2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE connecting rod bearing clearance

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐ ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - MECHANICAL
ENGINE MECHANICAL DIAGNOSIS CHART
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NOISY VALVES/LIFTERS 1. High or low oil level in crankcase 1. Check for correct oil level. Adjust
oil level by draining or adding as
needed
2. Thin or diluted oil 2. Change oil. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
3. Low oil pressure 3. Check engine oil level. If ok,
Perform oil pressure test. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/LUBRICATION -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) for
engine oil pressure test/specifications
4. Dirt in tappets/lash adjusters 4. Clean/replace hydraulic tappets/
lash adjusters
5. Bent push rod(s) 5. Install new push rods
6. Worn rocker arms 6. Inspect oil supply to rocker arms
and replace worn arms as needed
7. Worn tappets/lash adjusters 7. Install new hydraulic tappets/lash
adjusters
8. Worn valve guides 8. Inspect all valve guides and
replace as necessary
9. Excessive runout of valve seats or
valve faces9. Grind valves and seats
CONNECTING ROD NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Low oil pressure 2. Check engine oil level. If ok,
Perform oil pressure test. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/LUBRICATION -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) engine
oil pressure test/specifications
3. Thin or diluted oil 3. Change oil to correct viscosity.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/
OIL - STANDARD PROCEDURE) for
correct procedure/engine oil
specifications
4. Excessive connecting rod bearing
clearanceMeasure bearings for correct
clearance with plasti-gage. Repair as
necessary
5. Connecting rod journal out of
round5. Replace crankshaft or grind
journals
6. Misaligned connecting rods 6. Replace bent connecting rods
MAIN BEARING NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Low oil pressure 2. Check engine oil level. If ok,
Perform oil pressure test. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/LUBRICATION -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
9 - 6 ENGINE - 4.0LWJ
ENGINE - 4.0L (Continued)

WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR FAN. DO
NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(48) Start the engine, inspect for leaks and correct
the fluid levels, as necessary.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE - 4.0L
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Engine Type In-line 6 Cylinder
Bore and Stroke 98.4 x 86.69 mm
(3.88 x 3.413 in.)
Displacement 4.0L (242 cu. in.)
Compression Ratio 8.8:1
Firing Order 1±5±3±6±2±4
Lubrication Pressure Feed±Full Flow
Filtration
Cooling System Liquid Cooled±Forced
Circulation
Cylinder Block Cast Iron
Crankshaft Cast Nodular Iron
Cylinder Head Cast Iron
Camshaft Cast Iron
Pistons Aluminum Alloy
Combustion Chamber Dual-Quench
Connecting Rods Cast Malleable Iron
CAMSHAFT
Hydraulic Tappet
ClearanceZero Lash
Bearing Clearance 0.025 to 0.076 mm
(0.001 to 0.003 in.)
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Bearing Journal Diameter
No. 1 51.54 to 51.56 mm
(2.029 to 2.030 in.)
No. 2 51.28 to 51.31 mm
(2.019 to 2.020 in.)
No. 3 51.03 to 51.05 mm
(2.009 to 2.010 in.)
No. 4 50.78 to 50.80 mm
(1.999 to 2.000 in.)
Base Circle Runout
(MAX)0.03 mm
(0.001 in.)
Valve Lift
Intake 10.350 mm (0.4075 in.)
Exhaust 10.528 mm (0.4145 in.)
Valve Timing
Intake
Opens 12.4É BTDC
Closes 60.9É ABDC
Exhaust
Opens 49.8 BBDC
Closes 29.2É ATDC
Valve Overlap 41.6É
Intake Duration 253.3É
Exhaust Duration 259.É
CRANKSHAFT
End Play 0.038 to 0.165 mm
(0.0015 to 0.0065 in.)
Main Bearing Journal
Diameter
No. 1-6 63.489 to 63.502 mm
(2.4996 to 2.5001 in.)
No. 7 63.449 to 63.487 mm
(2.4980 to 2.4995 in.)
9 - 14 ENGINE - 4.0LWJ
ENGINE - 4.0L (Continued)

DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Main Bearing Journal
Width
No. 1 27.58 to 27.89 mm
(1.086 to 1.098 in.)
No. 3 32.28 to 32.33 mm
(1.271 to 1.273 in.)
No. 2-4-5-6-7 30.02 to 30.18 mm
(1.182 to 1.188 in.)
Main Bearing Clearance 0.03 to 0.06 mm
(0.001 to 0.0025 in.)
Preferred 0.051 mm (0.002 in.)
Connecting Rod Journal
Diameter 53.17 to 53.23 mm
(2.0934 to 2.0955 in.)
Connecting Rod Journal
Width27.18 to 27.33 mm
(1.070 to 1.076 in.)
Out-of-Round (MAX) 0.013 mm (0.0005 in.)
Taper (MAX) 0.013 mm (0.0005 in.)
CYLINDER BLOCK
Deck Height 240.03 to 240.18 mm
(9.450 to 9.456 in.)
Deck Clearance (Below
Block)0.546 mm (0.0215 in.)
Cylinder Bore Diameter
Standard 98.45 to 98.48 mm
(3.8759 to 3.8775 in.)
Taper 0.025 mm (0.001 in.)
Out-ofRound 0.025 mm (0.001 in.)
Tappet Bore Diameter 23.000 to 23.025 mm
(0.9055 to 0.9065 in.)
Flatness 0.03 mm per 25 mm
(0.001 in. per 1 in.)
0.05 mm per 152 mm
(0.002 in. per 6 in.)
Flatness Max. 0.20 mm max. for total
lengthDESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
(0.008 in. max. for total
length)
Main Bearing Bore
Diameter68.3514 to 68.3768 mm
(2.691 to 2.692 in.)
CONNECTING ROD
Total Weight (Less
Bearing)663 to 671 grams
(23.39 to 23.67 oz.)
Length (Center-to-Center) 155.52 to 155.62 mm
(6.123 to 6.127 in.)
Piston Pin Bore Diameter 23.59 to 23.62 mm
(0.9288 to 0.9298 in.)
Bore (Less Bearings) 56.08 to 56.09 mm
(2.2080 to 2.2085 in.)
Bearing Clearance 0.025 to 0.076 mm
(0.001 to 0.003 in.)
Preferred 0.044 to 0.050 mm
(0.0015 to 0.0020 in.)
Side Clearance 0.25 to 0.48 mm
(0.010 to 0.019 in.)
Twist (Max.) 0.002 mm per mm
(0.002 in. per inch)
Bend (Max.) 0.002 mm per mm
(0.002 in. per inch.)
CYLINDER COMPRESSION PRESSURE
Pressure Range 827 to 1,034 kPa
(120 to 150 psi)
Max. Variation Between
Cylinders 206 kPa (30 psi)
CYLINDER HEAD
Combustion Chamber 55.22 to 58.22 cc
(3.37 to 3.55 cu. in.)
Valve Guide I.D.
(Integral)7.95 to 7.97 mm
(0.313 to 0.314 in.)
WJENGINE - 4.0L 9 - 15
ENGINE - 4.0L (Continued)

BEARING-TO-JOURNAL CLEARANCE
(1) Wipe the oil from the connecting rod journal.
(2) Use short rubber hose sections over rod bolts
during installation.
(3) Lubricate the upper bearing insert and install
in connecting rod.
(4) Use piston ring compressor to install the rod
and piston assemblies. The oil squirt holes in the
rods must face the camshaft. The arrow on the piston
crown should point to the front of the engine (Fig.
38). Verify that the oil squirt holes in the rods face
the camshaft and that the arrows on the pistons face
the front of the engine.
(5) Install the lower bearing insert in the bearing
cap. The lower insert must be dry. Place strip of Plas-
tigage across full width of the lower insert at the cen-
ter of bearing cap. Plastigage must not crumble in
use. If brittle, obtain fresh stock.
(6) Install bearing cap and connecting rod on the
journal and tighten nuts to 45 N´m (33 ft. lbs.)
torque. DO NOT rotate crankshaft. Plastigage will
smear, resulting in inaccurate indication.
(7) Remove the bearing cap and determine amount
of bearing-to- journal clearance by measuring the
width of compressed Plastigage (Fig. 39).Plastigageshould indicate the same clearance across the
entire width of the insert. If the clearance var-
ies, it may be caused by either a tapered jour-
nal, bent connecting rod or foreign material
trapped between the insert and cap or rod.
(8) If the correct clearance is indicated, replace-
ment of the bearing inserts is not necessary. Remove
the Plastigage from crankshaft journal and bearing
insert. Proceed with installation.
(9) If bearing-to-journal clearance exceeds the
specification, install a pair of 0.0254 mm (0.001 inch)
undersize bearing inserts. All the odd size inserts
must be on the bottom. The sizes of the service
replacement bearing inserts are stamped on the
backs of the inserts. Measure the clearance as
described in the previous steps.
(10) The clearance is measured with a pair of
0.0254 mm (0.001 inch) undersize bearing inserts
installed. This will determine if two 0.0254 mm
(0.001 inch) undersize inserts or another combination
Fig. 36 Locking Tab Inspection
1 - ABNORMAL CONTACT AREA CAUSED BY LOCKING TABS
NOT FULLY SEATED OR BEING BENT
Fig. 37 Scoring Caused by Insufficient Lubrication
or Damaged Crankshaft Journal
Fig. 38 Rod and Piston Assembly Installation
Fig. 39 Measuring Bearing Clearance with
Plastigage
1 - PLASTIGAGE SCALE
2 - COMPRESSED PLASTIGAGE
9 - 34 ENGINE - 4.0LWJ
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS (Continued)

