HYDRAULIC LASH
ADJUSTERS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC LASH
ADJUSTER NOISE DIAGNOSIS
A tappet-like noise may be produced from several
items. Check the following items.
(1) Engine oil level too high or too low. This may
cause aerated oil to enter the adjusters and cause
them to be spongy.
(2) Insufficient running time after rebuilding cylin-
der head. Low speed running up to 1 hour may be
required.
(3) During this time, turn engine off and let set for
a few minutes before restarting. Repeat this several
times after engine has reached normal operating
temperature.
(4) Low oil pressure.
(5) The oil restrictor (integral to the head gasket)
in the vertical oil passage to the cylinder head is
plugged with debris.
(6) Air ingested into oil due to broken or cracked
oil pump pick up.
(7) Worn valve guides.
(8) Rocker arm ears contacting valve spring
retainer.
(9) Rocker arm loose, adjuster stuck or at maxi-
mum extension and still leaves lash in the system.
(10) Faulty lash adjuster.
²Check lash adjusters for sponginess while
installed in cylinder head. Depress part of rocker
arm over adjuster. Normal adjusters should feel very
firm. Spongy adjusters can be bottomed out easily.
²Remove suspected lash adjusters, and replace as
necessary.
REMOVAL
NOTE: This procedure is for in-vehicle service with
camshafts installed.
(1) Remove cylinder head cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove rocker arm. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER ARMS - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove hydraulic lash adjuster (Fig. 37).
(4) Repeat removal procedure for each hydraulic
lash adjuster.
(5) If reusing, mark each hydraulic lash adjuster
for reassembly in original position. Lash adjusters
are serviced as an assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install hydraulic lash adjuster (Fig. 37).
Ensure the lash adjusters are at least partially full of
engine oil. This is indicated by little or no plunger
travel when the lifter is depressed.
(2) Install rocker arm. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYL-
INDER HEAD/ROCKER ARMS - INSTALLATION)
(3) Repeat installation procedure for each hydrau-
lic lash adjuster.
(4) Install cylinder head cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
ROCKER ARMS
REMOVAL
NOTE: This procedure is for in-vehicle service with
camshafts installed.
(1) Remove cylinder head cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove spark plugs.
(3) Rotate engine until the camshaft lobe, on the
follower being removed, is positioned on its base cir-
cle (heel). Also, the piston should be a minimum of
6.3 mm (0.25 in) below TDC position.
CAUTION: If cam follower assemblies are to be
reused, always mark position for reassembly in
their original positions.
(4) Using Special Tools 8215A and 8436 slowly
depress valve assembly until rocker arm can be
removed (Fig. 38).
(5) Repeat removal procedure for each rocker arm.
Fig. 37 Hydraulic Lash Adjuster
9 - 34 ENGINE 2.4LRS
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INSPECTION
Inspect the rocker arm for wear or damage (Fig.
39). Replace as necessary.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate rocker arm with clean engine oil.
(2) Using Special Tools 8215A and 8436 slowly
depress valve assembly until rocker arm can be
installed on the hydraulic lifter and valve stem (Fig.
38).
(3) Repeat installation procedure for each rocker
arm.
(4) Install spark plugs.(5) Install cylinder head cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
ENGINE BLOCK
DESCRIPTION
The cast iron cylinder block is a two-piece assem-
bly, consisting of the cylinder block and bedplate (Fig.
40). The bedplate incorporates the main bearing caps
and bolts to the cylinder block. This design offers a
much stronger lower end and increased cylinder
block rigidity. The rear oil seal retainer is integral
with the block. The bedplate and block are serviced
as an assembly.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CYLINDER BORE
HONING
(1)Used carefully, the cylinder bore resizing hone,
recommended tool C-823 or equivalent, equipped with
220 grit stones, is the best tool for this honing proce-
dure. In addition to deglazing, it will reduce taper and
out-of-round as well as removing light scuffing, scoring
or scratches. Usually a few strokes will clean up a bore
and maintain the required limits.
