2004 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY low oil pressure

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

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)

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)

OIL PUMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove timing belt (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT AND SPROCKETS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove timing belt rear cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT COVER(S)
- REMOVAL).
(4) Remove oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove crankshaft sprocket using Special
Tools 6793 and C-4685-C2 (Fig. 90).
(6) Remove crankshaft key (Fig. 91).
(7) Remove oil pick-up tube.(8) Remove oil pump (Fig. 92) and front crankshaft
seal.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) To remove the relief valve, proceed as follows:
(a) Remove the threaded plug and gasket from
the oil pump (Fig. 93) .
(b) Remove spring and relief valve (Fig. 93) .
Fig. 90 Crankshaft Sprocket - Removal
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6793
2 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4685±C2
3 - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
Fig. 91 Crankshaft Key
1 - CRANKSHAFT KEY
Fig. 92 Oil Pump
1 - BOLTS
2 - BOLTS
3 - OIL PUMP
Fig. 93 Oil Pressure Relief Valve
1 - PLUG
2 - OIL PUMP BODY
3 - RELIEF VALVE
4 - SPRING
5 - SEAL
RSENGINE 2.4L9-55

(9) With balance shaft keyways pointing up (12
o'clock) slide the balance shaft sprocket onto the nose
of the balance shaft. The balance shaft may have to
be pushed in slightly to allow for clearance.
NOTE: THE TIMING MARK ON THE SPROCKET, THE
(LOWER) NICKEL PLATED LINK, AND THE ARROW
ON THE SIDE OF THE GEAR COVER SHOULD LINE
UP WHEN THE BALANCE SHAFTS ARE TIMED
CORRECTLY.
(10) If the sprockets are timed correctly, install the
balance shaft bolts and tighten to 28 N´m (250 in.
lbs.). A wood block placed between crankcase and
crankshaft counterbalance will prevent crankshaft
and gear rotation.(11)CHAIN TENSIONING:
(a) Install chain tensioner loosely assembled.
(b) Position guide on double ended stud making
sure tab on the guide fits into slot on the gear
cover. Install and tighten nut/washer assembly to
12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(c) Place a shim 1 mm (0.039 in.) thick x 70 mm
(2.75 in.) long between tensioner and chain. Push
tensioner and shim up against the chain.Apply
firm pressure 2.5±3 Kg (5.5±6.6 lbs.) directly
behind the adjustment slot to take up all
slack.Chain must have shoe radius contact as
shown in (Fig. 139).
(d) With the load applied, tighten top tensioner
bolt first, then bottom pivot bolt. Tighten bolts to
12 N´m (105 in. lbs.). Remove shim.
(e) Install carrier covers and tighten screws to
12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(12) If removed, install oil pump (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP - INSTALLA-
TION).
(13) Install pick-up tube and oil pan (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLA-
TION).
(14) Fill engine crankcase with proper oil to cor-
rect level.
Fig. 138 Balance Shaft Timing
1 - MARK ON SPROCKET
2 - KEYWAYS UP
3 - ALIGN MARKS
4 - PLATED LINK
5 - PARTING LINE (BEDPLATE TO BLOCK)
6 - PLATED LINK
Fig. 139 Chain Tension Adjustment
1 - 1MM (0.039 IN.) SHIM
2 - TENSIONER (ADJUSTER) BOLT
3 - PIVOT BOLT
RSENGINE 2.4L9-73
BALANCE SHAFTS AND CARRIER ASSEMBLY (Continued)

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

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE DIAGNOSIS - MECHANICAL
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NOISY VALVES 1. High or low oil level in
crankcase.1. Check and correct engine oil
level.
2. Thin or diluted oil. 2. Change oil to correct viscosity.
3. Thick oil 3. (a) Change engine oil and filter.
(b) Run engine to operating
temperature.
(c) Change engine oil and filter
again.
4. Low oil pressure. 4. Check and correct engine oil
pressure problem.
5. Dirt in hydraulic lifters/lash
adjusters.5. Replace hydraulic lifters/lash
adjusters.
6. Worn rocker arms. 6. Inspect oil supply to rocker arms.
7. Worn hydraulic lifters/lash
adjusters.7. Replace hydraulic lifters/lash
adjusters.
8. Worn valve guides. 8. Replace cylinder head assembly.
9. Excessive runout of valve seats
on valve faces.9. Grind valve seats and valves.
CONNECTING ROD NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check engine oil level. Inspect oil
pump relief valve and spring.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil to correct viscosity.
4. Thick oil 4. (a) Change engine oil and filter.
(b) Run engine to operating
temperature.
(c) Change engine oil and filter
again.
5. Excessive bearing clearance. 5. Measure bearings for correct
clearance. Repair as necessary.
6. Connecting rod journal
out-of-round.6. Replace crankshaft or grind
surface.
7. Misaligned connecting rods. 7. Replace bent connecting rods.
9 - 80 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
MAIN BEARING NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check engine oil level. Inspect oil
pump relief valve and spring.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil to correct viscosity.
4. Thick oil 4. (a) Change engine oil and filter.
(b) Run engine to operating
temperature.
(c) Change engine oil and filter
again.
5. Excessive bearing clearance. 5. Measure bearings for correct
clearance. Repair as necessary.
6. Excessive end play. 6. Check thrust bearing for wear on
flanges.
7. Crankshaft journal out-of-round
or worn.7. Replace crankshaft or grind
journals.
8. Loose flywheel or torque
converter.8. Tighten to correct torque.
OIL PRESSURE DROP 1. Low oil level. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Faulty oil pressure sensor/switch. 2. Replace oil pressure sensor/
switch.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check oil pressure sensor/switch
and main bearing oil clearance.
4. Clogged oil filter. 4. Install new oil filter.
5. Worn parts in oil pump. 5. Replace worn parts or pump.
6. Thin or diluted oil. 6. Change oil to correct viscosity.
7. Oil pump relief valve stuck. 7. Remove valve and inspect, clean,
or replace.
8. Oil pump suction tube loose. 8. Remove oil pan and install new
tube or clean, if necessary.
9. Oil pump cover warped or
cracked.9. Install new oil pump.
10. Excessive bearing clearance. 10. Measure bearings for correct
clearance.
OIL LEAKS 1. Misaligned or deteriorated
gaskets.1. Replace gasket(s).
2. Loose fastener, broken or porous
metal part.2. Tighten, repair or replace the
part.
3. Misaligned or deteriorated cup or
threaded plug.3. Replace as necessary.
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-81
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)