is needed to provide the correct clearance. Refer to
CONNECTING ROD BEARING FITTING CHART .
CONNECTING ROD BEARING FITTING CHART
CRANKSHAFT JOURNAL CORRESPONDING ROD BEARING INSERT
Color Code Diameter Upper Insert Size Lower Insert Size
Yellow53.2257 - 53.2079 mm
Yellow - Standard Yellow - Standard
(2.0955 - 2.0948 in.)
Orange53.2079 - 53.1901 mm
Yellow - StandardBlue - Undersize (2.0948 - 2.0941 in.)
0.0178 mm (0.0007 in.) 0.025 mm (0.001 in.)
Undersize
Blue53.1901 - 53.1724 mm
Blue - Undersize Blue - Undersize (2.0941 - 2.0934 in.)
0.0356 mm (0.0014 in.) 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) 0.025 mm (0.001 in.)
Undersize
Red52.9717 - 52.9539 mm
Red - Undersize Red - Undersize (2.0855 - 2.0848 in.)
0.254 mm (0.010 in.) 0.254 mm (0.010 in.) 0.254 mm (0.010 in.)
Undersize
(11)FOR EXAMPLE:If the initial clearance was
0.0762 mm (0.003 inch), 0.025 mm (0.001 inch)
undersize inserts would reduce the clearance by
0.025 mm (0.001 inch). The clearance would be 0.002
inch and within specification. A 0.051 mm (0.002
inch) undersize insert would reduce the initial clear-
ance an additional 0.013 mm (0.0005 inch). The
clearance would then be 0.038 mm (0.0015 inch).
(12) Repeat the Plastigage measurement to verify
your bearing selection prior to final assembly.
(13) Once you have selected the proper insert,
install the insert and cap. Tighten the connecting rod
bolts to 45 N´m (33 ft. lbs.) torque.
SIDE CLEARANCE MEASUREMENT
Slide snug-fitting feeler gauge between the con-
necting rod and crankshaft journal flange (Fig. 40).
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - SPECIFICATIONS). Replace
the connecting rod if the side clearance is not within
specification.
CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION
The crankshaft is constructed of nodular cast iron.
The crankshaft is a crosshaped four throw design
with eight counterweights for balancing purposes.The crankshaft is supported by seven select main
bearings with the number three serving as the thrust
washer location. The main journals of the crankshaft
are cross drilled to improve rod bearing lubrication.
The select fit main bearing markings are located on
the crankshaft counter weights. The crankshaft rear
oil seal is a two piece design. The front oil seal is a
one piece design retained in the timing chain cover
(Fig. 41).
Fig. 40 Checking Connecting Rod Side Clearance -
Typical
WJENGINE - 4.0L 9 - 35
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS (Continued)

nal clearance an additional 0.0127 mm (0.0005 inch).
The clearance would then be 0.0381 mm (0.0015
inch).
CAUTION: Never use a pair of inserts that differ
more than one bearing size as a pair.
FOR EXAMPLE:DO NOT use a standard size
upper insert and a 0.051 mm (0.002 inch) undersize
lower insert.If the clearance exceeds specification using a pair
of 0.051 mm (0.002 inch) undersize bearing inserts,
measure crankshaft journal diameter with a
micrometer. If the journal diameter is correct, the
crankshaft bore in the cylinder block may be mis-
aligned, which requires cylinder block replacement or
machining to true bore.
Replace the crankshaft or grind to accept the
appropriate undersize bearing inserts if:
²Journal diameters 1 through 6 are less than
63.4517 mm (2.4981 inches)
²Journal 7 diameter is less than 63.4365 mm
(2.4975 inches).
Once the proper clearances have been obtained,
proceed to (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS - INSTALLA-
TION).
JOURNAL DIAMETER (CRANKSHAFT REMOVED)
Remove the crankshaft from the cylinder block.
Clean the oil off the main bearing journal.
Determine the maximum diameter of the journal
with a micrometer. Measure at two locations 90É
apart at each end of the journal.
The maximum allowable taper and out of round is
0.013 mm (0.0005 inch). Compare the measured
diameter with the journal diameter specification
MAIN BEARING FITTING CHART . Select inserts
required to obtain the specified bearing-to-journal
clearance.
Install the crankshaft into the cylinder block.
Fig. 42 Crankshaft Journal Size Paint I.D. Location
1 - NO. 7 MAIN JOURNAL SIZE PAINT MARK
2 - NO. 6 CONNECTING ROD JOURNAL SIZE PAINT MARK3 - NO. 1 CONNECTING ROD JOURNAL SIZE PAINT MARK
4 - NO. 1 MAIN JOURNAL SIZE PAINT MARK
Fig. 43 Measuring Bearing Clearance with
Plastigage
1 - PLASTIGAGE SCALE
2 - COMPRESSED PLASTIGAGE
WJENGINE - 4.0L 9 - 37
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS (Continued)

