
VALVE TIMING
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VALVE TIMING
VERIFICATION
(1) Remove front cylinder head cover and all 6
spark plugs.
(2) Rotate engine until the #2 piston is at TDC of
the compression stroke.
(3) Install a degree wheel on the crankshaft pulley.
(4) With proper adaptor, install a dial indicator
into #2 spark plug hole. Using the indicator find TDC
on the compression stroke.
(5) Position the degree wheel to zero.
(6) Remove dial indicator from spark plug hole.
(7) Place a 5.08 mm (0.200 in.) spacer between the
valve stem tip of #2 intake valve and rocker arm pad.
Allow tappet to bleed down to give a solid tappet
effect.
(8) Install a dial indicator so plunger contacts the
#2 intake valve spring retainer as nearly perpendic-
ular as possible. Zero the indicator.
(9) Rotate the engine clockwise until the intake
valve has lifted .254 mm (0.010 in.).
CAUTION: Do not turn crankshaft any further clock-
wise as intake valve might bottom and result in
serious damage.
(10) Degree wheel should read 6 degrees BTDC to
6 degrees ATDC.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
TIMING CHAIN WEAR
NOTE: This procedure must be performed with the
timing chain cover removed (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING CHAIN COVER - REMOVAL).
(1) Position a scale next to timing chain so that
any movement of chain may be measured (Fig. 132).
(2) Position a torque wrench and socket on the
camshaft sprocket attaching bolt. Apply force in the
direction of crankshaft rotation to take up slack to
the following torque:
²41 N´m (30 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads installed
²20 N´m (15 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads removed
NOTE: With torque applied to the camshaft
sprocket bolt, crankshaft should not be permitted to
move. It may be necessary to block crankshaft to
prevent rotation.
(3) Holding a measuring scale along edge of chain
links (Fig. 132).(4) Apply force in the reverse direction to the fol-
lowing torque:
²41 N´m (30 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads installed
²20 N´m (15 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads removed
(5) Measure amount of sprocket/chain movement.
(6) Install a new timing chain and sprockets if
movement exceeds 3.175 mm (1/8 in.).
TIMING CHAIN COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(3) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(4) Drain engine oil.
(5) Remove right wheel and inner splash shield.
(6) Remove oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove oil pick-up tube (Fig. 133).
(8) Remove accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(9) Remove A/C compressor and set aside.
(10) Remove crankshaft vibration damper. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION
DAMPER - REMOVAL)
(11) Remove radiator lower hose.
(12) Remove heater hose from timing chain cover
housing (Fig. 134) or water pump inlet tube (if
engine oil cooler equipped) (Fig. 135).
(13) Remove the right side engine mount. (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/ENGINE MOUNTING/RIGHT MOUNT
- REMOVAL)
(14) Remove idler pulley from engine bracket (Fig.
136).
(15) Remove the engine mount bracket (Fig. 136).
Fig. 132 Measuring Timing Chain Wear
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 153

(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)

TIMING CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - TIMING CHAIN AND CAMSHAFT
SPROCKET
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove the timing chain cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(3) Rotate engine by turning crankshaft until the
timing marks are aligned as shown in (Fig. 140).
(4) Remove camshaft sprocket attaching bolt.
(5) Remove the timing chain with camshaft
sprocket.(6) Remove the crankshaft sprocket. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN
AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
REMOVAL - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
(1) Remove the timing chain. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN
AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
(2) Using Special Tools 8539, 5048-6, and 5048-1,
remove the crankshaft sprocket while holding the
crankshaft from turning (Fig. 141). Be careful not to
damage the crankshaft surfaces.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
(1) Position the sprocket on the crankshaft (timing
mark out) with the timing slot aligned with the tim-
ing pin.
Fig. 139 TIMING CHAIN COVER BOLT LOCATIONS
1 - BOLT - M8 x 1.25 x 95 4 - BOLT - M8 x 1.25 x 80
2 - BOLT - M10 x 1.5 x 100 5 - BOLT - M8 x 1.25 x 45
3 - BOLT - M10 x 1.5 x 85
9 - 156 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
TIMING CHAIN COVER (Continued)