(2) Deglazing of the cylinder walls may be done
using a cylinder surfacing hone, recommended tool
C-3501 or equivalent, equipped with 280 grit stones,
if the cylinder bore is straight and round. 20±60
strokes depending on the bore condition, will be suf-
ficient to provide a satisfactory surface. Use a light
honing oil.Do not use engine or transmission oil,
mineral spirits or kerosene.Inspect cylinder walls
after each 20 strokes.
(3) Honing should be done by moving the hone up
and down fast enough to get a cross-hatch pattern.
When hone marksintersectat 40-60 degrees, the
cross hatch angle is most satisfactory for proper seat-
ing of rings (Fig. 41).
Fig. 38 Rocker Arm - Removal/Installation
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8215A
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8436
3 - 3/89DRIVE RACHET
Fig. 39 Rocker Arm
1 - TIP
2 - LASH ADJUSTER POCKET
3 - ROLLER
Fig. 40 Cylinder Block and Bedplate
1 - CYLINDER BLOCK
2 - BEDPLATE
RSENGINE 2.4L9-35
ROCKER ARMS (Continued)
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(4) A controlled hone motor speed between
200±300 RPM is necessary to obtain the proper cross-
hatch angle. The number of up and down strokes per
minute can be regulated to get the desired 40±60
degree angle. Faster up and down strokes increase
the cross-hatch angle.
(5) After honing, it is necessary that the block be
cleaned again to remove all traces of abrasive.
CAUTION: Ensure all abrasives are removed from
engine parts after honing. It is recommended that a
solution of soap and hot water be used with a
brush and the parts then thoroughly dried. The bore
can be considered clean when it can be wiped
clean with a white cloth and cloth remains clean.
Oil the bores after cleaning to prevent rusting.
CLEANING
Clean cylinder block thoroughly using a suitable
cleaning solvent.
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.
42) (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. 42). 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).
CRANKSHAFT
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CRANKSHAFT END
PLAY
(1) Using Dial Indicator C-3339 and Mounting
Post L-4438, attach to front of engine, locating probe
perpendicular on nose of crankshaft (Fig. 43).
(2) Move crankshaft all the way to the rear of its
travel.
(3) Zero the dial indicator.
Fig. 41 Cylinder Bore Cross-Hatch Pattern
1 - CROSS-HATCH PATTERN
2 - 40ɱ60É
Fig. 42 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
9 - 36 ENGINE 2.4LRS
ENGINE BLOCK (Continued)
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The crankshaft journals should be checked for
excessive wear, taper and scoring (Fig. 46). Limits of
taper or out of round on any crankshaft journals
should be held to 0.025 mm (0.001 in.). Journal
grinding should not exceed 0.305 mm (0.012 in.)
under the standard journal diameter. DO NOT grind
thrust faces of No. 3 main bearing. DO NOT nick
crank pin or bearing fillets. After grinding, remove
rough edges from crankshaft oil holes and clean out
all passages.
CAUTION: With the nodular cast iron crankshafts, it
is important that the final paper or cloth polish be
in the same direction as normal rotation in the
engine.
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. 47).
Upper and lower Number 3 bearing halves are
flanged to carry the crankshaft thrust loads and are
NOTinterchangeable with any other bearing halves
in the engine (Fig. 47). All bearing cap bolts removedduring 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.
INSTALLATION - CRANKSHAFT
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARING LOCATION
The crankshaft is supported in five main bearings.
All upper and lower bearing shells in the crankcase
have oil grooves and holes (Fig. 48). Crankshaft end
play is controlled by a flanged bearing on the number
three main bearing journal.
Fig. 45 Bedplate Bolt Tightenening Sequence
Fig. 46 Crankshaft Journal Measurements
Fig. 47 Main Bearing Identification
1 - OIL GROOVE
2 - MAIN BEARINGS
3 - OIL HOLE
Fig. 48 Main Bearing Identification
1 - OIL GROOVE
2 - MAIN BEARINGS
3 - OIL HOLE
9 - 38 ENGINE 2.4LRS
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
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(6) Pistons and connecting rods must be removed
from top of cylinder block. Rotate crankshaft so that
each connecting rod is centered in cylinder bore.
