²Excessive steam (white smoke) emitting from
exhaust
²Coolant foaming
CYLINDER-TO-CYLINDER LEAKAGE TEST
To determine if an engine cylinder head gasket is
leaking between adjacent cylinders, follow the proce-
dures in Cylinder Compression Pressure Test (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). An
engine cylinder head gasket leaking between adja-
cent cylinders will result in approximately a 50±70%
reduction in compression pressure.
CYLINDER-TO-WATER JACKET LEAKAGE TEST
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING WITH COOLANT PRES-
SURE CAP REMOVED.
VISUAL TEST METHOD
With the engine cool, remove the coolant pressure
cap. Start the engine and allow it to warm up until
thermostat opens.
If a large combustion/compression pressure leak
exists, bubbles will be visible in the coolant.COOLING SYSTEM TESTER METHOD
WARNING: WITH COOLING SYSTEM TESTER IN
PLACE, PRESSURE WILL BUILD UP FAST. EXCES-
SIVE PRESSURE BUILT UP, BY CONTINUOUS
ENGINE OPERATION, MUST BE RELEASED TO A
SAFE PRESSURE POINT. NEVER PERMIT PRES-
SURE TO EXCEED 138 kPa (20 psi).
Install Cooling System Tester 7700 or equivalent to
pressure cap neck. Start the engine and observe the
tester's pressure gauge. If gauge pulsates with every
power stroke of a cylinder a combustion pressure
leak is evident.
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) Perform fuel system pressure release procedure
before attempting any repairs.(Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - SPECIFICA-
TIONS)
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(3) Drain cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(4) Remove air filter housing and inlet tube.
(5) Remove upper intake manifold. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL)
(6) Remove heater tube support bracket from cyl-
inder head.
(7) Disconnect radiator upper and heater supply
hoses from intake manifold water outlet connections.
(8) Remove accessory drive belts. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(9) Raise vehicle and remove exhaust pipe from
manifold.
(10) Remove power steering pump reservoir and
line support bracket from lower intake manifold and
set aside. Do not disconnect lines.
(11) Remove ignition coil and wires from engine.
(12) Disconnect cam sensor and fuel injector wir-
ing connectors.
(13) Remove timing belt and camshaft sprockets.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING
BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
(14) Remove timing belt idler pulley and rear tim-
ing belt cover. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIM-
ING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN COVER(S) -
REMOVAL)Fig. 13 Cylinder Head and Camshafts
1 - CAMSHAFT BEARING CAPS
2 - PLUG
3 - CAMSHAFT
4 - CYLINDER HEAD
5 - CAMSHAFT OIL SEAL
RSENGINE 2.4L9-25
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(4) Move crankshaft all the way to the front and
read the dial indicator. Refer to Engine Specifica-
tions.
REMOVAL - CRANKSHAFT
NOTE: Crankshaft can not be removed when engine
is in vehicle.
(1) Remove engine assembly from vehicle (Refer to
9 - ENGINE - REMOVAL).
(2) Separate transaxle from engine.
(3) Remove drive plate/flex plate.
(4) Remove crankshaft rear oil seal (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - REAR - REMOVAL).
(5) Mount engine on a suitable repair stand.
(6) Drain engine oil and remove oil filter.
(7) Remove crankshaft vibration damper (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION
DAMPER - REMOVAL).
(8) Remove engine mount support bracket.
(9) Remove front timing belt covers (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT COVER(S)
- REMOVAL).
(10) Remove the timing belt (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT AND SPROCKETS -
REMOVAL).
(11) Remove the oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(12) Remove oil pump pick-up tube.
(13) Remove the crankshaft sprocket and oil pump
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP -
REMOVAL).
(14) Remove balance shafts and housing assembly
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/BALANCE
SHAFT - REMOVAL).
(15) Remove crankshaft position sensor.NOTE: If piston/connecting rod replacement is nec-
essary, remove cylinder head (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL).
(16) Using a permanent ink or paint marker, iden-
tify cylinder number on each connecting rod cap (Fig.
44).
CAUTION: DO NOT use a number stamp or a punch
to mark connecting rods. Damage to connecting
rod could occur.