(2) Install sprocket using Special Tool 8452 (Fig.
142). Install sprocket until it is fully seats on the
crankshaft.(3) Install the timing chain and camshaft sprocket.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING
BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION)
INSTALLATION - TIMING CHAIN AND
CAMSHAFT SPROCKET
(1) Rotate crankshaft so the timing arrow is to the
12 o'clock position (Fig. 140).
NOTE: Lubricate timing chain and sprockets with
clean engine oil before installation.
(2) While holding camshaft sprocket and chain in
hand, place timing chain around the sprocket, align-
ing the plated link with the dot on the sprocket. Posi-
tion the timing arrow to the 6 o'clock position (Fig.
140).
(3) Place timing chain around crankshaft sprocket
with the plated link lined up with the dot on the
sprocket. Install camshaft sprocket into position.
(4) Use a straight edge to check alignment of tim-
ing marks.
(5) Install camshaft sprocket bolt and washer.
Tighten bolt to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(6) Rotate crankshaft 2 revolutions and check tim-
ing mark alignment (Fig. 140). If timing marks do
not line up, remove camshaft sprocket and realign.
(7) Install the timing chain cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(8) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 140 Timing Mark Alignment
1 - CAMSHAFT SPROCKET TIMING MARK (DOT)
2 - PLATED LINK
3 - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET TIMING MARK (DOT)
4 - ARROWS
Fig. 141 CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET - REMOVAL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 5048-6
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 5048-1
3 - SPECIAL TOOL 8450
4 - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
5 - SPECIAL TOOL 8539
Fig. 142 CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET - INSTALLATION
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8452-3
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8452-1
3 - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
4 - THRUST BEARING / WASHER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 157
TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS (Continued)

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) Drain the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(3) Remove upper and lower intake manifolds.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - REMOVAL)
WARNING: INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IS MADE
OF VERY THIN METAL AND MAY CAUSE PER-
SONAL INJURY, HANDLE WITH CARE.
(4) Remove the cylinder head covers. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(5) Remove the spark plugs from cylinder head.
(6) Remove the dipstick and tube (Fig. 2).
(7) Remove exhaust manifold(s). (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/EXHAUST MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL)
(8) Remove rocker arm and shaft assemblies.(Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER ARMS -REMOVAL) Remove push rods andmark positions
to ensure installation in original locations.
(9) Remove the eight head bolts from each cylinder
head and remove cylinder heads (Fig. 6).
CLEANING
To ensure engine gasket sealing, proper surface
preparation must be performed, especially with the
use of aluminum engine components and multi-layer
steel cylinder head gaskets.
NOTE: Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets require
a scratch free sealing surface.
Remove all gasket material from cylinder head and
block (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE). Be careful not to gouge or scratch the alumi-
num head sealing surface.
Clean all engine oil passages.
INSPECTION
(1) Before cleaning, check for leaks, damage and
cracks.
(2) Clean cylinder head and oil passages.
(3) Check cylinder head for flatness (Fig. 3).
(4) Cylinder head must be flat within:
Fig. 2 DIPSTICK & TUBE
1 - DIPSTICK
2 - BOLT
3 - TUBE
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L SUPPLEMENT9s-17
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

