
(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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(1) For main bearing fitting procedure, (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT MAIN
BEARINGS - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Start bearing in place, and insert Main Bearing
Tool C-3059 into oil hole of crankshaft (Fig. 71).
(3) Slowly rotate crankshaft counterclockwise slid-
ing the bearing into position. Remove Special Main
Bearing Tool C-3059.
(4) Inspect main cap bolts for stretching (Fig. 72).
Replace bolts that are stretched.
NOTE: The main cap bolts should be examined
before reuse. Bolt stretch can be checked by hold-
ing a scale or straight edge against the threads. If
all the threads do not contact the scale the bolt
must be replaced (Fig. 72).
(5) Install each main cap and tighten bolts finger
tight.
(6) Tighten number 1, 3 and 4 main cap bolts to 41
N´m + 1/4 Turn (30 ft. lbs.+ 1/4 Turn).
(7) Rotate the crankshaft until the number 6 pis-
ton is at TDC.
(8) To ensure correct thrust bearing alignment the
following procedure must be done:
a. Move crankshaft all the way to the rear of its
travel.
b. Then, move crankshaft all the way to the front
of its travel.
c. Wedge an appropriate tool between the rear of
the cylinder block and rear crankshaft counter-
weight. This will hold the crankshaft in it's most for-
ward position.
d. Tighten the #2 Thrust Bearing cap bolts to 41
N´m + 1/4 Turn (30 ft. lbs.+ 1/4 Turn). Remove the
holding tool.
(9) Install oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION)
(10) Fill engine crankcase with proper oil to cor-
rect level.CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - 3.3L
The nodular iron crankshaft is supported by four
main bearings, with number two position the thrust
bearing (Fig. 75). Crankshaft end sealing is provided
by front and rear rubber seals.
DESCRIPTION - 3.8L
The nodular iron crankshaft is supported by four
main bearings, with number two position providing
thrust bearing location (Fig. 76). Each main bearing
cap has two vertical retaining bolts. The two center
main caps have horizontal bolts to add increased
rigidity to the lower engine block (Fig. 76). Crank-
shaft end sealing is provided by front and rear rub-
ber seals.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
CRANKSHAFT END PLAY
(1) Mount a dial indicator to front of engine with
the locating probe on nose of crankshaft (Fig. 73).
(2) Move crankshaft all the way to the rear of its
travel.
(3) Zero the dial indicator.
(4) Move crankshaft all the way to the front and
read the dial indicator. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
SPECIFICATIONS) for end play specification.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the engine assembly (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - REMOVAL).
(2) Separate transaxle from engine.
(3) Mount engine on an engine stand.
(4) Remove the oil filter.
Fig. 72 Check for Stretched (Necked) Bolts
1 - STRETCHED BOLT
2 - THREADS ARE NOT STRAIGHT ON LINE
3 - THREADS ARE STRAIGHT ON LINE
4 - UNSTRETCHED BOLT
Fig. 73 Checking Crankshaft End PlayÐTypical
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 125
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS (Continued)
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OIL
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL AND
FILTER CHANGE
Change engine oil at mileage and time intervals
described in the Maintenance Schedule. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/MAINTE-
NANCE SCHEDULES - DESCRIPTION)
WARNING: NEW OR USED ENGINE OIL CAN BE
IRRITATING TO THE SKIN. AVOID PROLONGED OR
REPEATED SKIN CONTACT WITH ENGINE OIL.
CONTAMINANTS IN USED ENGINE OIL, CAUSED BY
INTERNAL COMBUSTION, CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO
YOUR HEALTH. THOROUGHLY WASH EXPOSED
SKIN WITH SOAP AND WATER. DO NOT WASH
SKIN WITH GASOLINE, DIESEL FUEL, THINNER, OR
SOLVENTS, HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN RESULT. DO
NOT POLLUTE, DISPOSE OF USED ENGINE OIL
PROPERLY. CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR GOVERN-
MENT AGENCY FOR LOCATION OF COLLECTION
CENTER IN YOUR AREA.
Run engine until achieving normal operating tem-
perature.
(1) Position the vehicle on a level surface and turn
engine off.
(2) Open hood, remove oil fill cap (Fig. 96).
(3) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
Refer to Hoisting and Jacking Recommendations.
(Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOIST-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(4) Place a suitable drain pan under crankcase
drain (Fig. 95).
(5) Remove drain plug from crankcase (Fig. 95)
and allow oil to drain into pan. Inspect drain plug
threads for stretching or other damage. Replace
drain plug and gasket if damaged.
(6) Remove oil filter. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL FILTER - REMOVAL)
(7) Install and tighten drain plug in crankcase.(8) Install new oil filter. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL FILTER - INSTALLATION)
(9) Lower vehicle and fill crankcase with specified
type and amount of engine oil. (Refer to LUBRICA-
TION & MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES -
DESCRIPTION)
(10) Install oil fill cap.