(17) Remove all connecting rod bolts and caps.
Care should be taken not to damage the fracture rod
and cap surfaces.
NOTE: Do not reuse connecting rod bolts.
(18) Remove all bedplate bolts from the engine
block (Fig. 45).
(19) Using a mallet gently tap the bedplate loose
from the engine block dowel pins.
CAUTION: Do not pry up on one side of the bed-
plate. Damage may occur to cylinder block to bed-
plate alignment and thrust bearing.
(20) Bedplate should be removed evenly from the
cylinder block dowel pins to prevent damage to the
dowel pins and thrust bearing.
CAUTION: Use extreme care when handling crank-
shaft. Tone wheel damage can occur if crankshaft is
mis-handled.
(21) Lift out crankshaft from cylinder block. Do
not damage the main bearings or journals when
removing the crankshaft.
INSPECTION
For crankshaft specifications (Refer to 9 - ENGINE
- SPECIFICATIONS).
Fig. 43 CHECKING CRANKSHAFT END PLAY
Fig. 44 Identify Connecting Rod to Cylinder
RSENGINE 2.4L9-37
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(13) After the main bearing bedplate is installed,
check the crankshaft turning torque. The turning
torque should not exceed 5.6 N´m (50 in. lbs.).
(14) Check crankshaft end play (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(15) Install connecting rod bearings and caps.Do
Not Reuse Connecting Rod Bolts.Torque connect-
ing rod bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) plus 1/4 turn.
(16) Install balance shafts and housing assembly
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/BALANCE
SHAFT - INSTALLATION).
(17) Install the oil pump (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP - INSTALLATION).
(18) Install oil pump pick-up tube. Torque fastener
to 28 N´m (20 ft.. lbs.).
(19) Install the oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION).
(20) Install crankshaft position sensor.
(21) Install cylinder head if it was removed (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLA-
TION).
(22) Install the timing belt rear cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT COVER(S)
- INSTALLATION).
(23) Install crankshaft sprocket (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT AND
SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION).
(24) Install the timing belt (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT AND SPROCKETS -
INSTALLATION).
(25) Install the timing belt front covers (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT COV-
ER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(26) Install engine mount support bracket.
(27) InstallNEWoil filter.
(28) Install crankshaft rear oil seal (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - REAR - INSTALLATION).
(29) Install flex plate. Apply MopartLock & Seal
Adhesive to bolt threads and tighten to 95 N´m (70
ft. lbs.).
(30) Attach transaxle to engine. Tighten attaching
bolts to 101 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(31) Install the engine assembly (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - INSTALLATION).
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL -
FRONT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the crankshaft vibration damper.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION
DAMPER - REMOVAL)(2) Remove timing belt. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove crankshaft sprocket using Special Tool
6793 and insert C-4685-C2 (Fig. 52).
CAUTION: Do not nick shaft seal surface or seal
bore.
(4) Using Tool 6771 to remove front crankshaft oil
seal (Fig. 53). Be careful not to damage the seal sur-
face of cover.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install new seal by using Special Tool 6780
(Fig. 54).
(2) Place seal into opening with seal spring
towards the inside of engine. Install seal until flush
with cover.
Fig. 52 Crankshaft Sprocket - Removal
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6793
2 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4685±C2
3 - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
Fig. 53 Front Crankshaft Oil Seal - Removal
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6771
2 - REAR TIMING BELT COVER
9 - 40 ENGINE 2.4LRS
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
LUBRICATION
DESCRIPTION
The lubrication system is a full-flow filtration,
pressure feed type. The oil pump is mounted in the
front engine cover and driven by the crankshaft.
OPERATION
Engine oil drawn up through the pickup tube and is
pressurized by the oil pump and routed through the
full-flow filter to the main oil gallery running the
length of the cylinder block. A diagonal hole in each
bulkhead feeds oil to each main bearing. Drilled pas-
sages within the crankshaft route oil from main bear-
ing journals to connecting rod journals. Balance shaft
lubrication is provided through an oil passage from
the number one main bearing cap through the balance
shaft carrier support leg. This passage directly sup-
plies oil to the front bearings and internal machined
passages in the shafts that routes oil from front to the
rear shaft bearing journals. A vertical hole at the
number five bulkhead routes pressurized oil through a
restrictor (integral to the cylinder head gasket) up
past a cylinder head bolt to an oil gallery running the
length of the cylinder head. The camshaft journals arepartially slotted to allow a predetermined amount of
pressurized oil to pass into the bearing cap cavities.