(7) Using a permanent ink or paint marker, iden-
tify cylinder number on each connecting rod cap (Fig.
63).
CAUTION: DO NOT use a number stamp or a punch
to mark connecting rods. Damage to connecting
rod could occur.
(8) Remove connecting rod bolts and cap. Care
should be taken not to damage the fracture rod and
cap surfaces.
NOTE: Do not reuse connecting rod bolts.
CAUTION: Care must be taken not to damage the
fractured rod and cap joint surfaces, as engine
damage many occur.
(9) To protect crankshaft journal and fractured rod
surfaces, install Special Tool 8189, connecting rod
guides onto connecting rod (Fig. 64). Carefully push
each piston and rod assembly out of cylinder bore.
(10) Remove Special Tool 8189, connecting rod
guides and re-install bearing cap on the mating rod.
NOTE: Piston and rods are serviced as an assem-
bly.
(11) Repeat procedure for each piston and connect-
ing rod assembly.
(12) Remove piston rings (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON RINGS - REMOVAL).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install piston rings on piston (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON RINGS -
INSTALLATION)
(2) Before installing pistons and connecting rod
assemblies into the bore, be sure that compression
ring gaps are staggered so that neither is in line with
oil ring rail gap (Fig. 65).(3) Before installing the ring compressor, make
sure the oil ring expander ends are butted and the
rail gaps located as shown in (Fig. 65). As viewed
from top.
(4) Immerse the piston head and rings in clean
engine oil, slide the ring compressor, over the piston
(Fig. 66).Be sure position of rings does not
change during this operation.
(5) The directional stamp on the piston should face
toward the front of the engine (Fig. 62).
(6) Rotate crankshaft so that the connecting rod
journal is on the center of the cylinder bore. Lubri-
cate connecting rod journal with clean engine oil.
Fig. 63 Identify Connecting Rod to Cylinder
Fig. 64 Connecting Rod GuidesÐTypical
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8189 CONNECTING ROD GUIDES
Fig. 65 Piston Ring End Gap Position
1 - GAP OF LOWER SIDE RAIL
2 - NO. 1 RING GAP
3 - GAP OF UPPER SIDE RAIL
4 - NO. 2 RING GAP AND SPACER EXPANDER GAP
9 - 44 ENGINE 2.4LRS
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)
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INSTALLATION
(1) Align timing belt tensioner assembly to engine
and install lower mounting boltbut do not tighten
(Fig. 129). To properly align tensioner assemblyÐin-
stall one of the engine bracket mounting bolts (M10)
5 to 7 turns into the tensioner's upper mounting loca-
tion (Fig. 129).
(2) Torque the tensioner's lower mounting bolt to
61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.). Remove the upper bolt used for
tensioner alignment.
(3) Install rear timing belt cover and fasteners.
Torque fasteners to values specified in (Fig. 128).
(4) Install timing belt idler pulley and torque
mounting bolt to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 126).
(5) Install camshaft sprockets. Use Special Tool
6847 to hold sprockets (Fig. 127), torque bolts to 101
N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install the timing belt (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT AND SPROCKETS -
INSTALLATION).
BALANCE SHAFTS AND
CARRIER ASSEMBLY
DESCRIPTION
The 2.4L engine is equipped with two nodular cast
iron balance shafts installed in a cast aluminum car-
rier attached to the lower cylinder block (Fig. 130).
OPERATION
The balance shafts are driven by the crankshaft
via a roller chain and sprockets. The balance shafts
are connected by helical gears. The dual counter
rotating shafts decrease second order vertical shak-
ing forces caused by component movement.
REMOVAL
BALANCE SHAFTS/CHAIN/SPROCKETS
NOTE: For service procedures requiring only tem-
porary relocation of carrier assembly refer to BAL-
ANCE SHAFT CARRIER procedure below.
(1) Drain engine oil.
