2003 CHRYSLER CARAVAN tire pressure

with the optional Auto Headlamps. The options
include Yes and No. The default is No. When Yes is
selected, the headlamps will turn on automatically
when the windshield wipers are turned on. The head-
lamps will turn off when the wipers are turned off,
as long as the headlamp switch is in the Auto or Off
positions. When No is selected, the headlamps will
only turn on if manually selected or if the Auto mode
is selected and the outside ambient light levels dic-
tate that they should be on.
²RETRAIN TIRE SENSORS?- This program-
mable feature only applies to vehicles equipped with
the optional Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The
options include Yes and No. The default is No. When
Yes is selected, and the menu button is depressed the
EVIC will enter the training mode, starting with the
left front tire.
²POWER ACCESSORY DELAY?- The options
include Yes and No. The default is Yes. When No is
selected, the accessory powered components will turn
off automatically when the ignition key is turned off.
When Yes is selected, the accessory powered compo-
nents will remain on for 45 seconds when the igni-
tion key is turned off.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove overhead console. Refer to Overhead
Console Removal and Installation in this section(Re-
fer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CONSOLE -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the ten screws holding the EVIC mod-
ule in the overhead console.
(4) Remove EVIC module from console assembly.
NOTE: If the EVIC module is being replaced, the tire
pressure monitoring system (if equipped) must be
retrained. Refer to the Tires/Wheels section of this
manual for detailed instructions.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the EVIC module in the overhead con-
sole.
(2) Install the ten screws holding the EVIC module
in the overhead console.
(3) Install the overhead console (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CONSOLE - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
NOTE: If the EVIC module is being replaced, the tire
pressure monitoring system (if equipped) must be
retrained. Refer to the Tires/Wheels section of this
manual for detailed instructions.NOTE: If a new EVIC module has been installed, the
compass will have to be calibrated and the variance
set. Refer to compass variation adjustment and
compass calibration in standard procedures.
COMPASS/MINI-TRIP
COMPUTER
DESCRIPTION
The Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) and
Compass Temperature (CT) computer are modules
located in the overhead console. Vehicles are
equipped with either the CMTC or the CT computers
not both. The CMTC is different in the fact that it is
equipped with the mini-trip feature. The CMTC, CT
consists of a electronic control module with a vacuum
fluorescent display (VFD) and function switches. The
CMTC, CT consists of a electronic module that dis-
plays compass, trip computer (CMTC only), and tem-
perature features. Actuating the STEP push button
(CMTC only) will cause the CMTC to change mode of
operation when ignition is ON. Actuating the STEP
push button (CMTC only) will cause the CMTC to
change mode of operation when ignition is ON.
Example:
²Average miles per gallon (ECO)
²Distance to empty (DTE)
²Instant miles per gallon (ECO)
²Trip odometer (ODO)
²Elapsed time (ET)
²Off
Actuating the C/T push button will cause the
CMTC, CT to change to Compass/Temperature dis-
play.
OPERATION
The Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC), Com-
pass Temperature (CT) module in the overhead con-
sole has buttons used to select various functions. The
CMTC, CT selector buttons will not operate until the
ignition is in the RUN position.
When the ignition switch is first turned to the
RUN position the CMTC, CT display;
²Blanks momentarily
²All segments of the VFD will light for one sec-
ond
²Blanks momentarily
²Returns to the last mode setting selected before
the ignition was last switched OFF.
RSMESSAGE SYSTEMS8M-9
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFO CENTER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Hoist vehicle or support on jack stands.
(3) Disconnect the hose from the nozzle inlet. To
disconnect the headlamp washer hose, push down on
the latch with slight force and pull apart.
(4) Apply a regulated 20 psi of compressed air to
the inlet, so as to fully extend the telescopic unit.
WARNING: IF MORE THAN 20 PSI IS APPLIED TO
THE WASHER INLET, WASHER FLUID MAY SPRAY
OUT OF THE HEADLAMP WASHER. WEAR SAFETY
GLASSES AND DO NOT HAVE AIMING DIRECTLY
TOWARD FACE.
(5) Unsnap cover from telescopic assembly.
(6) Disconnect air supply from washer inlet to fully
retract the telescopic unit.