Lubrication of the camshaft lobes are provided by
small holes in the camshaft bearing caps that are
directed towards each lobe. Oil returning to the pan
from pressurized components supplies lubrication to
the valve stems. Cylinder bores and wrist pins are
splash lubricated from directed slots on the connecting
rod thrust collars (Fig. 85).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHECKING
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE
(1) Disconnect and remove oil pressure switch.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PRES-
SURE SENSOR/SWITCH - REMOVAL)
(2) Install Special Tools C-3292 Gauge with 8406
Adaptor fitting.
(3) Start engine and record oil pressure. Refer to
Specifications for correct oil pressure requirements.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS)
CAUTION: If oil pressure is 0 at idle, do not perform
the 3000 RPM test
(4) If oil pressure is 0 at idle. Shut off engine,
check for pressure relief valve stuck open, a clogged
oil pick-up screen or a damaged oil pick-up tube
O-ring.
(5) After test is complete, remove test gauge and
fitting.
(6) Install oil pressure switch and connector. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PRESSURE
SENSOR/SWITCH - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 84 RIGHT MOUNT TO RAIL AND ENGINE
1 - BOLT - MOUNT TO RAIL 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
2 - BOLT - MOUNT TO ENGINE 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
3 - BOLT - MOUNT TO RAIL (HORIZONTAL) 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
4 - RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT
5 - RIGHT FRAME RAIL
Fig. 85 Engine Lubrication System
9 - 52 ENGINE 2.4LRS
RIGHT MOUNT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
OIL
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. Remove dipstick and observe oil level. Add
oil only when the level is at or below the ADD mark
(Fig. 86).
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) Remove oil fill cap.
(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.
(5) Remove drain plug from crankcase 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.
OIL FILTER
DESCRIPTION
The engine oil filter (Fig. 87) is a high quality full-
flow, disposable type. Replace the oil filter with a
Mopartor the equivalent.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Position an oil collecting container under oil fil-
ter location.
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.
(3) Using a suitable filter wrench, turn oil filter
(Fig. 87) counterclockwise to remove.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and check filter mounting surface. The
surface must be smooth, flat and free of debris or
pieces of gasket.
(2) Lubricate new oil filter gasket with clean
engine oil.
(3) Screw oil filter (Fig. 87) on until the gasket
contacts base. Tighten to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
Fig. 86 Oil Level
1 - ENGINE OIL LEVEL DIPSTICK
RSENGINE 2.4L9-53
ProCarManuals.com
OIL PAN
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist and drain engine oil.
(2) Remove structural collar. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/STRUCTURAL COVER -
REMOVAL)
(3) Remove air conditioning compressor bracket to
oil pan bolt.
(4) Remove bolts attaching oil pan.
(5) Remove oil pan.
(6) Clean oil pan and all gasket surfaces.
INSTALLATION
(1) Apply MopartEngine RTV GEN II at the oil
pump to engine block parting line (Fig. 88).
(2) Install the oil pan gasket to the block.
(3) Install pan and tighten the screws to 12 N´m
(105 in. lbs.).
(4) Install air conditioning compressor bracket to
oil pan bolt.
(5) Install structural collar. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
ENGINE BLOCK/STRUCTURAL COVER - INSTAL-
LATION)
(6) Lower vehicle and fill engine crankcase with
proper oil to correct level.
OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Position oil collecting container under pressure
switch location.
(3) Disconnect oil pressure switch electrical con-
nector and remove switch (Fig. 89).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install oil pressure switch. Torque switch to 21
N´m (190 in. lbs.) (Fig. 89).
(2) Connect electrical connector
(3) Lower vehicle.
(4) Start engine and allow to run a minimum of 2
minutes.
(5) Shut engine off and check engine oil level.
Adjust level as necessary.