(10) Install the exhaust manifolds. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/EXHAUST MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION)
(11) Install new O-ring on dipstick tube. Install
dipstick tube assembly (Fig. 2).
(12) Install the spark plugs.
(13) Install upper and lower intake manifolds.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - INSTALLATION)
(14) Fill the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(15) Connect negative cable to battery.
CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S)
DESCRIPTION
The cylinder head covers are made of stamped
steel. The covers are sealed with steel reinforced sil-
icon rubber gaskets. The cylinder head cover uses
rubber isolators at each fastener location (Fig. 7).
NOTE: Due to the tight packaging near the cylinder
head covers, which makes spill clean-up difficult, a
spill during an engine oil change may be misinter-
preted as an oil leak. When investigating an oil leak
in the location of the cylinder head covers and
intake manifold, follow the procedure found in Oil
Leak Diagnosis (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) for determining the source of a leak.
CYLINDER HEAD COVER-
RIGHT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove the wiper module. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER MODULE -
REMOVAL)
(3) Disconnect spark plug wires from plugs.
(4) Disconnect PCV hose from cylinder head cover
(Fig. 8).
(5) Remove cylinder head cover bolts.
(6) Remove cylinder head cover and gasket (Fig.
7).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean cylinder head and cover mating surfaces.
Inspect cylinder head cover surface for flatness.
Replace gasket as necessary.
(2) Inspect seal on the cover bolt for wear or dam-
age (Fig. 9). Replace bolt assembly as necessary.
NOTE: The cylinder head cover bolts contain a
torque limiter sleeve and a seal (Fig. 9). The seal
and torque sleeve is replaced with the bolt.
Fig. 7 Cylinder Head Cover
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER
2 - BOLT
Fig. 8 PCV Hose
1 - HOSE - PCV
2 - P C V VA LV E
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L SUPPLEMENT9s-19
CYLINDER HEAD (Continued)

(3) Assemble gasket to cylinder cover by inserting
the bolt assemblies through each bolt hole on the
cover and gasket (Fig. 9).
(4) Install cylinder head cover and bolts (Fig. 10).
(5) Tighten cylinder head cover bolts to 12 N´m
(105 in. lbs.) (Fig. 10).
(6) Connect PCV hose to cylinder head cover.
(7) Connect spark plug wires to spark plugs.
(8) Install wiper module. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER MODULE -
INSTALLATION)
(9) Connect negative cable to battery.
CYLINDER HEAD COVER-LEFT
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect spark plug wires from spark plugs.
(2) Disconnect crankcase vent hose from cylinder
head cover.
(3) Remove cylinder head cover bolts.(4) Remove cylinder head cover and gasket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean cylinder head and cover mating surfaces.
Inspect cylinder head cover surface for flatness.
Replace gasket as necessary.
(2) Assemble gasket to cylinder cover by inserting
the fasteners through each bolt hole on cover and
gasket (Fig. 9).
(3) Install the cylinder head cover and bolts (Fig.
10).
(4) Tighten cylinder head cover bolts to 12 N´m
(105 in. lbs.) (Fig. 10).
(5) Connect crankcase vent hose.
(6) Connect spark plug wires to spark plugs.
Fig. 9 CYLINDER HEAD COVER GASKET
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER
2 - BOLT
3 - SEAL (SERVICED WITH BOLT)
4 - GASKET
Fig. 10 Cylinder Head Cover
1 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER
2 - BOLT
9s - 20 ENGINE 3.3/3.8L SUPPLEMENTRS
CYLINDER HEAD COVER-RIGHT (Continued)

REMOVAL
REMOVAL - CYLINDER HEAD OFF
(1) With the cylinder head on a bench, position
Special Tool C-3422-D with 8464 Adapter on the
valve and spring retainer (Fig. 20).
(2) Compress the spring only enough to remove the
valve retainer locks.
(3) Slowly release the spring tension and remove
the valve spring and retainer.
(4) For removal of the valve stem seal (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE STEM SEALS -
REMOVAL).
REMOVAL - CYLINDER HEAD ON
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove spark plug wires and all spark plugs.
(3) Remove cylinder head cover(s). (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove rocker arms and shaft. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER ARMS -
REMOVAL)
(5) Rotate engine until the piston in the cylinder
bore requiring spring removal is at TDC.
(6) Install Special Tool 8453 to the cylinder head
(Fig. 21). Tighten the attaching bolts to 23 N´m (200
in. lbs.).
Fig. 19 VALVE COMPONENTS
1 - VALVE LOCKS 5 - SPRING SEATS
2 - RETAINERS 6 - CYLINDER HEAD
3 - VALVE SPRINGS 7 - VALVE - EXHAUST
4 - VALVE STEM SEALS 8 - VALVE - INTAKE
9s - 24 ENGINE 3.3/3.8L SUPPLEMENTRS
VALVE SPRINGS (Continued)