(7) Remove two screws holding the nozzle assem-
bly to the front fascia.
(8) Remove the nozzle assembly from behind fas-
cia.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place the nozzle assembly in behind the fascia.
(2) Install the two screws holding the nozzle
assembly to the front fascia.
(3) Snap cover onto telescopic assembly.
WARNING: IF MORE THAN 20 PSI IS APPLIED TO
THE WASHER INLET, WASHER FLUID MAY SPRAY
OUT OF THE HEADLAMP WASHER. WEAR SAFETY
GLASSES AND DO NOT HAVE AIMING DIRECTLY
TOWARD FACE.
On the new washer unit, there is a white tab with
pull ring holding the telescopic unit up approxi-
mately an inch. This is to ease the installation pro-
cess. Once cover is snapped on, you may either pull
up on the unit to remove the tab, or apply regulated
compressed air.
(4) Apply a regulated 20 psi of compressed air the
inlet, so as to fully extend the telescopic unit.
(5) With unit extended, pull white tab out from the
bottom of the telescopic unit and discard.
(6) Remove the air supply from the washer unit.
(7) Connect the washer hose to the telescopic unit.
Press firmly until snap is heard.
(8) Remove vehicle from hoist or jack stands.
(9) Connect the battery negative cable.
(10) Verify vehicle and system operation.
HEADLAMP WASHER HOSE -
EXPORT
REMOVAL
The headlamp washer hose is a special high pres-
sure hose with specific fittings, and must be replaced
as a unit.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Hoist vehicle or support on jack stands.
(3) Remove parts as necessary to replace high
pressure headlamp washer hose. When disconnecting
hose, press down firmly on latch at headlamp washer
pump motor and telescopic washer assembly and pull
apart.
INSTALLATION
The headlamp washer hose is a special high pres-
sure hose with specific fittings, and must be replaced
as a unit.
(1) Install the new high pressure headlamp
washer hose assembly. Push fitting on until a snap is
heard.
(2) Install the parts that were removed to replace
high pressure headlamp washer hose.
(3) Remove vehicle from hoist or jack stands.
(4) Connect the battery negative cable.
(5) Verify vehicle and system operation.
HEADLAMP WASHER PUMP
MOTOR - EXPORT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the engine fresh air housing inside the
engine compartment (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER HOUSING -
REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the washer hose at the in-line con-
nector forward of the cowl grille so that the in-line
connector remains with the washer hose from the
fresh air plenum.
(4) Disconnect the washer hose from the hose clip
located on the front fender side shield.
(5) Remove the filler tube screw.
(6) Hoist and support vehicle on hoist or jack
stands.
(7) Remove the right front wheel and tire assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - REMOVAL).
(8) Disconnect the left right front wheelhouse
splash shield and move aside (Refer to 23 - BODY/
EXTERIOR/WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD -
REMOVAL).
8R - 12 WIPERS/WASHERSRS
HEADLAMP WASHERS - EXPORT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(9) Drain washer fluid from the reservoir and into
a suitable clean container. This can be done by dis-
connecting the windshield washer hose from the
front (outboard) washer pump and allowing the
washer fluid to drain into a container through a tem-
porary jumper hose connected to the front washer
pump.
(10) Disconnect the rear washer pump hose from
washer pump.
(11) Disconnect the high pressure headlamp
washer pump hose by pressing down firmly on latch
and pulling hose off.
(12) Disconnect the electrical body harness connec-
tors to the washer pump motors and the fluid level
sensor. Slide the red lock on the connector to the
release position, then, depress the black tab and pull
the connector off the pump or sensor.
(13) Remove the two reservoir mounting screws.
(14) Disconnect the reservoir from the body mount
by raising the reservoir upward slightly and then
down so that the reservoir filler neck and front
washer hose pull through the opening in the front
fender side shield.
(15) Remove pump from reservoir by pulling pump
up and away from reservoir cavity and out of mount-
ing grommet. Do not damage reservoir/pump sealing
surface or puncture reservoir during removal.
(16) Remove pump grommet and discard.
INSTALLATION
(1) Use new grommet when installing a new pump
assembly.
(2) Assure pump upper retention tab is pressed
into reservoir slot and assure the pump is aligned to
and fully seated in the reservoir cavity.
