54 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
Fig. 55 Identify Connecting Rod to Cylinder
1 - CYLINDER NUMBER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 117
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(6) Remove connecting rod cap. Install connecting
rod bolt protectors on connecting rod bolts (Fig. 56).
(7) Remove each piston and connecting rod assem-
bly out of the cylinder bore.
NOTE: Be careful not to nick crankshaft journals.
(8) After removal, install bearing cap on the mat-
ing rod.
INSTALLATION
(1) Before installing pistons and connecting rod
assemblies into the bore, ensure that compression
ring gaps are staggered so that neither is in line with
oil ring rail gap (Fig. 57).(2) Before installing the ring compressor, ensure
the oil ring expander ends are butted and the rail
gaps located as shown in (Fig. 57).
(3) Lubricate the piston and rings with clean
engine oil. Position a ring compressor over the piston
and rings, and tighten the compressor (Fig. 58).Be
sure position of rings does not change during
this operation.
(4) Position upper bearing onto connecting rod.
Lubricate bearing with oil.
(5) Install connecting rod bolt protectors (rubber
hose or equivalent) on the connecting rod bolts (Fig.
58).
(6) The pistons are marked with a ªFº located near
the piston pin. Install piston with this mark posi-
tioned to front of engine on both cylinder banks. The
connecting rod oil squirt hole faces the major thrust
(right) side of the engine block (Fig. 59).
(7) Rotate crankshaft until the connecting rod
journal is located in the center of the cylinder bore.
Insert connecting rod and piston into cylinder bore.
Carefully guide connecting rod over the crankshaft
journal (Fig. 58).
(8) Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a
hammer handle. At the same time, guide connecting
rod into position on connecting rod journal.
(9) Install lower bearing shell and connecting rod
cap (Fig. 58). Install nuts on cleaned and oiled rod
bolts and tighten to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.) PLUS
1¤4
turn.
(10) Repeat procedure for each piston and connect-
ing rod installation.
(11) Install the cylinder heads. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLATION)
(12) Install the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION)
(13) Fill engine crankcase with proper oil to cor-
rect level.
(14) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 56 Connecting Rod Protectors
1 - COVER ROD BOLTS WITH A SUITABLE COVERING WHEN
REMOVING OR INSTALLING PISTON ASSEMBLY
Fig. 57 Piston Ring End Gap Position
1 - SIDE RAIL UPPER
2 - NO. 1 RING GAP
3 - PISTON PIN
4 - SIDE RAIL LOWER
5 - NO. 2 RING GAP AND SPACER EXPANDER GAP
9 - 118 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)
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(7) Position and install the connecting rod and
bearing caps on the crankshaft (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CONNECTING ROD
BEARINGS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(8) Install the crankshaft rear oil seal (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - REAR - INSTALLATION).
(9) Install the crankshaft sprocket (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the timing chain and camshaft
sprocket (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIM-
ING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION).
(11) Install the timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING CHAIN COVER -
INSTALLATION).(12) Install the oil pick-up tube and oil pan (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTAL-
LATION).
(13) Install the transaxle to the engine.
(14) Install the engine assembly (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - INSTALLATION).
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL -
FRONT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist. Remove right wheel and
inner splash shield.
(3) Remove accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(4) Remove crankshaft damper. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
REMOVAL)
(5) Position Special Tool 6341A on crankshaft nose.
Carefully screw the tool into the seal until it engages
firmly (Fig. 77). Be careful not to damage that crank-
shaft seal surface of cover
(6) Remove oil seal by turning the forcing screw
until the seal disengages from the cover (Fig. 78).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position Special Tool C-4992-2 Guide, on the
crankshaft nose (Fig. 79).
(2) Position new seal over the guide with the seal
spring in the direction of the engine front cover (Fig.
79).
(3) Install seal using Special Tool C-4992-1 until
seal is flush with cover. (Fig. 79).
Fig. 76 CRANKSHAFT AND BLOCK - 3.8L
1 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 4
2 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 3
3 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 2
4 - MAIN BEARING CAP BOLT
5 - MAIN BEARING CAP No. 1
6 - THRUST MAIN BEARING - LOWER
7 - THRUST MAIN BEARING - UPPER
8 - MAIN BEARING CAP CROSS BOLT
9 - ENGINE BLOCK
10 - MAIN BEARING - UPPER
11 - CRANKSHAFT
12 - MAIN BEARING - LOWER
Fig. 77 Engaging Tool into Seal
1 - SEAL
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6341A
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 127
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
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