(11) Start engine and inspect for leaks.
(12) Stop engine and inspect oil level.
NOTE: Care should be exercised when disposing
used engine oil after it has been drained from a
vehicle engine. Refer to the WARNING listed above.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL LEVEL
CHECK
The best time to check engine oil level is after it
has sat overnight, or if the engine has been running,
allow the engine to be shut off for at least 5 minutes
before checking oil level.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level
ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level
reading (Fig. 96). Add only when the level is at or
below the ADD mark.
Fig. 95 Engine Oil Drain Plug and Oil Filter
1 - DRAIN PLUG
2 - OIL FILTER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 137
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OIL COOLER & LINES
DESCRIPTION
An engine oil cooler is used on 3.3/3.8L engines
(Heavy Duty Cooling Only) (Fig. 98). The cooler is a
coolant-to-oil type and mounted between the oil filter
and engine block.
OPERATION
Engine oil travels from the oil filter and into the
oil cooler. Engine oil then exits the cooler into the
main gallery. Engine coolant flows into the cooler
from the heater return tube and exits into the water
pump inlet.
REMOVAL
(1) Drain cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING SYSTEM
DRAINING).
(2) Disconnect oil cooler inlet and outlet hoses
(Fig. 97).
(3) Remove oil filter.
(4) Remove oil cooler attachment fitting (Fig. 98).
(5) Remove oil cooler.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate seal and position oil cooler to connec-
tor fitting on oil filter adapter (Fig. 98).NOTE: Position the flat side of oil cooler parallel to
oil pan rail.
(2) Install oil cooler attachment fitting and tighten
to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 98).
(3) Install oil filter.
(4) Connect oil cooler inlet and outlet hoses (Fig.
97).
Fig. 96 Engine Oil Level Dipstick and Fill Locations
1 - COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER 3 - ENGINE OIL LEVEL DIPSTICK
2 - ENGINE OIL FILL CAP 4 - RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
Fig. 97 Engine Oil Cooler Hoses
1 - OIL COOLER INLET TUBE
2 - INLET HOSE
3 - OIL COOLER OUTLET TUBE
4 - OUTLET HOSE
5 - WATER PUMP INLET TUBE
9 - 138 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
OIL (Continued)
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(5) Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING SYSTEM
FILLING).
OIL FILTER
REMOVAL
CAUTION: When servicing the oil filter avoid
deforming the filter can by installing the remove/in-
stall tool band strap against the can-to-base lock
seam. The lock seam joining the can to the base is
reinforced by the base plate.
(1) Using suitable oil filter wrench, turn filter
counterclockwise to remove from oil filter adapter
(Fig. 99). Properly discard used oil filter.
INSTALLATION
(1) Wipe oil filter adapter base clean and inspect
gasket contact surface.
(2) Lubricate gasket of new filter with clean
engine oil.
(3) Install new filter until gasket contacts base
(Fig. 99). Tighten filter 1 turn or 20 N´m (15 ft. lbs.).
Use filter wrench if necessary.
(4) Start engine and check for leaks.
OIL FILTER ADAPTER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove the oil filter.
(3) Disconnect oil pressure switch electrical con-
nector.
(4) Remove oil filter adapter attaching bolts (Fig.
99).
(5) Remove oil filter adapter and seal (Fig. 99).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean oil filter adapter and install new seal.
(2) Position adapter on engine block and install
bolts (Fig. 99).
(3) Tighten adapter bolts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(4) Connect oil pressure switch electrical connector
(Fig. 99).
(5) Install the oil filter.
(6) Lower vehicle on hoist.
(7) Start engine and allow to run approximately 2
minutes.
(8) Turn off engine and check oil level. Adjust oil
level as necessary.
Fig. 98 Engine Oil Cooler - 3.3/3.8L (Heavy Duty
Cooling)
1 - OIL FILTER ADAPTER
2 - CONNECTOR
3 - ENGINE OIL COOLER
4 - OIL COOLER ATTACHMENT FITTING
5 - OIL FILTER
Fig. 99 OIL FILTER ADAPTER
1 - SEAL
2 - OIL FILTER ADAPTER
3 - OIL FILTER
4 - BOLT
5 - OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
6 - BOLT
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 139
OIL COOLER & LINES (Continued)
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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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(17) Remove the water pump for cover removal
clearance. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/WATER
PUMP - REMOVAL)
(18) Remove the bolt attaching the power steering
pump support strut to the front cover (Fig. 137).
(19) Remove the timing chain cover fasteners.
Remove timing chain cover (Fig. 138).
INSTALLATION
(1) Be sure mating surfaces of chain case cover
and cylinder block are clean and free from burrs.
Crankshaft oil seal must be removed to insure cor-
rect oil pump engagement.
NOTE: DO NOT USE SEALER ON COVER GASKET
(2) Position new gasket on timing cover (Fig. 138).