(3) Push filler neck and front washer hose through
the opening in the front fender side shield. Connect
the reservoir to the body mount by lowering the res-
ervoir down.
(4) Install the two reservoir mounting screws.
Torque screws to 8.5 - 11.3 N´m (75 - 100 in. lbs.).
(5) Connect the electrical body harness connectors
to the washer pump motors and the fluid level sen-
sor. Slide the red lock on the connector to the closed
or locked position.
(6) Connect front and rear washer pump hoses and
assure that they are properly routed to prevent
pinching and possible inoperative washers.
(7) Connect the high pressure headlamp washer
hose by firmly pushing hose onto inlet until a snap is
heard.
(8) Connect the left right front wheelhouse splash
shield and move aside (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLA-
TION).(9) Install the right front wheel and tire assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - INSTALLATION).
(10) lower vehicle from hoist or jack stands.
(11) Install the filler tube screw. Torque screw to
8.5 - 11.3 N´m (75 - 100 in. lbs.).
(12) Connect the washer hose to the hose clip
located on the front fender side shield.
(13) Connect the washer hose at the in-line con-
nector forward of the cowl grille.
(14) Install the engine fresh air housing inside the
engine compartment (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER HOUSING -
INSTALLATION).
(15) Connect the battery negative cable.
(16) Verify vehicle and system operation.
REAR WASHER PUMP MOTOR
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the engine fresh air housing inside the
engine compartment (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER HOUSING -
REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the washer hose at the in-line con-
nector forward of the cowl grille so that the in-line
connector remains with the washer hose from the
fresh air plenum.
(4) Disconnect the washer hose from the hose clip
located on the front fender side shield.
(5) Remove the filler tube screw.
(6) Hoist and support vehicle on hoist or jack
stands.
(7) Remove the right front wheel and tire assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - REMOVAL).
(8) Disconnect the left right front wheelhouse
splash shield and move aside (Refer to 23 - BODY/
EXTERIOR/WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD -
REMOVAL).
(9) Drain washer fluid from the reservoir and into
a suitable clean container. This can be done by dis-
connecting the windshield washer hose from the
front (outboard) washer pump and allowing the
washer fluid to drain into a container through a tem-
porary jumper hose connected to the front washer
pump.
(10) Disconnect the electrical body harness connec-
tors to the washer pump motors and the fluid level
sensor. Slide the red lock on the connector to the
release position, then, depress the black tab and pull
the connector off the pump or sensor.
(11) Remove the two reservoir mounting screws.
RSWIPERS/WASHERS8R-13
HEADLAMP WASHER PUMP MOTOR - EXPORT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OIL CONSUMPTION OR SPARK
PLUGS FOULED1. PCV system malfunction. 1. Check system and repair as
necessary. (Refer to 25 -
EMISSIONS CONTROL/
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS/PCV
VALVE - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
2. Worn, scuffed or broken rings. 2. Hone cylinder bores. Install new
rings.
3. Carbon in oil ring slots. 3. Install new rings.
4. Rings fitted too tightly in grooves. 4. Remove rings and check
grooves. If groove is not proper
width, replace piston.
5. Worn valve guide(s). 5. Replace cylinder head assembly.
6. Valve stem seal(s) worn or
damaged.6. Replace seal(s).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE OIL LEAK
INSPECTION
Begin with a thorough visual inspection of the
engine, particularly at the area of the suspected leak.
If an oil leak source is not readily identifiable, the
following steps should be followed:
(1) Do not clean or degrease the engine at this
time because some solvents may cause rubber to
swell, temporarily stopping the leak.
(2) Add an oil soluble dye (use as recommended by
manufacturer). Start the engine and let idle for
approximately 15 minutes. Check the oil dipstick to
make sure the dye is thoroughly mixed as indicated
with a bright yellow color under a black light.
(3) Using a black light, inspect the entire engine
for fluorescent dye, particularly at the suspected area
of oil leak. If the oil leak is found and identified,
repair as necessary.
(4) If dye is not observed, drive the vehicle at var-
ious speeds for approximately 24 km (15 miles), and
repeat inspection.