(2) Remove the oil pan and pick-up tube (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(3) If replacing crankshaft sprocket, remove oil
pump (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL
PUMP - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove chain cover, guide and tensioner (Fig.
131).
(5) Remove screw retaining balance shaft drive
sprocket (Fig. 132). Remove chain and sprocket.
(6) Using two wide pry bars, work the crankshaft
sprocket back and forth until it is off the crankshaft-
shaft.
(7) Remove gear cover retaining stud (double
ended to also retain chain guide). Remove cover and
balance shaft gears (Fig. 133).
(8) Remove rear cover and balance shafts (Fig.
134).
(9) Remove four carrier to crankcase attaching
bolts to separate carrier from engine bedplate.
Fig. 129 Timing Belt Tensioner/Bracket Assembly
1 - BOLT
2 - TENSIONER ASSEMBLY
3 - BOLT-INSTALL FOR PROPER ALIGNMENT
RSENGINE 2.4L9-69
TIMING BELT TENSIONER & PULLEY (Continued)
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INSPECTION.........................142
ASSEMBLY...........................143
INSTALLATION........................144
INTAKE MANIFOLD
DESCRIPTION........................144
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - INTAKE
MANIFOLD LEAKS....................145
INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MANIFOLD
STRIPPED THREAD REPAIR............145
STANDARD PROCEDURE - INTAKE
MANIFOLD VACUUM PORT REPAIR......145
REMOVAL - UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.....145
CLEANING...........................146
INSPECTION.........................146
INSTALLATION - UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD . 147
INTAKE MANIFOLD - LOWER
REMOVAL - LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD....148
CLEANING...........................148
INSPECTION.........................148
INSTALLATION - LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD . 149
EXHAUST MANIFOLD - RIGHT
REMOVAL............................150
CLEANING...........................151INSPECTION.........................151
INSTALLATION........................151
EXHAUST MANIFOLD - LEFT
REMOVAL............................152
CLEANING...........................152
INSPECTION.........................152
INSTALLATION........................152
VALVE TIMING
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VALVE TIMING
VERIFICATION.......................153
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
TIMING CHAIN WEAR.................153
TIMING CHAIN COVER
REMOVAL............................153
INSTALLATION........................155
TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - TIMING CHAIN AND
CAMSHAFT SPROCKET...............156
REMOVAL - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET . . . 156
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET. . 156
INSTALLATION - TIMING CHAIN AND
CAMSHAFT SPROCKET...............157
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L
DESCRIPTION
The 3.3 Liter (201 cu. in.) and 3.8 Liter (231 cu.
in.) engines are 60É V-6 engines with cast iron cylin-
der blocks and aluminum cylinder heads (Fig. 1). The
engine uses a single, block mounted camshaft with
pushrods to actuate the valves. These engines do not
have provisions for a free wheeling valve train.
The firing order is 1±2±3±4±5±6. The cylinders are
numbered from the front of the engine to the rear.
The front cylinder bank is numbered 2, 4, and 6. The
rear cylinder bank is numbered 1, 3, and 5.
The engine identification number is located on the
rear of the cylinder block just below the cylinder
head (Fig. 2).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - INTRODUCTION
Engine diagnosis is helpful in determining the
causes of malfunctions not detected and remedied by
routine maintenance.These malfunctions may be classified as either
mechanical (e.g., a strange noise), or performance
(e.g., engine idles rough and stalls).
Refer to the Engine Mechanical and the Engine
Performance diagnostic charts, for possible causes
and corrections of malfunctions (Refer to 9 - ENGINE
- DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MECHANICAL)
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
- PERFORMANCE).
For fuel system diagnosis, (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
Additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be
necessary for specific engine malfunctions that can-
not be isolated with the Service Diagnosis charts.
Information concerning additional tests and diagno-
sis is provided within the following:
²Cylinder Compression Pressure Test
²Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test
²Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis
²Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis
²Hydraulic Lash Adjuster Noise Diagnosis
²Engine Oil Leak Inspection
9 - 76 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
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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)
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