(11) Lower the vehicle until it is about 2 feet from
the floor.
CAUTION: Ensure that the connecting rod bolts DO
NOT scratch the crankshaft journals or cylinder
walls. Short pieces of rubber hose, slipped over the
rod bolts will provide protection during removal.
(12) Have an assistant push the piston and con-
necting rod assemblies up and through the top of the
cylinder bores (Fig. 60).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean the cylinder bores thoroughly. Apply a
light film of clean engine oil to the bores with a clean
lint-free cloth.
(2) Install the piston rings on the pistons if
removed (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/
PISTON RINGS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Lubricate the piston and rings with clean
engine oil.
CAUTION: Ensure that connecting rod bolts DO
NOT scratch the crankshaft journals or cylinder
walls. Short pieces of rubber hose slipped over the
connecting rod bolts will provide protection during
installation.(4) Use a piston ring compressor to install the con-
necting rod and piston assemblies through the top of
the cylinder bores (Fig. 61).
(5) Ensure the arrow on the piston top points to
the front of the engine (Fig. 61).
(6) Raise the vehicle.
(7) Each bearing insert is fitted to its respective
journal to obtain the specified clearance between the
bearing and the journal. In production, the select fit
is obtained by using various-sized, color-coded bear-
ing inserts as listed in the Connecting Rod Bearing
Fitting Chart. The color code appears on the edge of
the bearing insert. The size is not stamped on inserts
used for production of engines.
(8) The rod journal is identified during the engine
production by a color-coded paint mark on the adja-
cent cheek or counterweight toward the flange (rear)
end of the crankshaft. The color codes used to indi-
cate journal sizes are listed in the Connecting Rod
Bearing Fitting Chart.
(9) When required, upper and lower bearing
inserts of different sizes may be used as a pair (refer
to Connecting Rod Bearing Fitting Chart). A stan-
dard size insert is sometimes used in combination
with a 0.025 mm (0.001 inch) undersize insert to
reduce clearance 0.013 mm (0.0005 inch).
CAUTION: DO NOT intermix bearing caps. Each
connecting rod and bearing cap are stamped with
the cylinder number. The stamp is located on a
machined surface adjacent to the oil squirt hole
that faces the camshaft side of the cylinder block.
(10) Install the connecting rod bearing caps and
inserts in the same positions as removed.
CAUTION: Verify that the oil squirt holes in the rods
face the camshaft and that the arrows on the pis-
tons face the front of the engine.
(11) Install main bearing cap brace (Fig. 58).
Tighten nuts to 47 N´m (35 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 60 Removal of Connecting Rod and Piston
Assembly
1 - PISTON
2 - CONNECTING ROD
3 - BLOCK
Fig. 61 Rod and Piston Assembly Installation
9 - 46 ENGINE - 4.0LWJ
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
1. ENGINE MISSES ON
ACCELERATION1. Spark plugs dirty or incorrectly
gapped.1. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK PLUG -
CLEANING).
2. Dirt in fuel system. 2. Clean fuel system.
3. Burned, warped or pitted valves. 3. Replcae as necessary.
4. Faulty coil. 4. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION COIL -
REMOVAL).
1. ENGINE MISSES AT HIGH
SPEED1. Spark plugs dirty or incorrectly
gapped.1. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/SPARK PLUG -
CLEANING).
2. Faulty coil. 2. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION COIL -
REMOVAL).
3. Dirt or water in fuel system. 3. Clean system and replace fuel filter.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - MECHANICAL
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTIONS
NOISY VALVES 1. High or low oil level in crankcase. 1. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES -
SPECIFICATIONS).
2. Thin or diluted oil. 2. Change oil and filter.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check oil pump, if Ok, check rod
and main bearings for excessive wear.
4. Dirt in lash adjusters. 4. Replace as necessary.
5. Worn rocker arms. 5. Replace as necessary.
6. Worn lash adjusters 6. Replace as necessary.
7. Worn valve guides. 7. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER
HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES &
SEATS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
8. Excessive runout of valve seats
on valve faces.8. Service valves and valve seats.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER
HEAD/INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVES &
SEATS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
CONNECTING ROD NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES -
SPECIFICATIONS).
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check oil pump, if Ok, check rod
and main bearings for excessive wear.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil and filter.
4. Excessive bearing clearance. 4. Replace as necessary.
5. Connecting rod journal out-of-
round.5. Service or replace crankshaft.
6. Misaligned connecting rods. 6. Replace bent connecting rods.
9 - 66 ENGINE - 4.7LWJ
ENGINE - 4.7L (Continued)