(5)If the oil leak source is not positively
identified at this time, proceed with the air leak
detection test method as follows:
²Disconnect the fresh air hose (make-up air) at
the cylinder head cover and plug or cap the nipple on
the cover.
²Remove the PCV valve hose from the cylinder
head cover. Cap or plug the PCV valve nipple on the
cover.
²Attach an air hose with pressure gauge and reg-
ulator to the dipstick tube.
CAUTION: Do not subject the engine assembly to
more than 20.6 kpa (3 PSI) of test pressure.²Gradually apply air pressure from 1 psi to 2.5
psi maximum while applying soapy water at the sus-
pected source. Adjust the regulator to the suitable
test pressure that provides the best bubbles which
will pinpoint the leak source. If the oil leak is
detected and identified, repair per service manual
procedures.
²If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil
seal area, refer to the section, Inspection for Rear
Seal Area Leak.
(6) If no leaks are detected, turn off the air supply.
Remove the air hose, all plugs, and caps. Install the
PCV valve and fresh air hose (make-up air). Proceed
to next step.
(7) Clean the oil off the suspect oil leak area using
a suitable solvent. Drive the vehicle at various
speeds approximately 24 km (15 miles). Inspect the
engine for signs of an oil leak by using a black light.
NOTE: If oil leakage is observed at the dipstick tube
to block location; remove the tube, clean and reseal
using MoparTStud & Bearing Mount (press fit tube
applications only), and for O-ring style tubes,
remove tube and replace the O-ring seal.
INSPECTION FOR REAR SEAL AREA LEAKS
Since it is sometimes difficult to determine the
source of an oil leak in the rear seal area of the
engine, a more involved inspection is necessary. The
following steps should be followed to help pinpoint
the source of the leak.
If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil seal
area:
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle.
9 - 8 ENGINE 2.4LRS
ENGINE 2.4L (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

NOTE: Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets require
a scratch free sealing surface.
Only use the following for cleaning gasket surfaces:
²Solvent or a commercially available gasket
remover
²Plastic or wood scraper (Fig. 3)
²Drill motor with 3M RolocŸ Bristle Disc (white
or yellow) (Fig. 3)
CAUTION: Excessive pressure or high RPM (beyond
the recommended speed), can damage the sealing
surfaces. The mild (white, 120 grit) bristle disc is
recommended. If necessary, the medium (yellow, 80
grit) bristle disc may be used on cast iron surfaces
with care.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
BEARING CLEARANCE USING PLASTIGAGE
Engine crankshaft bearing clearances can be deter-
mined by use of Plastigage or equivalent. The follow-
ing is the recommended procedure for the use of
Plastigage:
(1) Remove oil film from surface to be checked.
Plastigage is soluble in oil.(2) Place a piece of Plastigage across the entire
width of the bearing shell in the cap approximately
6.35 mm (1/4 in.) off center and away from the oil
holes (Fig. 4). (In addition, suspected areas can be
checked by placing the Plastigage in the suspected
area). Torque the bearing cap bolts of the bearing
being checked to the proper specifications.
(3) Remove the bearing cap and compare the
width of the flattened Plastigage with the metric
scale provided on the package. Locate the band clos-
est to the same width. This band shows the amount
of clearance in thousandths of a millimeter. Differ-
ences in readings between the ends indicate the
amount of taper present. Record all readings taken.
Compare clearance measurements to specs found in
engine specifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECI-
FICATIONS).Plastigage generally is accompa-
nied by two scales. One scale is in inches, the
other is a metric scale.
NOTE: Plastigage is available in a variety of clear-
ance ranges. Use the most appropriate range for
the specifications you are checking.
(4) Install the proper crankshaft bearings to
achieve the specified bearing clearances.
Fig. 3 Proper Tool Usage For Surface Preparation
1 - ABRASIVE PAD
2 - 3M ROLOCŸ BRISTLE DISC
3 - PLASTIC/WOOD SCRAPER
Fig. 4 Plastigage Placed in Lower ShellÐTypical
1 - PLASTIGAGE
9 - 12 ENGINE 2.4LRS
ENGINE 2.4L (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

REMOVAL - ENGINE ASSEMBLY
(1) Perform fuel pressure release procedure (Refer
to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(3) Remove air cleaner housing and inlet tube.