Fig. 87 Oil Filter
Fig. 88 Oil Pan Sealing - Typical
1 - SEALER LOCATIONS
Fig. 89 Engine Oil Pressure Switch
9 - 54 ENGINE 2.4LRS
OIL FILTER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
INSPECTION..........................112
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS (CAM IN BLOCK)
DESCRIPTION........................113
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC
LIFTERS...........................113
REMOVAL............................114
INSTALLATION........................114
CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (IN BLOCK)
DESCRIPTION........................115
OPERATION..........................115
REMOVAL............................115
INSPECTION..........................115
INSTALLATION........................115
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION........................116
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FITTING
CONNECTING RODS..................116
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FITTING
PISTONS...........................117
REMOVAL............................117
INSTALLATION........................118
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
CONNECTING ROD BEARING CLEARANCE
. . 120
PISTON RINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PISTON RING
FITTING............................121
REMOVAL............................121
INSTALLATION........................121
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MAIN BEARING
FITTING............................123
REMOVAL - CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS . 124
INSTALLATION - CRANKSHAFT MAIN
BEARINGS..........................124
CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - 3.3L..................125
DESCRIPTION - 3.8L..................125
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
CRANKSHAFT END PLAY..............125
REMOVAL............................125
INSTALLATION........................126
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - FRONT
REMOVAL............................127
INSTALLATION........................127
CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - REAR
REMOVAL............................128
INSTALLATION........................129
CRANKSHAFT REAR OIL SEAL RETAINER
REMOVAL............................129
INSTALLATION........................129
VIBRATION DAMPER
REMOVAL............................130
INSTALLATION........................130FLEX PLATE
REMOVAL............................131
INSTALLATION........................131
ENGINE MOUNTING
DESCRIPTION........................131
FRONT MOUNT
REMOVAL............................131
INSTALLATION........................131
LEFT MOUNT
REMOVAL............................133
INSTALLATION........................133
REAR MOUNT
REMOVAL............................133
INSTALLATION........................134
RIGHT MOUNT
REMOVAL............................135
INSTALLATION........................135
LUBRICATION
DESCRIPTION........................136
OPERATION..........................136
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE.........................136
OIL
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL
AND FILTER CHANGE.................137
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL
LEVEL CHECK.......................137
OIL COOLER & LINES
DESCRIPTION........................138
OPERATION..........................138
REMOVAL............................138
INSTALLATION........................138
OIL FILTER
REMOVAL............................139
INSTALLATION........................139
OIL FILTER ADAPTER
REMOVAL............................139
INSTALLATION........................139
OIL PAN
REMOVAL............................140
CLEANING...........................140
INSPECTION.........................140
INSTALLATION........................140
OIL PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
REMOVAL............................141
INSTALLATION........................141
OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION........................141
OPERATION..........................141
REMOVAL............................141
INSTALLATION........................141
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION........................142
REMOVAL............................142
DISASSEMBLY........................142
CLEANING...........................142
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-75
ProCarManuals.com
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - PERFORMANCE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL NOT START 1. Weak battery. 1. Test battery. Charge or replace
as necessary. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
2. Corroded or loose battery
connections.2. Clean and tighten battery
connections. Apply a coat of light
mineral grease to terminals.
3. Faulty starter. 3. Test starting system. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/STARTING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
4. Faulty coil(s) or control unit. 4. Test and replace as needed.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
5. Incorrect spark plug gap. 5. Set gap. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL
- SPECIFICATIONS)
6. Contamination in fuel system. 6. Clean system and replace fuel
filter.
7. Faulty fuel pump. 7. Test fuel pump and replace as
needed. (Refer to Appropriate
Diagnostic Information)
8. Incorrect engine timing. 8. Check for a skipped timing
belt/chain.
ENGINE STALLS OR IDLES
ROUGH1. Idle speed too low. 1. Test minimum air flow. (Refer to
Appropriate Diagnostic Information)
2. Incorrect fuel mixture. 2. (Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
3. Intake manifold leakage. 3. Inspect intake manifold, manifold
gasket, and vacuum hoses.
4. Faulty ignition coil(s). 4. Test and replace as necessary.
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic
Information)
9 - 78 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
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