Adhere new gasket to chain case cover, making sure
that the lower edge of the gasket is flush to 0.5 mm
(0.020 in.) passed the lower edge of the cover.
(3) Rotate crankshaft so that the oil pump drive
flats are in the vertical position.
(4) Position oil pump inner rotor so the mating
flats are in the same position as the crankshaft drive
flats (Fig. 138).
CAUTION: Make sure the oil pump is engaged on
the crankshaft correctly or severe damage may
result.
(5) Install timing cover (Fig. 138).
(6) Install timing chain cover bolts. Tighten M8
bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) and M10 bolts to 54 N´m
(40 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 139).
(7) Install crankshaft front oil seal. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - FRONT - INSTALLATION)
(8) Install water pump and pulley. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/WATER PUMP - INSTALLA-
TION)(9) Install crankshaft vibration damper. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
INSTALLATION)
(10) Install engine mount bracket (Fig. 136) and
tighten M10 to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.), M8 bolt to 28
N´m (21 ft. lb. lbs.).
(11) Install idler pulley on engine mount bracket
(Fig. 136).
(12) Install right side engine mount. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE MOUNTING/RIGHT MOUNT -
INSTALLATION)
(13) Install camshaft position sensor (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL/CAMSHAFT
POSITION SENSOR - INSTALLATION).
(14) Connect the heater return hose at rear of tim-
ing chain cover (Fig. 134) or at water pump inlet
tube (if engine oil cooler equipped) (Fig. 135).
(15) Connect the radiator lower hose.
(16) Install A/C compressor.
(17) Install accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION)
(18) Install oil pump pick-up tube with new
O-ring. Tighten attaching bolt to 28 N´m (250 in.
lbs.).
(19) Install oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION)
(20) Install inner splash shield and right front
wheel.
(21) Fill crankcase with engine oil to proper level.
(22) Fill cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(23) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 137 Power Steering Pump Strut
1 - BOLT - LOWER
2 - STRUT - P/S PUMP
3 - BOLT - UPPER
Fig. 138 Timing Chain Cover and Gasket
1 - GASKET
2 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 155
TIMING CHAIN COVER (Continued)
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OPERATION
Heat shields are needed to protect both the vehicle
and the environment from the high temperatures
developed near the catalytic converter.
Avoid application of rust prevention com-
pounds or undercoating materials to exhaust
system floor pan heat shields on cars so
equipped. Light over spray near the edges is
permitted. Application of coating will greatly
reduce the efficiency of the heat shields result-
ing in excessive floor pan temperatures and
objectionable fumes.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove fasteners attaching applicable heat
shield (Fig. 7), (Fig. 8), or (Fig. 9).
(3) Remove heat shield(s).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position heat shield(s) to underbody.
(2) Install heat shield fasteners and tighten to 2.6
N´m (23 in. lbs.) (Fig. 7), (Fig. 8), or (Fig. 9).
(3) Lower vehicle.
MUFFLER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on a body contact type hoist.
NOTE: To provide removal clearance between muf-
fler/resonator pipe and rear axle parts, the rear sus-
pension must be relieved of all body weight.
(2) Apply a penetrating oil to clamp nuts of com-
ponent requiring removal.
CAUTION: When servicing the exhaust system, care
must be exercised not to dent or bend the bellows
of the flex-joint. Should this occur, the flex-joint will
eventually fail, requiring replacement of the cata-
lytic converter.
(3) Disconnect the right side axle half shaft from
the rear differential module (AWD equipped only).
(4) Loosen the band clamp (Fig. 10) at the muffler
to converter pipe connection.
(5) Remove the exhaust hangers to body screws
(Fig. 10).
(6) Separate muffler pipe from converter pipe.
(7) Remove muffler/resonator assembly by moving
assembly forward and guiding the resonator through
the rear axle to body opening.
(8) Clean ends of pipes or muffler to assure mat-
ing of all parts. Discard broken or worn insulators,
rusted clamps, supports and attaching parts.When
replacement is required on any component of
the exhaust system, it is important that original
equipment parts (or equivalent) be used for the
following conditions:
²Ensure proper alignment with other components
in the system.
²Provide acceptable exhaust noise levels.
²Provide proper exhaust system back pressure for
maintaining emission and performance levels.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the muffler/resonator assembly by guid-
ing resonator between the rear axle and body.
(2) Connect the muffler pipe to the converter pipe
but do not tighten band clamp (Fig. 10).
(3) Position hangers to body and install screws
starting at the resonator working forward (Fig. 10).
Tighten hanger screws to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
Fig. 8 MUFFLER HEAT SHIELD
1 - HEAT SHIELD - MUFFLER
2 - SCREW (QTY. 6)
Fig. 9 RESONATOR PIPE HEAT SHIELD
1 - SCREW (QTY. 3)
2 - HEAT SHIELD - RESONATOR PIPE
3 - MUFFLER
RSEXHAUST SYSTEM11-7
HEAT SHIELDS (Continued)
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