(4) Disconnect the fuel line from fuel rail. (Refer to
14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/FUEL LINES
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(5) Disconnect all vacuum hoses.
(6) Drain cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(7) Remove radiator fans. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove radiator upper and lower hoses.
NOTE: When the transaxle cooler lines are removed
from the rolled-groove type fittings at the transaxle,
damage to the inner wall of the hose will occur. To
prevent prevent potential leakage, the cooler hoses
must be cut off flush at the transaxle fitting, and a
service cooler hose splice kit must be installed
upon reassembly.(9) Using a blade or suitable hose cutter, cut trans-
axle oil cooler lines off flush with fittings. Plug cooler
lines and fittings to prevent debris from entering
transaxle or cooler circuit. A service splice kit will be
installed upon reassembly.
(10) Disconnect transmission shift linkage and
electrical connectors.
(11) Disconnect throttle body linkage.
(12) Disconnect engine wiring harness.
(13) Disconnect heater hoses from heater (Fig. 5).
(14) Discharge air conditioning system. (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(15) Hoist vehicle and remove front wheels and
tires.
(16) Remove accessory drive belt splash shield.
(17) Remove accessory drive belts. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
Fig. 5 HEATER HOSES - 2.4L
1 - HEATER HOSES TO HEATER 3 - HEATER HOSE TO ENGINE - SUPPLY AND RETURN
2 - BOLT - HEATER TUBE SUPPORT
RSENGINE 2.4L9-13
ENGINE 2.4L (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OIL CONSUMPTION OR SPARK
PLUGS FOULED1. PCV system malfunction. 1. Check system and repair as
necessary. (Refer to 25 -
EMISSIONS CONTROL/
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS/PCV
VALVE - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING)
2. Worn, scuffed or broken rings. 2. Hone cylinder bores. Install new
rings.
3. Carbon in oil ring slots. 3. Install new rings.
4. Rings fitted too tightly in grooves. 4. Remove rings and check
grooves. If groove is not proper
width, replace piston.
5. Worn valve guide(s). 5. Replace cylinder head assembly.
6. Valve stem seal(s) worn or
damaged.6. Replace seal(s).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE OIL LEAK
INSPECTION
Begin with a thorough visual inspection of the
engine, particularly at the area of the suspected leak.
If an oil leak source is not readily identifiable, the
following steps should be followed:
(1) Do not clean or degrease the engine at this
time because some solvents may cause rubber to
swell, temporarily stopping the leak.
(2) Add an oil soluble dye (use as recommended by
manufacturer). Start the engine and let idle for
approximately 15 minutes. Check the oil dipstick to
make sure the dye is thoroughly mixed as indicated
with a bright yellow color under a black light.
(3) Using a black light, inspect the entire engine
for fluorescent dye, particularly at the suspected area
of oil leak. If the oil leak is found and identified,
repair as necessary.
(4) If dye is not observed, drive the vehicle at var-
ious speeds for approximately 24 km (15 miles), and
repeat inspection.
(5)If the oil leak source is not positively
identified at this time, proceed with the air leak
detection test method as follows:
²Disconnect the fresh air hose (make-up air) at
the cylinder head cover and plug or cap the nipple on
the cover.
²Remove the PCV valve hose from the cylinder
head cover. Cap or plug the PCV valve nipple on the
cover.
²Attach an air hose with pressure gauge and reg-
ulator to the dipstick tube.
CAUTION: Do not subject the engine assembly to
more than 20.6 kpa (3 PSI) of test pressure.²Gradually apply air pressure from 1 psi to 2.5
psi maximum while applying soapy water at the sus-
pected source. Adjust the regulator to the suitable
test pressure that provides the best bubbles which
will pinpoint the leak source. If the oil leak is
detected and identified, repair per service manual
procedures.
²If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil
seal area, refer to the section, Inspection for Rear
Seal Area Leak.
(6) If no leaks are detected, turn off the air supply.
Remove the air hose, all plugs, and caps. Install the
PCV valve and fresh air hose (make-up air). Proceed
to next step.
(7) Clean the oil off the suspect oil leak area using
a suitable solvent. Drive the vehicle at various
speeds approximately 24 km (15 miles). Inspect the
engine for signs of an oil leak by using a black light.
NOTE: If oil leakage is observed at the dipstick tube
to block location; remove the tube, clean and reseal
using MoparTStud & Bearing Mount (press fit tube
applications only), and for O-ring style tubes,
remove tube and replace the O-ring seal.
INSPECTION FOR REAR SEAL AREA LEAKS
Since it is sometimes difficult to determine the
source of an oil leak in the rear seal area of the
engine, a more involved inspection is necessary. The
following steps should be followed to help pinpoint
the source of the leak.
If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil seal
area:
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle.
9 - 82 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

Calibrate the tester according to the manufactur-
er's instructions. The shop air source for testing
should maintain 483 kPa (70 psi) minimum, 1,379
kPa (200 psi) maximum, with 552 kPa (80 psi) rec-
ommended.
Perform the test procedures on each cylinder
according to the tester manufacturer's instructions.
While testing, listen for pressurized air escaping
through the throttle body, tailpipe and oil filler cap
opening. Check for bubbles in the coolant.
All gauge pressure indications should be equal,
with no more than 25% leakage per cylinder.
FOR EXAMPLE:At 552 kPa (80 psi) input pres-
sure, a minimum of 414 kPa (60 psi) should be main-
tained in the cylinder.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
BEARING CLEARANCE USING PLASTIGAGE
Engine crankshaft bearing clearances can be deter-
mined by use of Plastigage or equivalent. The follow-
ing is the recommended procedure for the use of
Plastigage:
(1) Remove oil film from surface to be checked.
Plastigage is soluble in oil.
(2) Place a piece of Plastigage across the entire
width of the bearing shell in the cap approximately
6.35 mm (1/4 in.) off center and away from the oil
holes (Fig. 3). (In addition, suspected areas can be
checked by placing the Plastigage in the suspected
area). Torque the bearing cap bolts of the bearing
being checked to the proper specifications.
(3) Remove the bearing cap and compare the
width of the flattened Plastigage with the metric
scale provided on the package. Locate the band clos-est to the same width. This band shows the amount
of clearance in thousandths of a millimeter. Differ-
ences in readings between the ends indicate the
amount of taper present. Record all readings taken.
Compare clearance measurements to specs found in
engine specifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECI-
FICATIONS).Plastigage generally is accompa-
nied by two scales. One scale is in inches, the
other is a metric scale.
NOTE: Plastigage is available in a variety of clear-
ance ranges. Use the most appropriate range for
the specifications you are checking.
(4) Install the proper crankshaft bearings to
achieve the specified bearing clearances.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FORM-IN-PLACE
GASKETS AND SEALERS
There are numerous places where form-in-place
gaskets are used on the engine. Care must be taken
when applying form-in-place gaskets to assure
obtaining the desired results.Do not use form-in-
place gasket material unless specified.Bead size,
continuity, and location are of great importance. Too
thin a bead can result in leakage while too much can
result in spill-over which can break off and obstruct
fluid feed lines. A continuous bead of the proper
width is essential to obtain a leak-free gasket.
There are numerous types of form-in-place gasket
materials that are used in the engine area. Mopart
Engine RTV GEN II, MopartATF-RTV, and Mopart
Gasket Maker gasket materials, each have different
properties and can not be used in place of the other.
MOPARtENGINE RTV GEN IIis used to seal
components exposed to engine oil. This material is a
specially designed black silicone rubber RTV that
retains adhesion and sealing properties when
exposed to engine oil. Moisture in the air causes the
material to cure. This material is available in three
ounce tubes and has a shelf life of one year. After one
year this material will not properly cure. Always
inspect the package for the expiration date before
use.
MOPARtATF RTVis a specifically designed
black silicone rubber RTV that retains adhesion and
sealing properties to seal components exposed to
automatic transmission fluid, engine coolants, and
moisture. This material is available in three ounce
tubes and has a shelf life of one year. After one year
this material will not properly cure. Always inspect
the package for the expiration date before use.
MOPARtGASKET MAKERis an anaerobic type
gasket material. The material cures in the absence of
air when squeezed between two metallic surfaces. It
will not cure if left in the uncovered tube. The
Fig. 3 Plastigage Placed in Lower ShellÐTypical
1 - PLASTIGAGE
9 - 84 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
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